Chapter 38
.
Note: This chapter takes some historical liberties. It says that the character of Syed Ali was the first muslim-american elected to congress. In reality, that distinction goes to Keith Ellison. Also, this chapter ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger.
.
Bianca stayed with Amy Odonnell and the others. Soon the doctors confirmed that Ryan was alive, and as stable as could be expected. They would likely know more come morning. The group decided to bring Amy back to her hotel, and stay with her tonight. The five of them spent this night remembering the congressman, all their good memories.
.
Patrick: I knew him when we were both children in Brooklyn. The four of us, me, Ryan, AMy, and my late wife Bridgit, we formed a club, the "young patriots club." We collected paper and scrap metal for the war effort.
Bianca: Serving his country at the age of nine, that sounds like him.
Patrick: He was a year older than me. We drifted apart when he went to highschool. Then we were both drafted, ended up in the same M.A.S.H. unit. I was there for the fianl three months of his tour of duty. Two kids from Brooklyn, not old enough to vote, a world away from everyone and everything we knew. One night, we were both on patrol, we ran across six north orean soldiers. I guess they got seperated from their own unit or something. Anyway they got the drop on us, we understood the korean language well enough to know they were getting ready to execute us. So I blurt out, in korean, the first thing I can think of. I tell them we're communist spies. So, they're confused, trying to call their people on their walkies. Either to confirm I'm telling the truth, or just getting permission to execute us. But as they're doing this Ryan reminds me that they're about to find out I'm lying and then they'll shoot us. So, while they're distracted on their walkies, we run like hell. He saved my life that day.
Bianca: Sounds like you saved each other.
Amy: I remember there was this girl we went to highschool with us. I noticed the bruises on her, it was clear her father was beating her, but back then that wasn't even considered abuse. So Ryan and I tried to hide her, in my house, then his house. I know it must seem unusual to say I asked my boyfriend to hide a girl in his house, but we trusted each other.
Bianca: Did it work?
Amy: Unfortuantely no. Our parents found out, I'm not sure how we thought it would work. When they tried to send her back to her back to her father she ran away. I never saw her again. I think that's one reason why Ryan fought so hard for funding for batterred women's shelters, as a city councilman, as congressman, he was a pioneer.
Vancamp: I'll never forget when I was sixteen, pregnant, I was so scared. My own parents threw me out, but my old teacher gave me a job at his comic book shop, helped me find a place to stay. I couldn't have kept that baby if it weren't for him. He helped me complete my education, recommended me for the school at a homeless shelter, it was a program he helped start.
Ali: Growing up, I loved watching M.A.S.H., Hawkeye was my hero. So the first time I met Ryan Odonnell, I was star struck. He convinced me to run for congress. I was on the fence about running for any office, I knew I'd be the first muslim ever elected to congress, I was nervous about the backlash. Then congressman Odonnell came to my door. I knew he had lost his grandson on 9/11, I had no idea what he'd want from me. But he said I should run for office. We couldn't let the fanatics, on either side, deny the public good and noble servants. So, if I was strong enough to deal with criticism, it was my duty to run.
Bianca: That sounds like him. I haven't know him as long as any of you, but I was long familiar with his work for hman rights, particularly fighting against human trafficking. He's a great man.
.
The five of them talked and shared their memories of congressman Odonnell, trying to alieve the fear that they'd all soon be attending his funeral. Then, Bianca got a call from her press secretary Sarah. Bianca reminded Sarah where she was. Sarah seemed a bit nervous, and advised Bianca to leave the room immediately.
.
Note: Why does Sarah want Bianca to leave this hotel room? I hope to post the next chapter tomorrow where I'll answer that and other burning questions. Okay, really just the one. Feel free to speculate till then and send private messages to me.