“Its passage would be an important victory for our party.” He turned and nodded at Pitt. “I’m sure your husband can appreciate winning one for the team.”
“Actually, Senator,” Pitt said, “if the team in question is one of our major political parties, I’d rather take a rusty knife to the spleen.”
Loren choked on her champagne, stifling a laugh, before glaring at Pitt. “Well . . . I promise to give the bill a fair review,” she said to the senator.
Bradshaw turned red for an instant, then resumed his polished ways. “Of course you will.”
“Senator, do you happen to know Evanna McKee, the CEO of BioRem Global?” Pitt asked. “I believe she’s a patron of the Society.”
“Of course. She’s a dear friend, and the sponsor of tonight’s event.” He scanned the room, spotting a figure in a flowing white gown near the back wall. Bradshaw grabbed Loren’s arm. “Come along, I’ll introduce the two of you.”
Pitt grabbed a refill of tequila and joined Loren, following the senator to an attractive older woman standing by herself. She was lean and fair-skinned, and she enhanced her elegant dress with a scarab pendant dangling from a gold necklace. Platinum hair outlined an expressionless face marred by just the first hint of a wrinkle or two. Her ice-blue eyes seemed to absorb everything around her. To Pitt, they displayed both coolness and mistrust.
“Evanna McKee, may I present Congresswoman Loren Smith and her husband, Dirk Pitt, the head of NUMA,” Bradshaw said. “Evanna is the generous sponsor of tonight’s gala.”
“A pleasure, Ms. McKee.” Loren reached over and shook hands. “Thank you for your support of the foundation. These days too few people seem concerned about the health of the oceans.”
“I’m happy to help,” McKee said with a faint Scottish accent. “Truth be told, the cause is an important part of our business.”
“Evanna is the head of BioRem Global,” Bradshaw said. “They’re doing some remarkable things in the fight against ocean pollution.”
McKee’s lips tightened as she shook hands with Pitt. “Did the senator say you were the head of NUMA?”
He nodded. “When I’m not looking after wayward members of Congress.”
“I just spoke with one of your managers, Rudi Gunn, about the tragedy in Detroit.”
“Yes, I was hoping to speak with you tonight. Rudi said your firm has a product that may assist in the cleanup.”
“Our company develops microorganisms for pollution control. We have a proprietary bacteria that feeds on hydrocarbons, such as those the Mayweather was carrying. I’m afraid it has not yet been approved for use in the United States, but we’ve had excellent results in Europe and Asia.”
“Since the Detroit spill occurred in a heavily populated area, quick abatement of the spill will be critical,” Pitt said.
“Our BioRem product is both safe and effective, and we are ready to help. But time is of the essence.”
“Is there anything I can do to help greenlight its approval?” Pitt asked.
“The senator has been assisting us in accelerating the process.”
“The bureaucratic cogs move slowly at the EPA, but we’re making progress,” Bradshaw said. “I’m sure with the crisis in Detroit, we can get things streamlined. In fact, I’m planning on placing a temporary waiver on the EPA director’s desk first thing in the morning.”
McKee looked at Pitt. “Perhaps a word of support from NUMA wouldn’t hurt.”
“I’d be glad to help,” Pitt said.
“Completely unnecessary, my dear,” Bradshaw said to McKee. “I’m quite certain you’ll have approval tomorrow.”
“I’ve already arranged to have a vessel reach Detroit by morning with a stockpile of dispersant. If approval is granted,” McKee said, “who should we contact to arrange delivery and deployment?”
“You’re looking at him,” Pitt said. “I’ll be in Detroit tomorrow taking over the salvage operation. Your field staff can coordinate with me, if the senator delivers, and then we’ll see what we can do to help the people of Detroit.”
“Excellent. I’ll notify my field manager in the morning. It’s wonderful we had this chance to meet.”
“I agree.”
“Ms. McKee, I believe I owe you an apology,” Loren said. “Aren’t you the director of the Women’s Governance League?”
“Why, yes. It’s something of a pet project. We support women in leadership roles in all walks of life and provide an excellent networking system. I’d take it as an honor if you would consider joining our organization. Your achievements in Congress are an inspiration to women all over the world.”
“I just realized you had invited me to speak at one of your gatherings in Paris last year, but I was away in Bulgaria at