Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

When Ambrose was done he walked alone to his office,
feeling absolutely naked when he entered it without Eugene.
But there were others to notice him and his secretary was the
first.
“Senator Hyashi called and would like to see you at four. It
will work but that means you’ll have to dispose of Mr. Zanga
in forty-five minutes. He’s due at 3:15.”
“Save me from Mr. Zanga, Norma.” Ambrose took off his
jacket and hung it in the closet.
“No can do, sir. Kid glove time. He can bring a pretty penny
to the war chest. While you take a few minutes to wish he
wasn’t coming, sign these letters. First, condolences to Mrs.
Petrie on the death of her one hundred year old husband.”
Ambrose signed.
“Two Eagle Scout congratulations.”
Ambrose signed again.
“Five condolences to the families of those marines killed
over in Afghanistan.”
Ambrose signed, signed, and signed.
Norma collected them all. They would be in the afternoon
mail and in two days they would be opened and treasured by
the recipients. That’s why Ambrose never allowed an
automatic signature on letters commemorating personal
events. Fundraising letters were another matter. No one
treasured those. Today, though, he would have been happy for
the robo-signature even on a death letter. The pen felt heavy.
“Mrs. Patriota wants to know if the sixteenth of next month
is still good for the governors’ dinner,” Norma went on.
“Remind me who will be there?”
“Texas, Arizona, California, Ohio.”
“A good line-up. Tell her yes. Tell her to make it very
special. We want to keep them happy.”