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’ve been workin four tens, and then I’m doin this now on my days off.  The money’s good.” He purses his lips, and nods slowly, “I’m thinkin about doin it full time.”   Carol Ann King does not respond, and the man seems to realize that he’s said too much.  He smiles sheepishly.   King… 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

Gonzo waits patiently as the others finish reading Ellie Endsley’s proposal.   “The Speaker would like to stop by while you’re here, El, to thank you for all your hard work on behalf of the state’s independents. But his calendar is very full today, so we’ll just have to see.”   Endsley’s hands are folded… 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

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