The rain in Washington D.C. had stopped.
Inside a private club, three blocks from Capitol Hill.
Sterling sat at the head of the table, with Leo across from him.
"Mayor Wallace, I haven't had a good night's sleep in days. I've been running myself ragged for you."
Leo ignored his complaint and cut straight to the point. "Have you reached a decision?"
"We've made some headway." Sterling's expression turned serious as he looked at Leo. "However, you might not like our terms."
"Let's hear them." Leo leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "I came here to listen to what you have to say."
'For a politician, there's nothing they're unwilling to hear, as long as the price is right.'
Sterling nodded. He appreciated Leo's direct, cut-to-the-chase style.
"Mayor Wallace."
"I admit, your proposal is highly inflammatory. Cutting off Washington's power to teach those arrogant bureaucrats a lesson—I'll grant you, it sounds satisfying."
