Washington D.C., Adams Licorice Hotel.
In that familiar cigar room, Leo Wallace sat across from Sterling, a representative of the National Energy Association.
A few months ago, they had struck a deal here.
Leo had traded a guaranteed power purchase agreement in exchange for Sterling pressuring Republican Party congressmen.
Now, Leo was back.
"Mayor Wallace." Sterling held a cigar between his fingers. "I hear you're having a hard time in Pittsburgh. The pharmacies are empty, the workers are on the verge of revolt, and even your allies are considering cutting ties with you."
Sterling blew out a smoke ring.
"At a time like this, instead of figuring out how to beg Pfizer and Johnson to let you off the hook, you come running to me. Are you hoping I'll lend you money to buy medicine on the black market? I'm not in that line of business."
"I don't need money."
Leo pushed a photocopy of the notice about the pharmaceutical supply cut across the table to Sterling.
