Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“My only concern is the safety and prosperity of this
country, Mark.” Ambrose grasped the young man’s hand. “We
want to be left in peace. What I propose is enlightenment.
Permanent enlightenment.”
Ambrose shook Mark’s hand and clapped him on the
shoulder, following him onto the doorstep. Woodrow had
paused beside his car, his driver holding open the door. He
caught Ambrose’s eye and a question passed between them.
Ambrose lifted his hand and waved him off without anyone
else seeing. Woodrow ducked into his car. Ambrose went back
inside where Eugene lingered.
“Ah, Eugene, it’s time you go home. It seems you’ve had a
long day.”
Ambrose took the last coat from the hall closet. He was
tired but he still had an hour or two of reading to do. It
bothered Ambrose that the boy was breaking protocol in so
many small ways this evening. He passed the coat to Eugene
who took it but made no move to put it on.
“Eugene?” Ambrose prodded.
“I was late because of the man at the hearing today. Ian
Francis?”
“Yes?”
“He’s dead.” Eugene blurted.
“Really?” Ambrose was less than curious.
“Senator, he jumped out of the window of his hotel,”
Eugene insisted.
“That’s tragic. Poor man.” Ambrose shook his head and
opened the door wider. Eugene missed his cue.
“His name is Ian Francis, Senator. Perhaps you’ll remember
him from this.”
Eugene took three sheets of paper from his breast pocket
and gave them to the senator. It took a moment for Ambrose to
understand what he was looking at. When he did, the silence