Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“And we would provide him with counsel licensed to
practice in the District, should he need it,” Ambrose went on.
“Advocacy is advocacy,” Josie countered. “And it doesn’t
have to be in a professional capacity.”
“So it is. In Washington, though, that word takes on a new
meaning. We must protect the government and those who
make it work.”
“My mistake, I thought government existed to protect the
people by whose grace it stands,” Josie responded lightly, but
there was no mistaking her meaning.
“I love a woman with a quick mouth,” Patriota said.
“I believe that’s quick wit, Senator,” Eugene Weller
suggested.
The senator looked Eugene up and down, seeming to lament
the man’s lack of it.
“English is my second language. I sometimes confuse
words. Thank goodness Eugene is here to watch over me. And
now, the time. I’m afraid Eugene was right. We will have to
miss the reception.”
He put one a hand on Eugene’s shoulder and pointed to a
young woman coming down the hall with the other.
“There is Sarah going back to the office. Sarah,” he called
out. “Will you be kind enough to escort Ms. Bates to the
reception? You know where it is?”
“Yes, sir. This way.”
Sarah waited, hand outstretched but Josie didn’t take her up
on the invitation. She was looking after the senator and his
chief of staff as they walked away. Finally Sarah grew
impatient, so Josie relented and went with her to the reception
room even though all she really wanted to do was go home.
She was tired of the cold and of people who thought outside
was the distasteful corridor that connected one government
building with the next.