All I Want Is Forever by Lynn Emery Page A

“His base of support is mixed, but more liberal on the issue.”
    â€œNot when specific questions are asked.” Talia pulled another report from her briefcase. “His constituency is 37 percent African-American. They’re conservative on several issues, rising crime is one.”
    â€œHe recently met with a coalition of Black leaders who are concerned about racial profiling.” Marti shook her head. “I’m not sure he’ll go for it.”
    â€œShow him the numbers,” Talia said, and tapped the report with a forefinger. “He can still address community programs to prevent crime. As you said, it’s election time.”
    â€œYou seem pretty conservative on this issue, Talia.” Jim Rand eyed her with interest.
    Talia’s heart thumped. “I’m not that different from the people Senator Jackson represents.”
    â€œLet’s talk specifics. Give me bullet points to cover with him,” Marti said.
    â€œSure.”
    Talia hadn’t worked on the Hill without learning the value of distilling complex information down to basics. Most lawmakers depended on their staff to help them navigate complicated issues. For an hour and a half, they went over all twelve of the short paragraphs she’d written. Jim argued that race and economics as factors should be included. Talia stood her ground despite the glances he gave her from time to time. At the end of the meeting he followed her out. They went through a side exit door toward the parking lot. Bright September sunshine bounced heat waves up from the concrete surface.
    â€œGood-bye, Professor Rand.”
    â€œGood-bye, Ms. Marchand. We’ve met before I think.” He gazed at her with one finger on his bottom lip. “I was in D.C. last year for a symposium on prison reform.”
    â€œWe’ve never been involved in prison reform.” Talia put on her sunglasses as a shield.
    â€œI see.” Jim studied her for a moment longer then smiled. “Well, we’ve had an eye-opening discussion. I suppose you think I’m a typical white liberal from the ivory tower of academia.”
    Talia smiled slightly. “It helps to see all sides of a question.”
    â€œAs long as we don’t become the enemy. I don’t want Kelvin to draft a bill that adds to the problem,” he replied.
    â€œThe problem is getting people to take responsibility for their families and themselves.” Talia extended a hand. “Nice to have met you.” She hoped it would be the last time.
    â€œSame here.” He shook her hand and walked away.
    â€œLord, just let me get Mama Rose taken care of and out of this state,” Talia muttered. She pressed the remote on her key ring, which opened her rented red Pontiac Grand Prix.
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    Derrick stared at her. “What’s on your mind? It sure isn’t what’s left in the bottom of your cup.”
    They were seated in CC’s Coffee Shop in downtown Baton Rouge. They’d been to a jazz performance at M’s Fine and Mellow Café earlier. Now they sat at an outside table enjoying a breeze from the water. The riverfront was alive with strolling couples and families. CC’s was in a renovated parking garage, with a view of the Mississippi River. The large bridge linking East and West Baton Rouge Parishes was strung with white lights. Traffic across it was barely visible. The cars and trucks looked like toys in the distance. Talia couldn’t help but smile at him.
    â€œYou’ve got more answers than Miss Cleo,” she teased, referring to the colorful psychic.
    â€œAh, darlin’, I see what’s goin’ ahn,” Derrick said, imitating Miss Cleo’s Caribbean accent.
    Talia laughed. “What do the cards tell you?”
    â€œThat you’ve been working too hard for one thing. Slow down.”
    She sighed and sat back in her chair. “I’d like nothing better. I’ve got as much to do here as