Page 10 of The Politician

“Right. Can you see me going into one of these every morning for work?”

“I can, in that suit. Let’s hope they give you a clothing allowance right away.”

Eli gulped and asked in a whisper, “Do you think I’ll get one?”

“Child! Do you think a high-end person wants to run around with a guy in scuffed Nike’s behind him?”

“Didn’t think of that.”

“That’s what you have me for, my boy!”

At the gate, Sandy gave the guard Eli’s name, and that was a good thing, as Eli suddenly found himself unable to speak. Nerves did that to him. Some chattered on and on while nervous, but not Elijah Bloom. He was dead silent.

After being let through the gate, Eli’s nerves didn’t get any better. The houses that were well spaced were intimidating. All were huge and extravagant. There were shimmering pools next to some of the homes, one had a waterfall flowing into it. It looked as natural as if they were in some tropical place instead of simply outside of Washington DC.

The house they were heading for was the best of them all. It had gables and sleek lines, somewhere between modern and old world.

Windows were everywhere, white stones halfway up the front and the rest was a muted yellow wood. The front had tall doors and bloomed out into the rounded and curved drive that was lined with trees and bushes filled with wispy white flowers.

Where it was three stories high in some places, it was one story and wide in others. The levels alone boggled his mind, and then the yard, hills that were stepped with flower gardens, fountains, trees…

“This is unbelievable,” he whispered, as if the world would collapse if he spoke aloud.

“And this is likely his summer house or some shit. The guy is so fucking rich.”

They pulled in front and as soon as they did, a man stepped out in a suit, waiting by the door with his hands hanging, clasped together.

“The butler? He’s got a butler,” Sandy said, chuckling. “Jesus, you can smell the wealth.”

“I wouldn’t know what wealth smelled like.”

He was more nervous after seeing the house, but the butler gazing down at them made it worse. “I’m gonna puke.”

“Dude don’t puke on the help. It’s not a great way to start off the interview process.”

“Thanks. You’re a big help.”

He got out of the car, but before closing the door, he whispered, “Wish me luck.”

“Luck. And don’t fuck up.”

“Again, your help has been incredible.”

Up the few wide steps he went, keeping his hands at his sides, his face blank, or at least he hoped it was.

“Mr. Bloom?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m not sir, I’m Mars. Please, come in. Senator Madison is expecting you in the study.”

Inside was a smallish foyer, behind the round marble table was a twisting staircase that led to the second floor, and on each side of him were grand arches that led to sitting rooms.

“Come this way, please.”

Mars led him through the left sitting room, past the impressive kitchen and dining room, all perfectly decorated in modern and yet comfortable and easy furniture and art.

There were great terrace doors that they passed next, paned glass doors that were as tall as the wall itself. Outside of it were clay pots of exotic flowers and plants, and lounge chairs, a pergola overhead.