by Gus Leodas
“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 Washi
ngton 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.
Laura arrived at her apartment after leaving the office at five o’clock. Judy waited there.
“Did you see the UN?” Laura asked.
“It was terrific then I walked around Sutton Place. What time is your shuttle?”
Laura poured a half-cup of coffee of fresh-made coffee.
“I’m staying in New York tonight.”
“Oh.” She caught Judy off guard.
“Adam called. He has to work late tonight. I’ll go in the morning instead. No reason why we can’t stay together tonight. One can sleep on the sofa, a pullout bed. As the gracious host, I will. And I insist on that.”
“A lovely surprise. I’ll have to thank Adam for working late.”
“Don’t. Adam might get the impression I threw him over to keep you company. You know how men think.”
“I never came to New York.”
“Good. Let’s have a cocktail then dinner at my favorite restaurant in Little Italy.”
“Perfect.”
“I’m glad I canceled the plane trip tonight.”
“So am I.”
“I’m working on a project with UNICEF. Also, I’m involved with a women’s group to help UNICEF fight starvation, hunger, and poverty around the world.”
“You mentioned that. I hope you people accomplish your needed goals.”
“I think we will. I’d like your views on war, warmongers, and the like. But first, I must shower.”
Laura left, ran the water to her temperature, and entered the shower. She pulled the plastic curtain and finished showering. She put on a white robe and entered the living room. Judy sat on the sofa sipping a martini.
“Ah, that was refreshing,” sighed Laura tying the robe tighter.
“Your martini awaits you.”
“Terrific.”
“Tell me your views and questions about warmongers.”
After her views, Laura added, “And you’re working for America’s warmonger.”
“I never thought of him as that.”
“No. You were busy hating. He’s our threat. I’ll give you an extreme premise. If he entered a room filled with warmongers from other countries, would you press the button to destroy the room?”
“And get away with it?”
“Yes.”
“I would do it but I wouldn’t want Bender to die right away. Maybe lose a leg. Then an arm and slowly suffer for a week in excruciating pain before he died.”
“I’d say you hated him.”
“You asked. I told.”
“Let’s go eat.”
Laura left to dress.
The rest of the evening passed comfortable and pleasant. Laura elaborated on the food and war philosophies. They arrived home at eleven o’clock tired. They slept – Laura on the pullout, Judy in the bedroom.
Laura awakened at eight-thirty.
Damn!
She forgot to set the alarm wanting to rise at seven-thirty. Already packed, she could hasten and catch the next plane but lacked enthusiasm about rushing, many drinks last night. Her head felt heavy. She picked up the phone to alert me of her late arrival. A thought made her hesitate. Intrigued, she put the phone down and didn’t call me then. Instead, she brushed her teeth then showered, scheming.
Last evening satisfied Laura. She and Judy were friends now, comfortable together, and with personal conversation. Laura had asked more questions about Bender. The satellite revolved in protest. Laura felt closer to Bender, and fast.
She needed to retain Judy’s friendship to continue selling her cause.
Her newfound thoughts kept urging, motivating, nudging then returned to thinking of me and she called me.
“Hello,” grumbled the sleepy me.
“Good morning, lover. Wake up. It’s me.”
“I know.”
“Did I wake you?”
“Yep. Where are you, the airport?”
“I’m home. I just woke up.”
“You’re late and I can’t breathe on the weekends without you. You know that.” I thumped by head to clear cobwebs. Then she threw a grenade at me.
“Adam, honey, I can’t come down today, this weekend.”
I pounced out of bed in panic.
“What! You can’t do that!”
“You’re ridiculous, one weekend.”
“No way! If you can’t come, I’m coming up.”
“Adam, come on. I can’t get away.”
“No!”
“I have to work. If you come up, you won’t see me.”
“We can sleep together,”
“Please. I want to see you more than you want to see me. I must work this weekend.”
I continued my useless protest.
Her robe opened. She tied it and sat.
“Adam, stop. Write it off as a bad weekend.”
Silence. I couldn’t breathe.
“Adam, you there?”
“I don’t believe this.”
“Stop acting juvenile.”
“I want you down here.”
“Please understand. I have much to do. Don’t make a scene. I’ll call you during the day, okay?”
“No, it’s not okay.”
“I
promise, this time and never again.”
My pause stretched before I yielded. I was weak with her again. She was too unpredictable to believe her firm ‘this time and never again’.
“Okay, but call me. And I’ll call you later.”
Laura smiled knowing I would capitulate.
“Better if I call you. I’m in and out all day.” Her voice trailed off. She looked up towards the bedroom. Judy, in a red chemise and wrap stood in the doorway, listening. “Adam, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”
“No more, Laura. Understand?”
“Yes. Bye. I love you.”
Laura hung up and looked at Judy. They stared at each other for a few seconds without moving. Then Laura rose, walked towards the bedroom, untied her robe, let it fall to the floor then pressed against Judy and kissed her mouth.
BOOK OF SHABA
“Force has no place where there is need of skill.”
Herodotus
485 - 425 BC
“When asked, ‘What is a friend?’ Another I.”
Zeno 335 - 263 BC
Telling you about Laura and Judy is painful, so I’m shifting to Shaba’s story to return to Laura and Judy later, and my involvement.
Two weeks after the initial meeting.
Shaba should have been a model or one on a pedestal to view and admire. No surprise that Thursday as people stared as she strolled up the west side of Fifth Avenue by 52nd Street. The avenue crowded at six o’clock as liberated workers rushed in New York City impatience at business day’s end. Shaba’s attitude contrasted the hurried drone and movement.
Shaba had nothing specific planned for tonight knowing a decision should surface sometime in the next hour – if nothing stimulating, maybe a movie, a great time killer and entertainer.
She had to stay away from her apartment until ten-thirty.
Shaba could have objected to the relationship that thrust her out of her home tonight. She accommodated Alise, the sacrifice willing, leaving once a week sometimes twice for Alise, who she loved as a sister. Alise expected the Syrian ambassador tonight.
Shaba decided to defer visiting others or having dinner with advertising art director Erron Horsford. Erron brought a quiet and pleasant smile.
