Marcus watched Joseph unlock his phone.

He expected some community organizer.

Maybe a journalist.

Maybe a lawyer.

Someone with no real authority.

Joseph dialed a number.

The call connected almost immediately.

"Joe?"

Joseph smiled.

"Hello, Daniel."

Marcus stopped smiling.

Something about the voice bothered him.

Joseph continued.

"I'm at Hail Capital."

A pause.

"Yes."

"Things went about how we expected."

Another pause.

Joseph looked at Marcus.

"I'd like you to speak with Mr. Hail."

Marcus frowned.

Joseph extended the phone.

Marcus didn't take it.

"Who is this?"

Joseph simply held the phone toward him.

The voice came through the speaker.

"Mr. Hail?"

Marcus finally took the phone.

"Yes."

"This is Daniel Brooks."

Marcus froze.

He knew the name.

Everyone in Washington knew the name.

Daniel Brooks was a United States senator.

He had served on the Senate Finance Committee.

He had negotiated housing legislation.

He had spent years speaking about economic inequality.

But there was something else.

Marcus knew Daniel personally.

They had attended the same private dinners.

Sat on the same charity boards.

Appeared at the same political events.

Marcus looked at Joseph.

Then back at the phone.

"Senator Brooks."

"Hello, Marcus."

Marcus swallowed.

"How do you know Mr. Reed?"

Daniel laughed softly.

"That's a long story."

"I'd like to hear it."

"Then start by listening to him."

Marcus looked uncomfortable.

Daniel continued.

"Joseph helped my family when I was seventeen."

Marcus said nothing.

"My mother was sick."

"We had no money."

"Joseph brought groceries."

"He helped us find a place to sleep."

"He never asked for anything."

Marcus stared at Joseph.

Daniel's voice became quieter.

"Years later, when I became successful, I tried to repay him."

"What did he say?"

"He told me not to."

Marcus looked at Joseph.

"Why?"

Daniel answered:

"Because someone else would need it more."

Silence filled the room.

Marcus slowly sat down.

Daniel continued.

"Joe doesn't ask for favors."

"If he's standing in your office asking for sixty days, you should probably listen."

Marcus looked toward the city.

"Are the families really in danger?"

"Yes."

"How many?"

"Fourteen."

"Children?"

"Seven."

"Older people?"

"Three."

Marcus closed his eyes.

Daniel's voice became firm.

"You can legally remove them."

"I know."

"But legality and morality aren't always the same thing."

Marcus opened his eyes.

The executives around the table were silent.

Daniel continued.

"Give them sixty days."

Marcus looked at Joseph.

"And after that?"

"Help them move."

"Financially?"

"Yes."

"How much?"

"Enough."

Marcus almost laughed.

"That's vague."

"Then ask Joe."

The call ended.