Chapter 45-46

Chapter 45: The Condor

The black sedan pulled up, and Jocelyn McCuskey, in her high heels, stepped out with the grace and solemnity she always carried, heading into the corridor of the Capitol building's north wing.

The clamorous protests outside the Capitol, organized by the Christian clergy group Sojourners to contest the House Republicans' budget plan to cut social security spending, didn't faze her in the least. They sat in silence outside the building, singing religious songs loudly, praying, and chanting "stop the cuts."

If one's office were closer to the outside, these nuisances could indeed be disturbing. However, as the majority party's whip, Jocelyn's office was sufficiently secluded, shielded from such disturbances. In fact, the protestors wouldn't last long before the police would arrive to arrest some of the leaders and clear the traffic in front of the building. Scenes like this were a monthly occurrence on Capitol Hill, so much so that they had become routine, hardly surprising anyone anymore.

These naive folks always think their earnest and courageous protests could persuade Congress to back down. Should one call them innocent or simply foolish?

Jocelyn smirked mockingly, shaking her head slightly before quickly replacing it with a warm, friendly smile as she greeted her young assistant, Gary Bright, at his desk by the main door.

"Good morning, madam."

"Good morning, Gary."

As she spoke, she paused, her gaze shifting to the side of the room where a tall, ruggedly handsome middle-aged man sat leisurely sipping tea and reading the newspaper.

He noticed her arrival almost simultaneously, setting his newspaper aside neatly on the table, and greeting her with a bright smile showing his pearly whites: "Good morning, Jocelyn."

"What a pleasant surprise, Lamb. What brings you here?" Jocelyn's eyes swept across his face, tracing the elegant curve delineated by his still trim waistline over forty, as she pushed open her office door.

Lamb Delrey stood up, picked up his delicate teacup, and followed her into the office, casually remarking, "Thanks for the tea, Gary. You always know my taste."

The young assistant, Gary Bright, looked at his retreating figure with a bit of excitement: "It's my pleasure, Mr. Delrey."

Jocelyn McCaskey set down her coffee cup and bag but noticed Lamb Delrey had already closed the door and sat down ahead of her, unapologetically taking the seat as if he owned the office, albeit not the main seat behind the desk.

However, Jocelyn seemed unaffected, not showing any sign of discontent or surprise, as they were well-acquainted enough to skip formalities.

"I'm warning you, don't even think about poaching my assistant." Jocelyn crossed her slender arms across her chest, half-smiling at him.

These young ones are too naive, easily idolizing seniors like Lamb. Congressman Schiller's previous assistant, John, was snatched away just like that. Although Gary Bright was only assigned menial tasks, he had become indispensable, knowing too much about her secrets and details that could be exploited at critical moments. It was essential to keep him close, to avoid unnecessary troubles.

"I haven't done anything." Lamb Delrey spread his hands with an innocent, sunny smile, but soon added, "You should give young people the right to choose, Jocelyn. Let them see the world outside a bit."

"No need to trouble yourself, I'm well aware of what's best for them. Besides, you didn't come all this way just to argue with me, did you?"

Jocelyn had no interest in prolonging the discussion on this topic; her goal was simply to make sure her message was received. To lobbyists like Lamb Delrey, who held fundamentally different philosophies from her own, Jocelyn always believed that money was like a meticulously crafted mansion—beautiful and appealing but not enduring, whereas power was the ancient, thick stone palace that could stand for a thousand years without falling.

As for Lamb Delrey—Jocelyn remembered their last conversation before he left the office of the previous party whip, back when she was just a freshman congresswoman, during a farewell dinner. This man, who was adept in strategy, understood human nature, and was full of charm, confidently said, "Only enduring power can overcome money, but power is never enduring."

Perhaps that was why he ultimately chose to leave Capitol Hill.

Lamb Delrey chuckled and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender: "I've never been awarded the best debater." He was referring to Jocelyn, the former best debater from Cornell University.

Jocelyn had little patience for playing games with this cunning man, especially with her recent headaches—constituents boiling with grievances, several congress members who foolishly hadn't followed the party line, all waiting for her to whip them into shape.

"Let's skip the pretense of being overly familiar and ambiguous. So, tell me, what does a busy man like Lamb Delrey want from visiting my office?"

