Chapter 428

“Steve cautioned me against expectations of any kind, Senator. I have no reason to be nervous. I’ve been involved in some very delicate and stressful negotiations recently,” explained Naomi, “all of which turned out extremely well. I’m simply here to respond to direct questions and to tell the truth. My role here is quite simple.”

“It may sound simple to you, but the members of this committee take this responsibility seriously,” insisted the Senator. “There’s a very real possibility that the committee will recommend that you not be approved. What would you do then?”

“I’d continue to assist Gwen any way I could while we determined whether the American public was willing to allow the Senate to place personal and party agendas above duty to your country,” replied Naomi calmly.

“Are you threatening this committee?” demanded the angry Senator. “You’re saying that if we don’t approve your nomination, we’re somehow shirking our duty to make certain that we have a highly q