Page 41 of Winter of the World (The Century 2)

Lev lit a cigarette and blew out smoke. "We have to guard against creeping socialism."

"The New Deal is all that is saving us from the kind of nightmare they're having in Germany."

"The Liberty League aren't Nazis."

"Aren't they? They have a plan for an armed insurrection to overthrow the president. It's not realistic, of course--not yet, anyway."

"I believe I have a right to my opinions."

"Then you're supporting the wrong people. The league is nothing to do with liberty, you know."

"Don't talk to me about liberty," Lev said with a touch of anger. "When I was twelve years old I was flogged by the Leningrad police because my parents were on strike."

Greg was not sure why his father had said that. The brutality of the tsar's regime seemed like an argument for socialism, not against.

Gus said: "Roosevelt knows you give money to the league, and he wants you to stop."

"How does he know who I give money to?"

"The FBI told him. They investigate such people."

"We're living in a police state! You're supposed to be a liberal."

There was not much logic to Lev's arguments, Greg perceived. Lev was just trying everything he could think of to wrong-foot Gus, and he did not care if he contradicted himself in the process.

Gus remained cool. "I'm trying to make sure this doesn't become a matter for the police," he said.

Lev grinned. "Does the president know I stole your fiancee?"

This was news to Greg--but it had to be true, for Lev had at last succeeded in throwing Gus off balance. Gus looked shocked, turned his gaze aside, and reddened. Score one for our team, Greg thought.

Lev explained to Greg: "Gus was engaged to Olga, back in 1915," he said. "Then she changed her mind and married me."

Gus recovered his composure. "We were all terribly young."

Lev said: "You certainly got over Olga quickly enough."

Gus gave Lev a cool look and said: "So did you."

Greg saw that his father was embarrassed now. Gus's shot had hit home.

There was a moment of awkward silence, then Gus said: "You and I fought in a war, Lev. I was in a machine-gun battalion with my school friend Chuck Dixon. In a little French town called Chateau-Thierry he was blown to pieces in front of my eyes." Gus was speaking in a conversational tone, but Greg found himself holding his breath. Gus went on: "My ambition for my sons is that they should never have to go through what we went through. That's why groups such as the Liberty League have to be nipped in the bud."

Greg saw his chance. "I'm interested in politics, too, Senator, and I'd like to learn more. Might you be able to take me as an intern one summer?" He held his breath.

Gus looked surprised, but said: "I can always use a bright young man who's willing to work in a team."

That was neither a yes nor a no. "I'm top in math, and captain of ice hockey," Greg persisted, selling himself. "Ask Woody about me."

"I will." Gus turned to Lev. "And will you consider the president's request? It's really very important."

It almost seemed as if Gus was suggesting an exchange of favors. But would Lev agree?

Lev hesitated a long moment, then stubbed out his cigarette and said: "I guess we have a deal."

Gus stood up. "Good," he said. "The president will be pleased."

Greg thought: I did it!

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