A Sorority of Angels (14 page)

Saturday turned into a grizzly day in the Washington area with an ominous overcast that bred laziness and for staying indoors to avoid an expected heavy downpour. For much of the day Laura acted lazy, but her mind worked on eight cylinders. Senator Cyrus Bender. Judy Heller. Why was Judy tolerant of Bender? It sounded like a developing cause, and when Laura chose a cause, she’s like a smart missile homing in on a target.

If I was right about Bender, contrary to Laura’s feminine philosophy to my answers, then Judy Heller must have strong reasons for staying on with him. Judy’s sexual preference canceled romance between her and Bender. I was certain Laura would attempt to learn more about her at the social. Bender’s satellite revolved around his world, an advantage to Laura…for whatever her reasons.

We headed towards a private home in Georgetown.

“I still don’t understand why you have this interest in Judy.”

“I’m intrigued why she’d work for a man like Bender.”

“When I tried to make it with her, she came right out and told me. She enjoys men’s company. I think the world of her. Don’t cross her or get in her way though. Judy strikes back like a wounded tiger. The inconsistency about her working for Bender is strange and is mysterious.”

We entered the front door at eight-thirty and joined two-dozen guests. Judy Heller’s absence disappointed Laura. The pleasant and familiar gathering turned into a lively affair with conversation centered on Committee work, gossip about senators and other Washington events. Laura got on her ‘soapbox’ for a while to espouse the tragedy of hunger and poverty. Liquor flowed stimulating an increase in noise level – voices and music.

Judy arrived near ten o’clock.

Laura recognized her and stole glimpses of Judy weaving from group to group to extend greetings. Judy wore a gray slack outfit. She conveyed an outgoing and friendly personality. She approached me.

We hugged delighted to see each other again. She greeted the others with friendliness. Laura smiled. Their eyes interlocked for an instant.

“Judy, this is Laura. Laura, this is Judy Heller the nymphomaniac of the Senate halls, why I’m always tired,” I added generating laughter.

“Hi, Judy, I’m Adam’s reason for living.”

“Listen to that ego,” I responded.

“Hello to you, Laura. This chauvinistic male frog raves about you all the time, all he has on his mind. I’m delighted to meet you at last.”

“We gave you up for lost tonight,” I said.

“Bender kept me working until nine. I wish he knew how to relax. His energy is endless.”

Laura said, “I’ll bet you’re delighted those hearings are over. I saw you on TV. I watched almost all day yesterday.”

“You crazy child. What a terrible way to pass the day. It’s bad enough we have to be there.”

“I enjoyed watching. I haven’t had a chance to view them.”

“You came in yesterday?”

“In the morning.”

“When are you going back?”

“Tomorrow night.”

New music played and four couples danced.

“Adam mentioned you work at the Mission,” Judy said.

“Yes. The work is enjoyable, stimulating, and I love it. I used to be on this Washington treadmill once but preferred New York. Do you enjoy your work, Judy? You’re a lawyer, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Senate work looks good on the curriculum vitae. I love Washington, where the action is, the world’s pulse.”

“Ever get to New York?”

“Never been.”

“You’ll love it. If you come up, give me a call. I can show you around. Take my address and number.”

Laura opened her purse for a pen, searched for paper, then settled for the cocktail napkin. Were I psychic, I would’ve eaten the napkin to cancel their future.

Judy placed the napkin in her purse saying, “There’s an outside chance I might be there next Friday morning on business for Senator Bender with a law firm on Wall Street, Hanover Square to be exact.”

“Wonderful, I’m coming here again next week on Friday night. Maybe we can fly back here together,” Laura said.

“I’ll call you then if I come up.”

The evening flowed uneventful. Judy left a little past midnight, Laura and I at one. The first meeting with Judy pleased Laura.

She befriended Bender’s satellite.

She lay in bed as I stood by the bed. I had a thought before turning out the light.

“You and Judy got along famously tonight.”

“She’s nice, and fascinating. You were right.”

“Did you find out why she works for Bender? Did you satisfy your curiosity?”

“No. Did you forget to come to bed? I’ve been waiting at least ten minutes.”

“I’m tired. Between the drinks and a full workweek, I’m paying the dues. I nearly slept on the john.”

“Turn out the lights so I won’t have to see how tired you are. You look terrible. You feel like fooling around?”

A sudden surge of energy came like magic.

“With my last breath. You deserve a reward after traveling to see me.”

“Turn out the lights. It’s depressing to look at you.”

The next week created mental chaos for Laura.

Bender usurped her mind.

Her ambitious plan about a starving people’s lobby to fight against poverty, starvation, and hunger switched to the back burners on a low flame, barely effective. She reserved the front burners for Bender and Judy.

Laura obsessed over Bender; an enigma she had to know. Could she stop his surge to the White House? Compiled information would be a weapon to use against him, if scandalous. A scandal would be luscious. Washington thrives on scandals with a sadistic bend towards ruining political careers and reputations…media delicacies, fodder for political sewer attacks.

Laura researched internet files and New York Public Library, and found nothing relevant for her use. At the office, she reviewed Congressional Record for his statements. She searched for books on Bender.

Data was available in Washington that I must gather for her. I knew her tenacity. Laura labeled Judy the key to provide a scandal.

By Thursday, Laura gave up on her coming to New York on Friday. Judy would’ve called. How does one get close to Judy? Laura’s initial instincts were to attract her. Was that the way? Must she be attractive to gain her friendship? Would Judy be curious why Laura wanted Bender information?

