We met at the Senator’s lounge in New York when he called for a meeting. He wanted to be sure that the Senators under his influence were provided with the kind of security we give. The meeting room buzzed with an underlying tension as I scanned the faces gathered around the table. The stakes were high, alliances uncertain, and the delicate balance of power teetered on the precipice.

"Thank you all for coming," I began, my gaze sweeping across the assembled group. "We're here to discuss a ...