“My godmother used to say that pro-life advocates are like superheroes: they protect the weakest among us from forces beyond our control.”   Ellie Endsley is standing, wrapped in a robe, typing thoughtfully at a tall, ornate desk. From the honorable Herman “Vitch” Avromovitch’s corner suite on the 45th floor, she can see the sun… Read More

The old ranch truck slides to a stop at the crossing of FM 669, and a cloud of dust washes over the truck. The passenger door creaks loudly as James Carlos Cates steps out to unchain the gate.   Britt Huff drives the truck across 669 while Cates closes and rechains the gate. Then Cates… 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

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