Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

CHAPTER 24
The Speaker of the House, a lobbyist for the airline industry,
and a civil rights activist were dining at Seasons, table 53.
Woodrow Calister and Ambrose Patriota had the slightly
preferable table 54. Before they got down to business, they
talked about Lydia and her exceptional fundraising
capabilities. They talked about the young doctor who was
awarded the grant to further her studies of mind management.
They talked about football and they talked about the menu.
Ambrose praised the new chef; Woodrow lamented the chic
portions. They talked about the problems in the Middle East.
They did not talk about Eugene Weller, Ha Kuna House or
the targeted requests of Josie Bates for information. They did
not discuss Michael Horn or certain declassified documents
that were now available regarding CHATTER, Artichoke, and
Marigold. Woodrow and Ambrose did not talk about these
things because to protect Ambrose’s presidency was to protect
Woodrow’s own destiny.
Woodrow did not enjoy keeping secrets from his friend
because he was a very decent man. But he was also a decision
maker and once decisions were made he owned them. These
things made Woodrow an excellent senator and would make
him an exceptional vice president.
Sadly, he was never going to get to test his mettle. He was
not going to be on the ticket. Ambrose told him so between the
arugula salad with heart of palm and the seared salmon
accompanied by asparagus quenelles. Thoughts of collective
peace and prosperity, decency and practicality were forgotten
as Woodrow Calister experienced an unprecedented fury and
embraced a ruthless selfishness.
“I am disappointed. I am surprised and disappointed.”
“I know, my friend.”
Ambrose interpreted Woodrow’s even tone as acceptance.
The older man motioned to the waiter for coffee. Only
Ambrose thanked him when he brought it. When he was gone,