Lobbyists—a uniquely Arican phenonon.
In the future, lobbying would evolve into a full-blown industry. Lobbying firms would fall into two main categories: those serving dostic interest groups, and those serving foreign governnts and their allies. In Washington alone, there would be over 20,000 full-ti and part-ti lobbyists, most of whom had previously worked in federal agencies or on Capitol Hill. This gave them access to contacts in the White House and both parties in Congress, enabling them to advocate for their clients effectively.
No one could say exactly when lobbying first appeared in Washington, but lobbyists had always existed. They acted as go-betweens, helping clients influence politicians and achieve their goals.
And now, one such legendary figure sat across from him. The question was—was he just full of hot air, or did he have real skills?
After thinking it over, Pierre dabbed his lips with a napkin and looked the man in the eye.
"Mr. Harvey, you’re right—professional matters should be left to professionals. But professionals should also be compensated accordingly. What’s your rate?"
"One thousand dollars a month as a retainer. Special cases are billed separately."
Not cheap—but not outrageous either.
Pierre nodded.
"I want to invite a senator to dinner."
As he spoke, he scribbled a na onto a napkin and slid it across the table. eting this person was one of his main goals in coming to Washington. Originally, he’d been wondering how to approach him—now, soone had co to him.
"Truman!"
Reading the na, Harvey paused for a mont before saying:
"He may only be a senator from Missouri, but here in D.C., he’s in the spotlight—arguably the most influential senator in the capital right now. He chairs the Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program, overseeing cases of waste and corruption in military procurent. Since its formation, his committee has saved the governnt billions. Naturally, a lot of people want to et him. At least half of Washington is trying. But not many succeed."
Setting the napkin down, Harvey subtly emphasized Truman’s special status—in other words, this wouldn’t be easy.
"If it were easy, it wouldn’t show your value as a professional, would it?"
Pierre smiled calmly.
Harvey thought for a mont, then nodded.
"So this is a test?"
"You tell ."
"As you wish."
Harvey studied Pierre for a few seconds, then said:
"Mr. Pierre, you’ll need a lady to accompany you."
"Co again?"
"At the dinner. Senator Truman will almost certainly be joined by his wife. You’ll need a lady with you as well. Do you have soone suitable?"
"A lady companion?"
Pierre shook his head in surprise. He’d only brought three or four n to Washington—not a single woman among them. Stanà was still in London; too far to be of help.
"No problem. I’ll arrange soone for you," Harvey said confidently.
"Go ahead. Send the bill after the eting."
"Excuse ..."
In the hotel room, Ava Gardner set down her glass of water, slightly hesitant.
"What exactly do you need to do?"
The warm sunlight stread in through the windows, casting a golden glow over her figure. Her wavy brown hair shimred, and she radiated a beauty that was both alluring and gentle.
Though she’d signed with MGM two years ago, she had only ever played bit parts in films.
Now, recently divorced after just a few months of marriage, Ava was more nervous than ever. She had even taken a waitressing job to get by. This was her first ti accepting an invitation like this. Her delicate, pale hands trembled slightly as she held her teacup.
The tea’s ripples mirrored her own inner unease.
She was being paid $200.
Just to accompany soone to a dinner party.
When her agent had called her—while she was performing a morale-boosting show at a military base near Washington—she had been caught completely off guard.
"Do you know what your role is?"
Pierre glanced at the woman before him—Ava Gardner.
He had no idea where Harvey had found her. She was gorgeous, seductive, but also seed shy and uncertain.
"Yes, sir. I’m to accompany you as your dinner guest," Ava nodded softly.
"I was trained in etiquette at the studio. I promise I won’t let you down."
Inside, she was extrely nervous.
At MGM, she’d t plenty of girls like herself. So of them were also invited to accompany n to dinners—but it was never just dinner.
Even now, she wasn’t sure why she’d agreed to co.
Was it the money?
Of course. MGM only paid her $200 a month, and if she didn’t land extra roles, it wasn’t enough to survive. The cost of maintaining her appearance alone was massive. That’s also why she signed up for military base performances—each one paid $10, with room and board included.
So yes—poverty had driven her to take this job.
But would it turn into sothing more... like so of the others had warned her?
For now, she was actually pleased with her employer.
Though he was Chinese, he was also strikingly handso—the kind of man who could make hearts flutter. He looked no older than eighteen or nineteen. A student, maybe?
The setting sun frad his silhouette, casting a golden aura on his tall, athletic fra. Beneath the white shirt, one could see toned muscle. His features were bold, refined—a classic heartthrob.
Sitting across from him, holding her cup, Ava’s heartbeat quickened.
If it were him... maybe... she wouldn’t mind.
"Good. Then there’s no need to be nervous," Pierre said just as she was getting flustered.
"It’s just a small dinner—not a gala. All you need to do is join . Afterward, the driver will take you back to your hotel."
That’s it?
Ava stared at him, puzzled.
He had gone through the trouble of contacting her agent, bringing her hundreds of miles, just to attend a dinner?
Not for anything more?
Her gaze drifted briefly—to the large bed in the next room.
Stop it, Ava!
She scolded herself.
Just then, Pierre spoke again.
"Co on. Let’s go shopping."
If they were going to a formal dinner, they’d both need to dress the part.
Ava Gardner would need a gown. And so jewelry too.
Yep. This one’s gonna cost a fortune.
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