For Bob

"One thing we all can agree on, Bill" said Bunny from his chair, cradling his nearly empty drink, as he talked to his brother over his shoulder "

is that government service wears very well on you."

Bill's eyebrows arch in appreciation. Confirmation he had been looking for.

"Wouldn't you agree, Pres?"

He looks at Pres.

Pres has replaced his drink on the mantle. He is looking at Bill, who is looking off the to the side.

In the pause before he can reply, Bill interrupts.

"I bring wonderful news,"he says, walking a feet over towards the bar to face the rest of them.  He is standing in front of a photograph, a large black and white print of what appears to be a stone hunting lodge, North American, grandiose in size with multiple stories.

"I was just down in Washington," says Bill. "There have been some arrangements."

They are listening.

"Bob will be going to work inside the War Department, working right next to Stimson."

There is a long silence. Even Bunny is letting it sink.

Bill continues, "Bundy too...and McCloy. All of them....special assistants."

"Special assistant," Bunny repeats back, as if processing the words.

Bill says, "Bob will in charge of..", savouring the words,

"...air affairs."

Pres takes a deep breath. He picks up his drink off the mantle again.

"Good for Bob," says Bunny, breaking the tension.

Then he turns to Knight. "I don't want to be a Democrat after all. Let them handle all these things. Washington will be much better for Bob than me."

 "Roosevelt's third term isn't looking so bad. And to think I did all that campaigning for Wilkie. for Wilkie!"
"Wilkie will be working for Roosevelt too," says Bill. "A kind of roving goodwill ambassador."

"It's all coming very soon now. We're all going to do our part, even you, Bunny."


"Well, if that's true, I need another drink," says Bunny, getting up out of his chair. "How about you, Pres? You keeping stride with me?"

"Of course," Pres, chuckling. He downs the rest of his drink and puts the empty on the mantle again.

Bunny walks over to the bar, near his brother and the photographic print of the lodge.

 "Let's drink to Bob getting his government job," he says. "Knight you're joining me. Bill, you too.  For Bob."

"For Bob," says Bill.