The corridors of Pittsburgh City Hall echoed with the whirring of printers and the hurried footsteps of staff.
Leo sat in his office, holding a briefing that had just been faxed over from Harrisburg.
The Senate's technical recess had now lasted for a full week.
The key lawmakers on Leo's list had seemingly vanished overnight.
Some were in meetings in Washington, others were on inspection tours in Europe, and some had even fallen ill.
It was a blockade.
Ethan stood before the desk, his face etched with anxiety.
"Leo, we can't wait any longer." Ethan pointed at the briefing. "Kaufman is just stalling for time. He knows our funding can't last much longer."
Leo set the briefing down. He wasn't anxious like Ethan.
"Let them stall."
Leo's voice was unnaturally calm.
"What?" Ethan was stunned. "Stall? But..."
"Ethan, do you think our current predicament is just because a few lawmakers won't sign?"
"Isn't it?"
Leo stood up and walked to the window.
