I bring the bottle to my lips and take a swig, and as the heat of the liquid slides down my throat I remind myself that this isn't the Wild West and Liam isn't some rogue cowboy. I'm sitting in my office chair, and I swivel myself toward the window that overlooks an untouched, forested patch of trees—Sugar Maple, Beech, and Red Spruce. The natural landscape calms me.
Sure, it’s not New York City, but the power lies in Albany. Let’s see what Liam comes up with. I’ll slap him back down so hard he’ll forget his own goddamn name.
Because there is just one simple truth here, folks. Liam Jeffries can't bring these factory jobs to New Kingston with a blatant disregard for environmental law. He can’t decide that he’s going to poison the air, water, and crops for an entire state of 27 million people to bring in 10,000 jobs.
I won't let him get away with it. He thinks I don't care about the people of New Kingston, but he's wrong. I’m not just thinking about their wallets, I’m thinking about their lives. But of course Liam only cares about instant gratification—and booze and tits. Has he even considered what the future—
My thoughts are interrupted when the intercom on my phone buzzes. "Mr. Andrews?" I press the button to reply, "Yes Cathy?
"There's someone here to see you."
I don't re-call having a meeting. I quickly pull up my calendar on my cell phone and give it a quick scroll. Nothing. It's blank for the afternoon. "Have them make an appointment and return another day. My afternoon is full," I lie. Having an unscheduled meeting is the last thing I want to deal with today.
"She says it's important and that you wouldn’t want to keep her waiting."
There’s only one woman who flouts US politics so much.
Tina Ling.
I really need to get her off my back. But the problem is, she’s connected. Too connected.
She’s a Managing Director at China First. They’re bankrolling politicians left and right.
If I want to keep my job, continuing to serve the public, I’m going to have to deal with people like her.
"I'm sure it can wait another day," I say with irritation.
"She says it's can't wait, Mr. Andrews."
I let out a sigh. "If it's that urgent, send her in," I say with reluctance.
Tina Ling walks in. She’s got on a tight back pencil skit, and a white blouse. She struts in, her hips and ass sashaying across my office. I'll give her credit. She's a woman with confidence. She has black hair cropped in an A-line bob, and maybe it's her five-inch heels, or maybe it's her red lipstick, but she now has my full attention.
"You aren't an easy man to meet with, apparently. Do you always make it this hard for visitors?"
"Ms. Ling, it's a pleasure," I say, standing up. I straighten my tie and reach out to shake her hand once I realize who she is. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Let's drop the formalities from the other night, Carter. You can call me Tina," she says with a smile. I watch as she leans on my desk, just enough to reveal the deep crevice between her breasts. I can't help but think about how great her breasts look.
"Have you ever visited Shanghai?"
I think for a moment before responding. "Yes, actually, I was there for a conference once. Beautiful city, Mayor. Very beautiful."
"Then you can picture the Huangpu River, and the unrivaled, futuristic skyline of our Pudong district—a true testament to innovation and industry if you ask me—the Shanghai Tower, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, standing tall and massively erect, poking into those pink spheres. I know I can appreciate a stiff pole when I see one." I watch as her eyes glance down at my crotch and I take a quick gulp of air. Is she looking for my cock? I cough a bit to clear my throat.
"Ms. Ling—Tina—while I'm flattered that you've stopped in for a visit today, I get the feeling that there's something you're not saying."
"Smart man," she purrs, walking closer to me. I catch a look at her eyes and notice the intensity of her gaze. This is a woman on a mission. "Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the world, and as I'm sure you are aware, it is a financial and cultural epicenter."
"Yes, of course. There's no denying Shanghai's importance."
"And I am aware of the conflict brewing between you and Liam Jeffries."
"Well, I wouldn't necessarily call it—"
She cuts me off. "No need to hedge the fact that Mr. Jeffries is a thorn in your side—in both of our sides—and I think I can help."
When she says this, I sit up straight in my chair, giving her my focused attention.