Damned!

The Daily Grind Part 2

Every time Laura started to work on the Jungle Watershed project, she had noticed that she was constantly being pulled apart by the politics of it. She agreed with Ein - the Gandan people's voice was absent and in the wake of a rushed decision by the powers that be - namely the suits in the meeting, their livelihood would be irrevocably destroyed. She felt knowledgeable enough to fix this, but all her concerns had been gaslighted or reassigned to another department without her input. Worse yet, they seem to think she was fine with all of their decisions.

A text from Ein yesterday reminded her of the frustration. The message read, "Remember what we talked about" with an audio clip playing Bob Dylan's "Only A Pawn In Their Game".

With irritation she responded, "I'm trying to delay and change the course of the project. I've got a meeting with them coming up."

Today Ein texted again, right before the meeting.

"Any luck?"

Now driving home from the long day at work after the tense meeting in which it was basically spelled out that the Gandans would not be compensated fairly for their labor, Laura reached into the back of her mind, that place where she saved her best plans that had a certain amount of risk attached, plans that did not guarantee a personal benefit outcome. Her late father, a news columnist, had always printed truth to power. Getting the media involved had always been a part of the plan; the correct timing was tricky, especially when the outcome may affect the department of government that you work for. However, with the rate that decisions were being made without her; she thought it was time to hand the info she had over for an investigative report. Thomas' strange introduction in her office had been sitting on her mind recently. Take that with his ex-girlfriend connection to The Village Voice, she knew exactly who to contact.

She turned around in her vehicle and headed back towards the Capitol. Heading down the main street, she entered a plush restaurant and reserved a table, got out her phone and started to text her reply.

"I need Thomas. Tell him to meet me at Capernerio's on the hour."

"Dinner for two?" the waiter asked, then quickly apologized. "Pardon, I did not see you on your phone."

Ein texted right back, "Thomas,.... from Homeland Security? Can you tell me what this would be about?."

"It's okay," she said, glancing upwards to the waiter.

"Not over the phone" texted Laura's reply.

Laura held up two fingers for the waiter.

"Okay, then. I'll pick him up and we will be there within the hour."

Laura clicked off her phone with a bemused look. Although Ein's addition tonight would not be a problem, she was bemused to think that he sounded upset to not be invited.

"My apologies, ma'am," Laura stated. "We will need one more additional setting."

"No problem, again I'm so sorry to bother you earlier. Would you like to order a drink while you wait?."

"Oh, I'm ready to order the wine. It's been a long day," she said, sighing. "Can you recommend a high-quality choice?"

The recommended list was pricey, as was explained. Laura considered the prices and compared it to a stressful week and how far she had been pushed in this job enacting others wishes. It was time to celebrate, let go of the tension, and relax.

"I'll have the more expensive option of red wine."

The waiter raised her eyebrows.

"A fine choice, one of the best," was the polite reply.

"Don't worry, my business partner will pay."