Lobbyists—a uniquely American phenomenon.
In the future, lobbying would evolve into a full-blown industry. Lobbying firms would fall into two main categories: those serving domestic interest groups, and those serving foreign governments and their allies. In Washington alone, there would be over 20,000 full-time and part-time lobbyists, most of whom had previously worked in federal agencies or on Capitol Hill. This gave them access to contacts in the White House and both parties in Congress, enabling them to advocate for their clients effectively.
No one could say exactly when lobbying first appeared in Washington, but lobbyists had always existed. They acted as go-betweens, helping clients influence politicians and achieve their goals.
And now, one such legendary figure sat across from him. The question was—was he just full of hot air, or did he have real skills?
After thinking it over, Pierre dabbed his lips with a napkin and looked the man in the eye.
"Mr. Harvey, you’re right—professional matters should be left to professionals. But professionals should also be compensated accordingly. What’s your rate?"
"One thousand dollars a month as a retainer. Special cases are billed separately."
Not cheap—but not outrageous either.
"I want to invite a senator to dinner."
As he spoke, he scribbled a name onto a napkin and slid it across the table. Meeting this person was one of his main goals in coming to Washington. Originally, he’d been wondering how to approach him—now, someone had come to him.
Reading the name, Harvey paused for a moment before saying:
"He may only be a senator from Missouri, but here in D.C., he’s in the spotlight—arguably the most influential senator in the capital right now. He chairs the Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program
Setting the napkin down, Harvey subtly emphasized Truman’s special status—in other words, this wouldn’t be easy.
"If it were easy, it wouldn’t show your value as a professional, would it?"
Pierre smiled calmly.
Harvey thought for a moment, then nodded.
Harvey studied Pierre for a few seconds, then said:
"Mr. Pierre, you’ll need a lady to accompany you."
"At the dinner. Senator Truman will almost certainly be joined by his wife. You’ll need a lady with you as well. Do you have someone suitable?"
Pierre shook his head in surprise. He’d only brought three or four men to Washington—not a single woman among them. Stanà was still in London; too far to be of help.
"No problem. I’ll arrange someone for you," Harvey said confidently.
"Go ahead. Send me the bill after the meeting."
In the hotel room, Ava Gardner set down her glass of water, slightly hesitant.
"What exactly do you need me to do?"
The warm sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a golden glow over her figure. Her wavy brown hair shimmered, and she radiated a beauty that was both alluring and gentle.
Though she’d signed with MGM two years ago, she had only ever played bit parts in films.
Now, recently divorced after just a few months of marriage, Ava was more nervous than ever. She had even taken a waitressing job to get by. This was her first time accepting an invitation . Her delicate, pale hands trembled slightly as she held her teacup.
The tea’s ripples mirrored her own inner unease.
She was being paid $200.
Just to accompany someone to a dinner party.
When her agent had called her—while she was performing a morale-boosting show at a military base near Washington—she had been caught completely off guard.
"Do you know what your role is?"
Pierre glanced at the woman before him—Ava Gardner.
He had no idea where Harvey had found her. She was gorgeous, seductive, but also seemed shy and uncertain.
"Yes, sir. I’m to accompany you as your dinner guest," Ava nodded softly.
"I was trained in etiquette at the studio. I promise I won’t let you down."
Inside, she was extremely nervous.
At MGM, she’d met plenty of girls like herself. Some of them were also invited to accompany men to dinners—but it was never just dinner.
Even now, she wasn’t sure why she’d agreed to come.
Of course. MGM only paid her $200 a month, and if she didn’t land extra roles, it wasn’t enough to survive. The cost of maintaining her appearance alone was massive. That’s also why she signed up for military base performances—each one paid $10, with room and board included.
So yes—poverty had driven her to take this job.
But would it turn into something more... like some of the others had warned her?
For now, she was actually pleased with her employer.
Though he was Chinese, he was also strikingly handsome—the kind of man who could make hearts flutter. He looked no older than eighteen or nineteen. A student, maybe?
The setting sun framed his silhouette, casting a golden aura on his tall, athletic frame. Beneath the white shirt, one could see toned muscle. His features were bold, refined—a classic heartthrob.
Sitting across from him, holding her cup, Ava’s heartbeat quickened.
If it were him... maybe... she wouldn’t mind.
"Good. Then there’s no need to be nervous," Pierre said just as she was getting flustered.
"It’s just a small dinner—not a gala. All you need to do is join me. Afterward, the driver will take you back to your hotel."
Ava stared at him, puzzled.
He had gone through the trouble of contacting her agent, bringing her hundreds of miles, just to attend a dinner?
Not for anything more?
Her gaze drifted briefly—to the large bed in the next room.
Just then, Pierre spoke again.
"Come on. Let’s go shopping."
If they were going to a formal dinner, they’d both need to dress the part.
Ava Gardner would need a gown. And some jewelry too.
Yep. This one’s gonna cost a fortune.