“When Sam emailed me before Christmas last year, I put the wheels in motion. We had a big window of time, and Mike used it to his advantage. Since 9/11, security here in DC is tough, as you might expect. But Mike prevailed, and I brought along copies of what he’s found in the past six months. It seems Senator Malcom Wyne is a creature of habit. There is nothing ostentatious about him, even with his wealth. He has security out the kazoo, as is natural for someone with his money. For instance, every Thursday night the senator takes his elderly mother out to dinner at a small Italian restaurant named Panella’s off Dupont Circle.

“The mother is frail and in a wheelchair. She suffers from crippling arthritis. The senator is a doting son. Every week, the senator orders chicken piccata and an arugula salad. The mother has a Caesar salad and lobster ravioli. Lots and lots of garlic bread. Between the two of them, they drink a large carafe of the house wine.

“The restaurant is small, with only eight tables. They turn the tables once, and that’s it. The first seating is at five thirty, the second seating is seven thirty. The senator arrives promptly at 7:25. He has a standing reservation. His security stays outside. Any questions so far?” The women shook their heads, engrossed in what Joey was saying.

“I have to tell you, this is when the senator will be the most vulnerable, and it will work to your advantage. Security is outside. Whatever we come up with will have a narrow window of time. I think it can be done, ladies. The only time he has deviated from his solid routine is when he’s courting a lady. What he does is, once he gets into his limo, he adds a little Vandyke beard and a mustache. He fills in his eyebrows a little, and he has a little hairpiece that he tacks on the side; then he parts his hair differently. He also wears colored contact lenses that he changes from time to time. He is so ordinary-looking, you never take a second look. Of course, his attire once he gets out of the limo is different, too. The driver, by the way, has been with his family in one job or another for close to forty years. We assume he pays his security detail handsomely to keep his little secret. Any questions?” Again, the women shook their heads.

“His finances are an open book, and they’re included in your folder. You did say you wanted to go after the ten million that jerk promised each of you. So, if you get it, Mike and I get ten percent. Without our efforts on your behalf, we wouldn’t all be sitting here right now discussing the matter. We think that’s fair. Tell me now by raising your hands if you’re on board with that.”