Page 85 of The Fallen Man

“That’s Dennis Houge, professional Nice Guy TM and Senate Staffer.”

“He’s also coming this way,” said Evan, looking over Jackson’s shoulder.

Jackson opened an app, locked his phone down and dropped it on the table. “We’re about to get an offer,” said Jackson, trying to keep his voice low. “Whatever it is, agree to consider it.”

Dennis Houge was wearing a gray suit and had his sandy hair combed to just the right degree of carelessness so that he seemedapproachable without being messy. He seemed about to pass the table without stopping, but then he pulled up. He scanned the table and focused in on Jackson.

“Jackson Deveraux, right?”

“Yes,” said Jackson.

“We haven’t met, but well, we’ve seen each other a couple of times.”

“Um, yeah,” said Jackson. “You were at Eleanor’s cocktail thing the other night, weren’t you? You were talking to Zoe?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m Dennis Houge. Look, I shouldn’t really be talking to you. To any of you.” He paused to include the rest of the table in an awe-shucks kind of smile. “But well, I’ve been in the Senate a long time.”

“I thought you were with… Yamira? Isn’t he first term?” Jackson feigned puzzlement.

“Yeah, he is, but he’s my fourth senator. Like I said, I probably shouldn’t be talking to you, but honestly, none of my Senators are as red as they look on paper if you take my drift and I’ve always liked Eleanor.”

“That’s nice of you to say,” said Dominique, smiling up at Dennis. “We always feel a little bit like she doesn’t have any friends.”

“Well, she’s got one at least in me,” said Dennis smiling back. It was an open, friendly, genuine smile, and Dominique’s head cocked to one side as if she believed it and liked it. “And well, I feel like I should say something.”

“About what?” asked Aiden, slouching down in his chair and spinning the salad fork around on the table. It was a move that read as vacant and ditzy.

“The ethics committee. I know all of you were in there this morning, but I think it’s going to get worse.”

“In what way?” asked Evan. He spread an arm out along the back of Jackson’s chair, taking up space and watching Dennisthrough hooded eyes.

“I don’t know what they’re after Eleanor for specifically, some sort of violation in procedure, but I think… well, I think if they can’t get to her directly, they might target all of you.”

Aiden opened his mouth and Jackson could see his bullshit-o-meter going off like a claxon, but then Aiden shut his mouth and shrugged. “What can we do about it?”

Dennis looked around and then leaned in. “I might be able to help.” He took a business card out of his pocket and held it out to Jackson. Jackson didn’t move as Evan took the card and looked at.

“Forgive me, Mr Houge, but I’m not entirely clear on whatyoucan do forus.”Evan’s expression was condescendingly skeptical.

“The Senate works in public and in private,” said Dennis. “I can help behind the scenes. Like I’ve said, I’ve been here a long time and I know a lot of people. I might be able to convince some of the committee to let the matter drop, particularly if Eleanor could offer them some concessions in return. You only need a couple of votes to turn the tide. And as a neutral third party I can broker that kind of deal.”

Evan dropped the card on the table in front of Jackson.

“That’s your department. Can you wrangle Grandma?”

Jackson shrugged. “I have before.”

“Give him your card,” said Evan, jerking his chin at Jackson.

Jackson fished in his suit jacket pocket for his wallet and handed over a business card.

“Call Jackson when you have something,” said Evan, holding up a hand to signal the maître d’. “Don’t bother calling if you can’t do what you say you can do.”

Jackson saw the flare of anger in Dennis’s face.

“Ignore Evan,” said Dominique, with a giggle. “He rubs everyone the wrong way. It’s practically what we keep him around for.”

“It’s my job to make deals,” said Houge. “I assure you I can deliver.”