Chapter 712: Georgetown
Friday, March 17th, Evening
The Washington, DC, night had nothing on New York or North Carolina. Because she stayed in the district an extra day, she would fly down home, on the red eye, to see her kids and do her time in her district. She looked out the window over the Georgetown night. Washington, DC, was an odd city, so low as no building could be taller than the capitol.
Georgetown, a neighborhood now, predated the founding of Washington City and the district. It sits along the Potomac River. Many of the powerbrokers who lived here, including the Kennedy's Camelot, was born a mere four-minute drive from where she currently is. She was just north of Georgetown University, where Camelot's birthplace was to the east.
Representative Isabella "Izzy" Scott, D-NC, sat at her desk in her third-floor office. She could hear movement in Kari's room across the hall. Izzy was surprised that Kari was home on a Friday night, which was also Saint Patrick's Day, and not out doing what she did. Kari provided a valuable asset and friend to Izzy.
Izzy sighed as her smartphone started to ring. Izzy reached over and saw the number said secured. Raising an eyebrow, she answered the phone.
"Hello?" Izzy asked.
"Hello, Congresswoman," the male voice said on the other end.
"Who are you, and how did you get this number?" Izzy asked.
"We've met before," he said.
"We have?" she asked.
"Yes, we discussed Waldenburg a while back," he said.
"Oh, Mister Dawson," Izzy said.
"Yes," Dawson said.
"How did you get this number?" Izzy asked.
"I have my ways, which I won't divulge," Dawson said.
"You called, so speak," Izzy said.
"This weekend, you will get a phone call inviting you to a welcome back ceremony. I would accept it," Dawson said.
"Why would I? Is it for one of my home state units?" Izzy asked.
"I can't tell you specific details, but it's good news," Dawson said.
Izzy raised an eyebrow, "Why are you telling me this?" she asked.
"I'm doing you a favor, Congresswoman," Dawson said.
"Okay," Izzy said, "But why?" Nothing in the district is done for free; a favor usually has a price."
"I figure I am doing you a solid; you owe me one," Dawson said.
"Thanks, I will keep that in mind," Izzy said.
"You're welcome," Dawson said.
"So, what was the favor you did for me?" Izzy asked.
"I gave you a heads up on that welcome home ceremony next week," Dawson said.
"Okay, and thank you," Izzy said.
"You're welcome, Congresswoman," Dawson said, "And say hello to your husband for me."
"I will," Izzy said.
"Good night," Dawson said and disconnected the line.
Izzy put the smartphone down and looked out the window—the lights of the district and George Washington University. The lights of Arlington could be seen over the Potomac. The conversation was going over in her mind; it was odd. Why wouldn't she accept something like that? If it's a North Carolina unit, she would go. But who knows? It's a weird conversation, and that sign-off. "Say hello to your husband for me." Dawson never met Keith; why would he say that?
"Son of a bitch!" Izzy roared.
A moment later, the door opened, and Kari was standing there. Izzy looked over the tall Nordic Goddess that was Kari Johannson.
"What's wrong, Izzy?" Kari asked.
"I just got the best news," Izzy said.
"What is that?" Kari asked.
"Dawson called me," Izzy said.
"Dawson? I see; what did Dawson have to say?" Kari asked.
"Not much directly," Izzy said.
"That's typical," Kari said.
"Yeah, it seems that way," Izzy said.
"So, what's the good news?" Kari asked.
"Keith will be back home next week," Izzy said, smiling, on the verge of tears.
"No shit!" Kari said.
"Yeah, he'll be home," Izzy said, torn between tears, smiling, and laughing.
Kari looked over her shoulder. "Skye, bring the good stuff and three glasses," Kari yelled.
"What?" Izzy asked.
"We need to celebrate your good news," Kari said.
Skye appeared a moment later, coming out of the townhouse's elevator. She went into the office with a bottle and three glasses.
"What's going on? We never break out the good stuff unless it's big," Skye Gregory, Izzy's friend and assistant, said.
"It's big," Kari said.
"Did you get your amendment added?" Skye asked.
"No," Izzy said.
"What is it?" Skye asked.
"Keith is coming home next week," Izzy said, still smiling, laughing, and tears starting to well up from her eyes.
Skye smiled, put out the glasses, and opened the bottle. She poured the content of the bottle into the three glasses. Skye put the bottle down and handed out the drinks.
"To our returning heroes," Skye said.
"To our returning loved one," Izzy said, now crying.
"To Keith," Kari said, and they drank.