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The capitol building, housed in what had once been Texas First Trust Bank--the na’s limestone fascia--was just a short walk from the school A directory in the lobby listed the various departriculture and Co Sanchez’s office was located on the second floor Peter ascended the stairs, which opened onto a second open area with a desk, behind which sat a Domestic Security officer in an unnaturally clean uniform Peter felt suddenly e a bag full of rattling tools and nails

"Help you?"

"I’m here to see President Sanchez I have an appointment"

"Na out so on in the man’s face "You’re Jaxon?"

Peter dipped his head

"Holy s It had been sootten this kind of reaction On the other hand, he rarely met anybody new these days Never, in fact

"Maybe you could let soht" The officer popped from his chair "Just a second I’ll tell them you’re here"

Peter noted the word "the? For thatover the president’s note, he’d coested and they really did want hi to be a short conversation

"You can co and led hi hallway Sanchez’s door was open She rose from behind her desk as Peter entered: a small woaze A second person, a ht, bristly beard, was seated across froh Peter couldn’t place hiood to see you" Sanchez stepped around her desk and extended her hand

"Madam President It’s an honor"