The Lottery Council- Chapter XV: Dr. Winstead Summons

Ann and David continued their daily walks to plot the best way to approach Jim... it was going to be difficult and take finesse- Jim trusted his boss. Being in charge of the family finances, Ann had begun transferring a small portion of their investments into precious metals and cryptocurrencies- selling it to Jim as a "hobby." He didn't mind, it gave her a feeling of financial autonomy as well as giving her something to do... they had the money now and who knows- it may pay off.

As she and her brother walked the enthusiastic Bart, they were careful to keep their voices low, aware that they were under constant surveillance. The ever-present van was parked adjacent to their property- one day, Ralph's Plumbing, Ace Electric, the next. Same van, same color, same plates, only the sign changed. It became a standing joke between them. The time to inform Jim was drawing ever closer- according to Jack, the conspirators must be close to knowing exactly what was happening and before long, they would act.

Several hundred miles away, Leyland Masters departed a plane at Reagan International Airport in Washington D.C.. He took a cab to an address in an upscale Georgetown neighborhood, barely noticing the scenery on his way. He had been summoned to the home of Dr. Carl Winstead. Ascending the stairs, he rang the bell... The door was answered by a middle-aged woman in a maid's uniform...

"Mr. Masters to see Dr. Winstead," he told the maid.

"Come in Sir," she said. "Right this way, Dr. Winstead is expecting you."

"Leyland," a voice boomed from the next room. "Come on in."

Dr. Carl Winstead was a tall stately black man. His voice was deep, rich and melodious. Carl Winstead, MD, JD, Ph.D, held several advanced degrees. He also sat on the board of some of America's most prestigious corporations. After escaping poverty in the slums of Philadelphia, he had gone to college on athletic scholarships where he proved himself to be intellectually intimidating as well as gifted athletically... it was through sheer will that he had risen from obscurity. By his 50th birthday he was a scion of Washington D.C.'s political and social life, a patron of the arts as well as many successful politicians... he was one of the most powerful movers and shakers in the country. He was also the National Director of the Council and it was council business that had prompted Dr. Winstead to summon Leyland to his palatial Georgetown home.

"Leyland," he said offering his outstretched hand, "how long has it been?" He answered his own question, "far too long. How's Margaret and the kids, they must be almost grown by now? Please, have a seat. Something to drink- coffee, tea?"

"Nothing, thanks," Leyland answered. He was feeling more than a little uncomfortable.

"I'll come right to the point, Leyland. Do we have a problem? Metzger isn't liking what's going on in your district. Of course, Metzger doesn't like anything." Winstead smiled and went on: "How much of a threat is this Nolan and how much damage control are we going to need? You know we don't like complications and you need to keep your house in order."

"I don't think there's a problem at all- not with Jim... Nolan, that is. He's on board, 100%," Leyland tried to sound reassuring. he liked Jim and certainly didn't want "complications" himself.

"But, what about this brother-in-law, Russell? Metzger doesn't like him and foresees problems with him." Winstead retrieved a manila folder from his desk. It contained photos from inside the Nolan home, but more damning were the pictures of David and Ann on their walks, heads together whispering conspiratorially.

"He's harmless... just one of those conspiracy nuts. Nothing to worry about- even Jim says the same thing. Nobody Takes him seriously. Besides, he's supposed to be moving away to Nebraska, Kansas... something like that, for a job." Leyland was getting more nervous... he didn't like being called on the carpet like this.

"I'm going to have Metzger keep a closer eye on this situation... You know we don't tolerate mistakes- there's too much at risk and the stakes are too high. This isn't a personal reflection on you, Leyland, but Nolan is your man, you vouched for him. You've always exercised good judgement in the past and we don't want any complications now... things are going too well."

'No personal reflection on me,' thought Masters glumly... that's exactly what it was. Leyland could see he was being dismissed and rose to leave. The plane ride home wouldn't be a pleasant one.

GIF by Hive account@papa-pepper