The things I have to do in service of my country. There was a time when public service really meant something. No more. The Federal Government has just become Big Brother to many and irrelevant to many more. Except when someone is asking for a handout. A long black limo pulled up beside him and the rear window rolled down.

"Can I offer you a ride, good sir?" asked Sergio Battaglia.

Sergio moved over and Rayburn slid into the car. He threw his umbrella on the floor. The Russian looked at it with distaste.

"You said you have news for me that you needed to tell me in person."

"Yeah. He wants to deal."

"So soon? I was just beginning to have fun stirring up those Latin boys." Battaglia examined his fingernails, wondering if he needed a manicure.

Rayburn studied his other boss. He found Sergio to be arrogant and annoying most of the time but admitted that he was very clever. He figured that he personally had an unusually high success rate in steering the man to do things that were actually good for the country, especially when there was some profit in it for Sergio.

"He's afraid they'll do something rash."

"So they might. But your dear Sergio can ride to the rescue, can't he?"

"He says you two have a long history. I wouldn't know about that. I only helped him win an election."