It took nearly another hour before the TV finally announced that B. Franklin Tomlinson had won the election. The margin of victory was narrow, but undeniable. Leeds appeared on screen, looking more resentful than gracious, and made a brief concession speech, ending with:

“But this isn’t the end of our efforts to make our state the best place in America to live and bring up families.”

A few jeers and catcalls from the crowd. Then the victory party swung into high gear.

And Jake wanted to slink off and go home. It’s over, he said to himself. We’ve won. So what?

Tomorrow I go back to my office and return to being an assistant professor of astronomy. Tomorrow I return to reality.

Consequences

CONSEQUENCES

As he edged toward the exit, Jake felt a hand grip his shoulder. Turning, he saw Bob Rogers grinning at him.

“Where’re you going, Jake?”

“Home, I guess.”

“Not yet. He wants to see you,” said Rogers. He looked slightly wobbly to Jake, as if he’d had too much to drink.

“He?”

“Our new senator. He sent me to find you. Rogers’s Rangers, scouting through the wilderness, seeking … um, seeking…” Rogers shrugged good-naturedly. “Whatever. He wants to talk to you.”

Jake allowed Rogers to lead him through the clamoring, celebrating throng to a metal door set in the wall off to one side of the stage.

It was a janitor’s closet. Brooms and mops hung from clips on the wall. Metal shelves held cleaning solvents and detergents. A deep sink stood against the rear wall. Tomlinson, Amy, Glynis, and Younger were all crowded in, all looking happy, tired, drunk with victory and champagne.

“There you are!” Tomlinson said. He grabbed Jake’s hand and pumped it vigorously.

“Congratulations,” Jake said. Then, glancing at Amy, he added, “Double congratulations.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Jake,” Tomlinson said.

Forcing a smile, Jake nodded toward Younger and Rogers and said, “These guys had something to do with it, too, you know.”

“I know. I know. And I’m going to push for MHD as soon as I get on the Senate floor.”

Rogers said, “Great.” Even Younger looked pleased.

“I’m sorry to have such an informal setting for this conference,” Tomlinson said, with a slight giggle. “It’s the one place around here that my father won’t think of looking for me.”

Jake didn’t know what to make of that.

More seriously, Tomlinson said, “I want you on my staff, Jake. I want you to be science advisor in Washington.”

Jake felt his brows hike toward his scalp. “In Washington? I can’t go to Washington. I’ve got my position here to—”

“I’m sure the university will grant you a leave of absence,” said Tomlinson. “I’m going to need you in Washington.”

“I don’t know…”