These lobbyists were like vultures, always circling Capitol Hill, eagerly swooping down at the sight of prey, epitomizing the saying that they would not wake early if there were no profit to be made.

A look of surprise mixed with disappointment flashed across Lamb Delrey's face, his eyes widening: "Skipping the ambiguous phase? Damn! That's my favorite part."

Yet, Jocelyn paid him no heed, already burying herself in organizing her desk, completely indifferent. Lamb could only shake his head in resignation, took a sip of his coffee, and said:

"It seems you're not in a good mood, then I've come at the right time. You asked me what I want? Quite the contrary, Jocelyn, you should be asking—what can I offer you? I've heard you've been a bit troubled lately, haven't you?"

"I don't know what you're referring to. If it's about some old buddies accidentally falling out of line, that's not a problem; I'll get them back on track." Jocelyn paused, her actions stopping mid-way as she looked up at him.

She was not surprised at how well-informed Lamb Delrey was; rarely anything in Washington could be kept under wraps, let alone considered a secret. As vultures that always hovered high, their keen eyesight and high concentration ensured they were always the first to catch any changes in the hunting ground.

"Come on. We're old friends. Since we're skipping the formalities, we might as well be honest, right?" Lamb Delrey obviously didn't take her reaction seriously, waving his hand to continue. "A lot of people are jumping around because of those pharmaceutical plants shutting down. Seems like your position isn't so stable after all."

Since the cat was out of the bag, there was no point in Jocelyn continuing to pretend. She gently rubbed her palms together, leaning back in her spacious chair and smiling nonchalantly: "We've been old friends for many years. They're just momentarily upset, venting their frustrations. Besides, I'm already preparing a proposal to secure new jobs for them."

Congress members in the United States are elected from various districts, naturally tying them closely to their constituencies. Constituents provide votes and public support, while congress members lobby on Capitol Hill for the benefit of their districts, securing their support base in a typical symbiotic relationship.

Jocelyn McCaskey, the Republican Party whip in the House of Representatives, represented South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her biggest constituency backer was the Philadelphia Pharmaceutical Development Association and its member pharmaceutical plants.

However, due to market downturns and other factors, several small to medium-sized pharmaceutical plants had closed over the past two years, leading to a surge in unemployment. At times like these, it was up to Jocelyn to lobby on their behalf in Congress for benefits, including but not limited to, securing more subsidies and job positions for South Philadelphia in various support proposals.

But that led to a headache-inducing dilemma—where would these jobs and subsidies come from? It was common knowledge that the United States was grappling with unemployment issues, and a slow economic recovery meant the benefits provided to unemployed workers were far from sufficient, making jobs and subsidies highly sought after.

Was Jocelyn the only one facing unemployment issues among her constituents? Of course not. Whether fellow Republicans or the

 opposing Democratic Party, all faced this dilemma. Clearly, Jocelyn had been negligent this time. For some balance or reasons she still couldn't pin down, the party had allocated these coveted resources to other congress members.

And her so-called new proposal was purely an excuse to fob off Lamb Delrey. Regardless of what he wanted, she wouldn't easily give away any information.

However, Lamb wasn't buying it and, obviously, he knew more than just that, almost immediately shaking his head with a smirk as he looked at Jocelyn: "Is that so? Then where did the job positions that Turner was bragging about at dinner yesterday come from?"

Damn that Turner Marbury!

Not only had that annoying guy snatched her benefits, but he also had the audacity to spread rumors. Even though she might have done the same, Jocelyn cursed her old rival in her heart.

Chapter 46: The Whip

Though her bluff was called, Jocelyn didn't show the slightest hint of embarrassment. Instead, she raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise. "He said that? It can't possibly be the same proposal, can it?"

This, of course, was a skill every seasoned politician had mastered: making the false seem true, the black appear white, and the bad look good.

Lamb Delrey knew full well that Jocelyn was talking nonsense, but he didn't dwell on it. Shrugging, he said, "Maybe. But I do have some good news for you, which I think you'll find interesting. A generous gentleman is willing to buy up several bankrupt pharmaceutical plants in Philadelphia. His company is expanding and in need of fresh blood, expecting to provide over ten thousand jobs, specifically for factory workers. How does that sound to you, Jocelyn?"

After dropping this piece of news, he squinted slightly, observing Jocelyn's reaction without showing his own feelings. Despite being sure she would find the offer tempting, he wanted to see just how desperate she was for these positions.

