Gene watched as a Virginia state quarter did somersaults in the air off the finger of one Ben Miller, Legislative Director for Representative Archie Duncan of New Jersey’s 14th Congressional District. Miller would flip the coin up then snatch it out of the air on its descent with his fist. Then he would toss it up again, all while chatting to Gene about the Phillies game against the Nationals from the day before and waiting for the Congress’s secret subway to ferry them back to Longworth.
The coin was obscenely shiny, but then … who used cash anymore? Let alone loose change? Of course it was shiny. It had probably gone from the US Mint straight into Miller’s pocket without the touch of ten thousand hands like its ancestors. It was unaware of its great purpose. Perhaps it dreamed of being put in a parking meter or shoved into a vending machine, but Gene knew that wasn’t why Miller had it. Wasn’t why he was flipping it so obnoxiously. Wasn’t why he was wearing a soft smile everywhere he went today.
“Your day with the jar?” Gene finally asked, nodding at the coin.
“Oh yeah.”
“You feeling lucky?”
“I heard she has a chest cold.”
Gene laughed, “She could have her jaw wired shut and I’m still not sure it would improve your odds.”
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