On Friday morning, Laura decided to place the starvation, hunger, and poverty projects back on a front burner and pursue a two-prong attack at the same time. What direction required more energy and immediate attention?

At eleven o’clock, after Laura had placed her aside, Judy called to ask if Laura could have lunch with her. She was in New York.

Laura accepted.

They met at a Greek restaurant on First Avenue near the United Nations, greeted, and ordered drinks.

“I had to be here by ten o’clock. After a brief meeting, I was through,” Judy said. “How far is the Mission from here?”

“Right down the street; First Avenue and Forty-fifth Street.”

“Since I’m in the area, I’ll visit the United Nations this afternoon.”

“What time did you want to leave today? I can’t get out before four-thirty, five.”

“You are going to kill me, absolutely hate me, but I decided to stay in New York this weekend and sightsee, why I brought the suitcase. I know we spoke about going back together but how often do I come up here? I have a dull weekend coming up in Washington.”

“A terrific idea. Have you made plans, what you want to see?”

“I purchased a small guide book for starters.”

“I’ll suggest places.”

Laura spent the next half-hour explaining Manhattan and its various neighborhoods. Lunch kneaded them closer.

“Where are you staying? Have you decided?” Laura asked.

“Not yet. I’ll call a medium priced hotel, any recommendations?”

Laura saw an opportunity to lasso and bring Judy into the fold.

“I have a better idea. I’m gone for the weekend, stay at my place. It’s comfortable, free, and with food. The best bargain in town. I’d appreciate it if you accepted.”

The gesture touched and stirred Judy. “You make it impossible to refuse.”

“Done. The apartment is around the corner.”

“I thank you. When do you return?”

“I take the last shuttle Sunday night.”

“I’ll be gone by then.”

“How’s your upcoming week look?”

“All weeks with Bender never change. Rough.”

“I understand he’s a difficult man to work for,” said Laura, probing now that she mentioned Bender.

“Difficult, my dear, isn’t the word. Impossible is.”

“Then why continue with him?”

“It’s a job. There’s good with the bad. I prefer a Bender over a no wave-making senator who works in obscurity.”

“How long have you worked for Bender?”

“Little over a year. I would enjoy the work more if Bender were a different personality. Who knows? The next one I work for could be worse.”

“True, you never know.”

“You get used to him. When hit in the head every day, you expect the blow and absorb.”

“Until you tire one day, like the water philosophy about absorbing ninety-eight drops to your forehead passively but burst when the ninety-ninth hits. You must know him well by now.”

“No one knows much about Bender. Unpredictable best describes him.” Judy waved her left fist. “I hang in staunch hearted.”

“What about his social life? Does he fool around?”

“The fooling around is drinks with friends, the few he has. No romantic interests I know of. He can’t afford a scandal this close to the presidency. And he wants it bad.”

“Has he ever made an approach?”

“He’s cautious about anyone who works around him, why he turns staff over. Or should I say, they leave him before they get to know him.”

“You must have other reasons for staying beyond ‘it’s a job’, if you don’t mind my asking.”

Judy delayed her response. A rage boiled within. “If I had any sense I should leave also.”

“Then why don’t you? Join a law firm in Washington or work as a lobbyist. You know your way around the Capitol Building.”

“Okay, I’ll confess. I have another reason. I work for him because I hate him. Hate him!”

The venom surprised Laura.

“That’s no reason to work for anybody.”

“I hate the bastard. I put up with his insults because I want to be around when he falls on his face.” Judy eased away from anger. “I’m sorry, but when I think of that scumbag, I get angry.”

“Leave him. All you’re doing is suffering with him, making it harder on yourself. He’s been in the Senate for twenty-two years. Who knows how much longer? Is there anything you know to retard his progress?”

“There’s nothing. I just keep hoping he falls. Words cannot describe how disgusting I feel when he craps all over me. He keeps me on because I make him efficient.”

“That’s unhealthy.”

“I know you’re right. In the next few months, I’ll try to be objective and redirect my career. I hope to see him crawl like an insect, defeated, and beaten, eating humble pie full of humble shit.”

“I hope your day comes soon so you could change your thinking.”

“So do I.”

“What else can you tell me about him?”

Judy offered a cursory review, no meat at all. After lunch, they strolled to Laura’s apartment.

“How do you like it?”

“Charming, and larger than you described.”

“I should get back to work,” Laura said.

They reached the front door.

“Thanks for your hospitality. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Enjoy your day. Any questions, call me.”

Laura left for the office.

At 4:30, Laura called me.

“Adam, I have to work late tonight and won’t come down until tomorrow morning.”

“Oh hell!”

“I’m disappointed also. I got involved with a UNICEF project and I agreed to work tonight. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow, I promise.”

My disappointment showed, obvious by my long delay in answering.

“We must end this commutation nonsense,” I insisted.

“Soon, love, soon. We can talk when I see you. Be a dear and say goodbye to your sweetheart so she could return to work. Please understand.”

I ached in deep pain, pissed; another long pause. Laura allowed the silence knowing I would cave. I delayed on purpose.

“Adam, are you delaying to give me a guilt trip?”

“I’m upset. You should feel guilty for ruining my weekend.”

“Your protest is noted.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Adam. I love you and only you forever. I’ll call you later.”

I felt crushed, and every other word synonymous with devastated.