The Race Read Online Free PDF

the moral status of embryos is more important than human suffering, or scientific fact. Adult stem cells are a diversion—the science just isn't there."
    "Nor," Corey responded, "can you be sure about embryonic stem cells. We're talking about hope, not certainty. Your side still doesn't know if any of this will work, does it?"
    Lexie shrugged her concession. "Not for sure. But those who are already suffering feel desperate for some breakthrough." Her face turned soft. "A few years ago I sat with Chris Reeve when he testified before a House committee. Chris really believed stem cells would cure him. Seeing all his hope I couldn't help being sad—knowing what I knew, I never believed that Chris could make it for that long.
    "But responsible scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, believe that fetal stem cells have real promise." Her smile was brief and pointed. "You know way more about the subject, Senator, than you've been letting on. Far too much to support your party leaders with a clear conscience. Rumor says you have one."
    For a moment, Corey looked back at her in silence. Then a knock on the door interrupted them, and Jack Walters leaned inside. "Sorry," he told Lexie; to Corey he said, "Time for that committee meeting. Your day of reckoning with Alex Rohr."
    "Be with you in a couple." Turning back to Lexie as the door shut, Corey asked, "Do you know Alex Rohr?"
    "Enough to know that he's despicable."
    "How so?"
    Lexie's eyes were cold. "The way a lot of powerful white men are despicable. They think money and position entitle them to anything they want."
    The chill in her tone piqued Corey's curiosity. But there was no time to pursue this. "I don't want to seem like Alex Rohr," he assured her. "But it doesn't feel like we're quite through yet. Could you break free for dinner?"
    Lexie's eyes narrowed, her expression less hostile than speculative. Then she slowly shook her head. "I'm afraid we'll have to finish up by phone. Tonight I've got more commitments, and I have to be in L.A. tomorrow morning. I won't be back until the vote."
    Corey hesitated, trying to decipher whether the last sentence was an opening. "Maybe," he said, "we could get together then?"
    She gave him a look that combined amusement with curiosity. "I
might
be persuaded," she finally answered. "Depends on how you vote."
    She shook his hand again, holding it for a brief moment while she looked into his eyes. Then she thanked him for his time and hurried off to her next appointment.

2
    IN THE BOWELS OF THE CAPITOL, COREY RODE THE SENATE SUBWAY TO the hearing room, listening to Jack Walters worry aloud.
    "You really want to do this?" Jack inquired glumly. "I mean, Alex Rohr merely controls a string of newspapers, two major book publishers, half of conservative talk radio, and the highest-rated cable news station in America. All of which he can use to cut you to pieces."
    Nettled by Jack's persistence, Corey looked up from his notes. "So now we're supposed to give this bastard control of our leading Internet provider? That's really what we need—an America where Alex Rohr tells everyone what to think."
    "Enough Americans," Jack rejoined, "already think whatever Rohr wants them to. Why make yourself this guy's enemy?"
    "Maybe because he needs one."
    "Fine, but why does it have to be you? Look, Rohr not only can influence millions of people, he can raise millions of dollars to finance whatever presidential candidate sees the world his way. And now you want to get
in
his way." Jack looked at Corey intently, his face etched with frustration. "Rohr's already pissed about your great crusade to keep money out of politics. To deliberately pick another fight with this guy suggests you don't know when to stop."
    "I'll stop whenever Rohr does." Reading his friend's expression, Corey spoke with a weary fatalism. "As a matter of politics, you're right—I need Rohr coming after me like I need a second navel. I'd be thrilled if anyone else in our party tried to