Jocelyn's eyelid twitched. This was a big deal!

However, she knew all too well there's no such thing as a free lunch. Given the current economic mess in the United States, with closed pharmaceutical factories everywhere, why would anyone choose Philadelphia? And why offer this specifically to her constituents unless there was something in it for them? So, she didn't seem overly thrilled but replied in a teasing tone, "Congratulations, Lamb. Looks like you've found yourself another good client. So, let's assume for a moment. What would you need me to do to get your client to invest in Philadelphia?"

Hearing her hypothetical question, Lamb's face took on an intriguing expression, making Jocelyn feel a bit uneasy and on guard. "What's your take on the current elections?"

His sudden question caught Jocelyn off guard. Her mind raced, but she maintained a composed exterior as she replied, "The election? Jeb and Sheila are both riding high in the polls. I think it's going to be a close fight, hard to call a winner until the very end. Wouldn't you agree?"

Leaning forward, Lamb lowered his voice. "That gentleman has a particular interest in Sheila."

They were both smart enough not to need more words. Jocelyn's eyes flashed with shock, and she couldn't help but scoff in a whisper, "You want me to support Sheila? Do you realize what you're asking?"

She thought he must be insane. In any group, betraying or even defecting is universally seen as despicable. It's like walking a tightrope, easily leading to a point of no return. She didn't think a few job positions were worth such a huge risk.

Lamb wasn't surprised by her reaction. He was well aware of the difficulties, so he simply made a calming gesture with his hands. "Of course, I wouldn't ask you to outright support Sheila. Just make it a little easier for her to campaign in some key swing states, reduce some obstacles. That shouldn't be too hard for you, right?"

Both Lamb and Jocelyn knew what he was implying. This related back to Jocelyn's position—the House Majority Party Whip.

In the United States' system of checks and balances, a bill must pass both the House and the Senate to become law. The primary responsibility of the party whip is to secure votes within their party. Both the House and the Senate have whips, but the role is more prominent in the House due to the difference in numbers.

The Senate has 100 members, making it smaller and more powerful, with each member playing a significant role and even capable of stalling the agenda. The House, with its 435 members, tends to have its individual members' influence diluted, often unified by party leaders into a decisive force. This is where the party whip comes in, working one-on-one before voting to align thoughts.

A whip must know exactly how many votes are needed for or against a bill, then liaise with party members, individually persuading and urging them to vote in line with the party's stance, ensuring that supported bills pass or opposing ones fail. This role is akin to a foreman with a whip, hence the title "Party Whip."

Now, as the House Majority Party Whip and the third-ranking official in the House, Jocelyn's power stemmed from her extensive experience in Congress, her prominent legislative achievements, her deep understanding of her party members for effective persuasion or coercion, and her ruthless efficiency in executing the party leader's orders, with non-compliant members facing political consequences.

Yes, coercion and political consequences. While lacking the power to dismiss members, the party had ways to deal with the disobedient. Jocelyn excelled in unifying party actions during close votes, openly threatening political retaliation to force compliance.

For those who stepped out of line, the Republican Party

 could deny them the chance to propose bills, or ensure their proposals were rejected, ensuring centralized power.

This role as a strict disciplinarian meant Jocelyn was best placed to work behind the scenes with members, knowing their vulnerabilities and how to exploit them for compliance. Each member, influential in their district, could sway public opinion with a little behind-the-scenes nudging.

Clearly, this was what Lamb wanted Jocelyn to do.

"Not too hard? That's how you see it? I think there's nothing to discuss. This is impossible."

Jocelyn was adamant, the stunning offer notwithstanding. The risk of pressuring members was one thing; more importantly, this was a huge leverage that Lamb Delrey and his backers, clearly aligned with the Democratic Party, could use to control her—a political taboo!

Lamb, knowing her for years, realized her stance left no room for negotiation. He sighed, rubbing his forehead, but didn't give up as Jocelyn expected. After a moment of thought, he relayed the message given by his client, "What about Mrs. Sally? Would that change your mind?"

Jocelyn McCuskey was visibly shaken, disbelieving, "What did you say?!"

"Mrs. Sally."

