Gonzo Garza reclines in his bed, watching the storm rage outside. The rain falls in heavy curtains, obscuring his view of the Capitol’s pink dome. Tori Mangonel sits naked on the other side of the bed, facing the wall. Gonzo stares at her back. “Where’s your car?” he asks. Mangonel ignores him… Read More
“I’m gonna help you guys out,” Gonzo Garza types. He is responding to a message requesting the Speaker’s financial assistance for a long-shot political project in West Texas. “Go see Trent Thompson in Midland, and follow up with me after you talk to him.” After he sends his response, Gonzo continues reviewing messages that… Read More
The lunch hour is just beginning as Gonzo lumbers out of the Sam Houston Building tunnel. He is tired, hung-over, and he needs to take his pills. As he winds his way through the back halls of the Capitol extension, he stops more than once to catch his breath. The Interim Committee on… Read More
The door to Ellie Endsley’s office is closed. Her chair is turned toward a 52-inch touch-panel display mounted to her wall – a communication tool provided by her attorney and friend, Francisco Orozco. Orozco is a long-time political operative and attorney who specializes in protecting clients who operate in the legislative arena. The sound… Read More
It’s after 9 pm, and James Carlos Cates has been driving since noon. He should be home by now, and his wife, Larisa, has tried to connect with him several times. She made it clear in her last message that nothing is wrong at home, but she is worried about him. His car announces… Read More
Carol King furiously types a response on her mobile: “My opinions of Ted and his efficacy have not changed. Yes, he may surprise us, but we have lots of real, face-to-face experience with him on which we can base our bet. Has he ever helped us advance our objectives with the Governor? How many times… Read More