Inside the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg.
Leo had just finished talking with Russo.
Although the speaker had agreed to suspend the rules, Leo knew full well that Russo's clout in the State Assembly alone wasn't enough to suppress all opposition.
Especially those Democratic representatives who had taken money from the pharmaceutical companies.
When their interests were on the line, they could flip at any moment.
Leo needed pressure from a higher authority.
He needed the whip from Washington.
As soon as he got to his hotel room, Leo picked up his phone and made a call to Washington.
"Good evening, Chairman Crassus."
Marcus Crassus's tired and impatient voice came from the other end of the line.
"Leo, do you have any idea what time it is? If you're calling to complain about our poll numbers in Philadelphia, I suggest you call back tomorrow."
"No, Marcus."
Leo dispensed with the pleasantries and got straight to the point.
"I'm calling about the vote on the bill."