Lamb didn't understand the significance of these words; he only knew Tim Lapira had instructed him to use them if Jocelyn was unyielding. Seeing her almost unguarded reaction, he repeated the phrase clearly, watching as Jocelyn displayed a mix of anger, fear, hatred, and panic he had never seen before.

After a tense moment, Jocelyn glared at Lamb with a fierce intensity, making him realize he didn't know her as well as he thought. Finally, through gritted teeth, she spat out, "How do you know about that?"

"Easy, Jocelyn," Lamb raised his hands, trying to appear non-threatening. At this critical juncture, he patiently explained.

"To be honest, I have no idea what that means. It was the gentleman's client who told me to say it. Listen, I don't know what they've got on you, but it's obviously important to you. So, I suggest you consider our proposal. The gentleman is a businessman; he wouldn't bother you for no reason. Maybe it's just a reminder. Think about it, this could be an opportunity for us to work together, right? As long as we cooperate smoothly, everything remains the same, your secret stays with me, and we can even offer you a lot of conveniences and funding. You know that."

This time, Jocelyn didn't argue but stared at Lamb with a face that shifted like the weather, silent for a long while. Mrs. Sally was a secret strictly between herself and Syneil alone; she racked her brain trying to recall if she had ever accidentally let it slip, but couldn't come up with anything. She was certain she hadn't told a soul, and with Syneil's severe autism, he hardly communicated with others. She couldn't fathom how anyone could know.

As a seasoned lobbyist, Lamb knew exactly what this meant—their stance was softening, or at the very least, not as resolutely opposed as before. He seized the moment: "Jackie, as an old friend, I understand this is a bit of a gamble. That's why we're only asking you to exert a little influence, just enough to make things a bit easier for Sheila. I believe you can handle this without causing a stir."

Jocelyn remained silent, sitting in her office chair deep in thought. If this got out, not only would she lose the power she cherished, but Syneil wouldn't be able to live a normal life either, bound to face endless troubles and more dire consequences than she could predict.

Yet, cooperating could potentially turn this situation around for the better, at least not making things worse than they currently were. As unreliable as it sounded, this was politics—nothing was certain.

Her body finally relaxed from its tense state, thinking with a hint of self-mockery that she should have known better. No wall in the world was completely sealed. Even the most secretive acts could one day be uncovered, especially in the treacherous, wolf-surrounded political arena.

At this moment, Jocelyn McCaskey showed her true colors as a politician, already contemplating how to fulfill Lamb's request.

Not wanting to give her time to hesitate, Lamb reminded her with a meaningful tone, "Think about it. Ten thousand pharmaceutical jobs—I doubt anyone else can offer such favorable terms. Your voters will go wild for you, no one will be able to challenge your position, and only then can you advance further without any worries. You don't think such opportunities come easily, do you? Let's be honest here—give and take, that's Washington for you."

Jocelyn's expression was as still as water, her words squeezed out through clenched teeth: "Twenty thousand jobs! And—I want to meet this gentleman you mentioned!" If she couldn't verify his intentions personally, she wouldn't be able to rest easy. For now, she had to play along and adapt as necessary.

Lamb's smile faded, and after a long, quiet stare, he stood up, buttoning his suit jacket and extending his arm: "Pleasure doing business with you, looking forward to good news."

Jocelyn took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to strike the man before her, and shook his hand:

"Likewise, Lamb."

Five minutes later, Lamb Delrey was back in his car, a triumphant smile on his face. Choosing Jocelyn McCaskey, a powerful woman, as the point of attack was a decision he had made after careful consideration, with the approval of Tim Lapira and Fowler Marcos. He hadn't expected them to have such far-reaching influence, to have found her Achilles' heel.

Jocelyn's reaction was indeed interesting. What could her secret be?

Lamb was naturally curious, but he understood all too well that sometimes, curiosity could be a bad thing. Better to focus on the task at hand. Jocelyn was capable, ambitious, and with her background in the pharmaceutical association, she was exactly what Solar Corona needed to leverage. Most importantly—she was a thorough pragmatist.

In reality, Bruce had promised him a return of 25,000 to 30,000 jobs, but Lamb hadn't shown his hand. How could he demonstrate his worth if he didn't achieve his employer's goals for less? Now that Jocelyn was persuaded and his objective achieved, a hefty commission was naturally next in line.

The black Mercedes parked a few streets away from Capitol Hill roared to life and sped away, leaving everything else behind.