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“It’s so rough here,” Jenni said to Katie. “There was no hope before Bill and I told them about the fort. FEMA just abandoned them at the rescue center and the Senator is a total bitch. ”

“Yeah, I know. I’ve met her more than once. She plays the political game very well, but after three glasses of wine, she made it pretty clear how bigoted she can be. Of course, that was back when she was just a city council member. She gave me hell over Lydia,” Katie answered. “She had a real issue with ‘special rights’ for gays as she put it. She couldn’t see that we just wanted the same rights as everyone else. ”

“She’s a total bigot. She makes the Mexicans go and do chores outside.

See that guy over there. His name is Miguel. He told me that she said in English in front of him that the Mexicans shouldn’t get any assistance since they are not American citizens. The Major General overruled her since the Mexicans do chores too, but then she stuck them outside. She’s such an idiot. She didn’t realize Miguel is Texas born and speaks fluent English. She treats all the Hispanics like border jumpers. ” Jenni made a face and shook her head. “Like even that should make a difference. ”

Bill leaned in. “Nothing here is right. It’s a hellhole. ”

Katie sighed. “I wish Dad would come down. I want to see he is doing okay. ”

“I’m sure he will come see you as soon as he hears you are here,” Travis assured her.

Katie smiled anxiously. “I know, I just want to see him. ”

At the top of the escalator a throng of suited men and a woman appeared.

Everyone was in drab colors except the Senator who was dressed in a bright red coatdress. Her blond hair fluffed around her head. She descended with a large smile on her face. Travis noted that the woman was wearing diamonds in her ears and they flashed as she moved.

Slowly, he stood up, Katie rising as well. Jenni reluctantly stood, but Bill remained seated.

“Welcome to the Madison Mall Rescue Center,” the Senator said. She walked up to them, extending her hand. “I’m Senator Paige Brightman. ”

“Travis Buchanan and my wife, Katie,” Travis answered, shaking her hand briefly. It felt dry and cold.

“Katie?” The Senator raised a thin eyebrow. “Katie Kiel?” She laughed a bright, amused smile. “I see you came back to the other side of the fence. ”

Travis could literally feel Katie’s cold anger rising like a wave.

“My wife died the first day,” Katie answered tersely.

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry,” the Senator answered in a tone that Travis pegged as false. She looked toward Travis and gave him a wink. “But you found a strapping handsome man I see. ”

He could see Katie’s eyes glittering with anger and unexpected tears. He took her hand gently to soothe her.

“And I was lucky enough to find a wonderful woman who has a heart open enough to love without discrimination,” Travis responded.

The Senator raised both eyebrows and laughed. “Or there just weren’t any other lesbians around, huh?”

“My personal life is not at issue here, Senator,” Katie said coldly.

“No, no, it’s not. But it is a shame about Lydia. She was one of the best interior designers in Texas. ”

Travis tightened his grip on Katie’s hand to keep her from punching the Senator.

A tall man, with white hair and an imposing face, pushed through the Senator’s entourage closely followed by Kevin. Silently, without a word, he shoved the Senator aside and gathered Katie up into his arms.

“Dad,” Katie whispered. The tears that had threatened to spill before now streamed down her face. “Dad. ”

The white haired man, who Travis now realized was Bruce Kiel, kissed Katie’s cheek and held her tightly. “Katie-girl, it’s so good to see you. ”

Despite his very intimidating exterior, the man was weeping.

“Dad, I can’t believe you’re here,” Katie said in a happy voice and kissed his cheek.

“I’m so sorry about Lydia, baby,” Bruce said.

“I know, Dad,” Katie answered. She reached out to grab Travis’ arm. “I want you to meet Travis, Dad. He’s my husband now. ”