***

 

When Jones made it back to his office, his chief of staff followed him to his chambers and closed the door behind them.

 

“We may have a problem,” Ken said.

 

“What is it now?” Jones asked. “The vote is in less than thirty minutes.”

 

Ken only had thin wisps of hair left on his head. Jones didn't know why he kept them. They made him look far beyond his age, which was already old.

 

“Smith met with a large number of congressmen earlier this afternoon, trying to sway their decision,” Ken said.

 

“With whom?”

 

“I heard he was able to get Congressman 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.”