Behind Closed Chambers

1. The Reservation

Time: 7:45P.M.
Place: 2941 Restaurant, Washington DC, USA

"Good Evening Senator Marx. How may I be of assistance this evening?" the host asked in a smooth, rehearsed tone.

"Good Evening. Reservations for two. My wife, Dr. Ivory-Versace Marx, should be seated already."

"Of course, sir. Dr. Marx is expecting you. Kindly follow me."

"Thank you!"
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Dr. Ivory Marx sat alone at a candlelight. Without looking up, she speaks.  "I thought you weren't coming." Ivory glances up calmly, but her eyes cut, as she steadily swirled a glass of red wine. "Late meeting, again, I presume?"

"Yes!" Todd whispers softly, as he plants a soft, delicate kiss on Ivory's cheek. "You look stunning, as always."

"Thanks" Ivory responds.

Todd continues, "Our meeting was longer than expected. The Director of National Intelligence, was running late and I'm sure you heard by now about Russia's invasion on Ukraine."

"Yes, of course." Her voice brittle, "It's making headlines everywhere, so unfortunate!" She continues."I can only think of what those poor, innocent children have to endure. How are you coping?"

"I'm co-." Todd's response was interrupted, as the waiter approached beside them.

"Good Evening. My apologies for the interruption. I am Lucas, I will be your waiter this evening. Should I interest you in our special this evening, Spaghetti Bolognaise served with garlic herb lobster."

"My usual is fine. Darling did you order?"

"Yes. I have. Thank you."

"Should that be all?" the waiter asked before leaving.

"Yes that is all thank you."

Todd continues, "Like I was saying, I'm coping the best I can. It brings back memories, I wish not to look back on. We plan to send out some troops. Lieutenant General Mason Reid will be responsible for that."

"Hmm. How is Mason? I haven't spoke to him since his wife invited us to their 20th anniversary party, and that was a few years ago."

"He's been doing good. We still talk often"

"Well that's good."

"Yes it is. But enough about me. How was your day?"

"It was good. I seen a few clients, all productive sessions. One of my clients, is a juvenile who witnessed their mother's murder."

"Wow, I am sorry to hear that. No-one deserves to be murdered and no child deserves to witness such cruelty to a parent. Something is just completely wrong in our society."

"Hmph. Tell me about it. Our baby boy, is nearing graduation, that's good news."

"Yes. How time flies. It feels like just yesterday, he told us he wishes to study Law & Criminal Justice. I'm so very proud of him. How's Dior?"

"She's being Dior!" Ivory takes a deep breath, rolls her eyes and sips on her red wine. "She needs her father Todd. Her behavior is off the walls. She's sneaking out, smoking weed, stole the Rover and crashed it. The insurance isn't going to cover that!" She exclaimed.

"She's a teen, Ivory. It's just a phase. You remember how we were?"

"That's what frightens me!"

"And plus, you're the psychologist. I'm just Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and a retired Lieutenant General, of the U.S. Army Special Operations."

"That's just it Todd, your not just a senator and decorated military man, your a father. Be one, be present."

"What can I do if she won't even talk to me!"

"Maybe if you were home, she would! Back then, it took a battlefield for you to disappear, and now it's a jet, a badge and a shadow itinerary, where you're off on 'congressional business', doing  God knows what!"

"Ivory please - let's not go there!" Todd exclaims, annoyed.

"We have to go there, Todd. I'm seeing repeated patterns. You can't expect me to ignore them anymore!"

"Ivory, this is not the time nor the place. You said you wouldn't bring this up anymore. Our marriage counselor advised against -"

Ivory slams her hand onto table. "To hell with the marriage counselor and her damn advisement. I don't give a damn, Todd!

Nearby diners glance over.

Todd lowered his voice, his jaw tight,  "Ivory! Your making a scene! Stop it, NOW!"

Ivory leaned in, voice trembling, "You need to tell me what's really going on? Your daughter needs you. Goddammit Todd, I still need you!"

A waiter paused beside them, balancing two plates, "Pan-seared halibut for the lady and bone in filet mignon for the gentleman." He said softly, as he sets them down. Sensing the tension, he slips away without another word.

Todd exhaled, "Ivory, I'm sorry, it's just.... work hasn't given me chance to be there like I should!"

Ivory scoffed, "So now it's work again." Her eyes narrowed, "Well, why'd you take the position, Todd? You said it wouldn't change anything, or at least make it worst!"

She stabbed her fork into the halibut. "When are you supposed to be home? And even when you were, you weren't. Your body was... your mind wasn't, I know your dick surely wasn't." Ivory looked Todd square in his eyes, "Tell me something... Do you still communicate with her, Todd?

"No Ivory. I do not communicate with her?"

"Do you miss her Todd? C'mon at least be honest about that."

Todd looked up slowly, inhaled. He set his fork down, picked up his napkin and wiped his mouth. "Ivory, I'm not doing this with you."

Todd set the napkin down and proceeded to eat, as silence sat with them.