Free Apocalyptic Visions Super Boxset by James Hunt Page A

Hunter from North Carolina on board,” Ken answered.
     
    The muscle in Jones's jaw flexed. He clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, trying to control his breathing.
     
    “I want a list of every person he met with. I don't care what you have to do to get it,” Jones said, picking up the phone on his desk. “Cindy, bring me the files on Congressman Hunter.”

 
     
    ***
     
    Daniel flipped through the pages of the bill with Smith. Both of their staff members were anxiously waiting for them to say anything.
     
    Smith tossed the pages onto the conference room table, and they slid across the glossy surface. Daniel closed the last page and rested the bill in his lap.
     
    “Good work,” Smith said.
     
    The entire staff exhaled simultaneously, and Daniel started clapping, with Smith and everyone else joining in. Jake checked his phone and tapped Smith on the shoulder.
     
    “It's time,” Jake said.
     
    Daniel and Smith rose from their seats, and the two of them walked down the hallway together. Smith clutched the bill in his hand and patted Daniel on the shoulder.
     
    “You ready?” Smith asked.
     
    The sour pit in Daniel's stomach was turning into a hurricane. He could feel beads of sweat forming in his armpits. His left hand shook, but he rubbed the wedding band on his finger to disguise it.
     
    “I hope so,” Daniel answered.
     
    The capitol was buzzing. All four hundred thirty-five representatives were present. There was an uneasy foreboding in the air. Everyone knew the true meaning of Jones's bill, but each seemed to be afraid to acknowledge it.
     
    Congressmen and congresswomen formed small groups, talking about anything except the vote. Slack-jawed looks, harsh snorts, and nervous laughter filled the hall.
     
    Daniel and Smith separated once they made it inside, both finding their seats. Once they entered, all eyes were on them. A quiet wave of everyone mouthing their names rippled through the room. The hair on Daniel's neck stood up when he felt the needle-sharp grip of Jones's fingers on his shoulder.
     
    “Hello, Congressman Hunter,” Jones said.
     
    Daniel tried to turn and stand, but he felt the force of Jones's hand keeping him down. All he could do was turn around to look up at the well-preserved face scowling at him.
     
    “Congressman Jones, how are you?” Daniel asked.
     
    “I'm well. Looking forward to the vote and how it turns out,” Jones replied.
     
    Daniel searched for the resolve that he had found earlier in the day at Smith's office, but it was harder to find in his present company.
     
    “I heard you had a meeting earlier today with Congressman Smith. How did that go?” Jones asked.
     
    “You know Smith, all big words and fancy speeches,” Daniel said.
     
    “Of course. And what were these big speeches about?”
     
    The dryness of Daniel's throat became unbearable. He reached for the glass of water on his desk, gulping it down, some overflowing out of the corner of his mouth. He brushed his coat sleeve over his lips, wiping away the lingering droplets.
     
    “I don't think it's a secret that Smith opposes your bill, Congressman,” Daniel said.
     
    “No, I suppose it's not,” Jones said, smiling and patting Daniel on the back.
     
    Then Jones bent down, whispering into his ear, loud enough for only Daniel to hear.
     
    “But there are some secrets that others don't know. Secrets from our past. Secrets from the places we've been. Secrets from walks in the shadows. Secrets like yours, Congressman,” Jones said.
     
    Daniel couldn't move his arms or legs. He was paralyzed. He wasn't sure if Jones was bluffing, but Jones didn't have the reputation of being a gambler. Gambling hinted at a chance of losing.
     
    Jones pulled back from Daniel, laughing loud enough for the groups around them to hear, then started patting him on the back wholeheartedly as if the two had shared a joke.
     
    “Well, Daniel, it's always a pleasure, and I appreciate your support,”