Dwayne is standing at the back of the room. His sport coat is too narrow in the shoulders, and his tie is askew.   Standing next to him is Marlene Preen, President of the McLennan County Republican Club.  She wrings her hands and scans the crowd for signs of trouble.   “I’m worried he’s going… Read More

“Intelligent life – while rare – is always growing and dying across the universe. But, it takes a long time for intelligent life to evolve, and none of the universe’s civilizations have ever existed at the right time and place to receive communications from the other civilizations. Just as a handful of sailors clinging to… Read More

James Carlos Cates bends down and flips through the mid-20th century steel and iron signs leaning against the wall at the top of the stairs.   “Fresh brewed coffee”’ “Yes, we’re OPEN!” “SHELL” “Route 66”   Some of the signs are decaying so badly that the floor underneath them is dusted with rust.   He… Read More

Carol King slowly dries her hands as she looks at herself in the mirror.  The bathroom is empty, but she knows that at any moment, other guests from the fundraiser could appear.   She wishes they would; King hates to be alone.  She hates the quiet.  But she forces herself to be mindful of her… 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

Carol King can see the protestors gathered outside the Speaker’s offices at the western end of the Capitol from her 15th floor office at 825 Congress Avenue.  She knows who sent them.   She cannot read the protestors’ signs, but she doesn’t need to. She is sure that some of them include disparaging shots at… Read More