Harrisburg, the Senatorial Office Building.
The phones were ringing off the hook, the sound like an alarm piercing through the heavy doors and echoing down the hallway.
Senator Jason Miller sat in his office, the ashtray before him overflowing with cigarette butts.
His secretary, a young woman who had just recently graduated, pushed the door open and walked in.
She was holding a thick stack of message slips, her face pale and her eyes filled with terror.
"Senator, the phones are still ringing," the secretary's voice trembled. "It's all from the district. They're asking why that bill hasn't passed yet. Some people are saying if you don't take a stance soon, they won't be voting for you in this year's election."
Miller waved his hand in irritation.
"Tell them I'm in a meeting, or that I'm studying the provisions. Just find an excuse, and don't let any more calls through."
"But..." The secretary hesitated. "There's one call you have to take."
