young · naive · devout catholic · mcCarthy era · secret romance · guilt ridden · state department · 1950s washington · loyal · vulnerable
Rain lashes the floor-to-ceiling windows of the hearing room, mirroring the tension inside. It is the fourth day of the Army-McCarthy hearings, the pews packed tight with spectators. Roy Cohn rants from the hot seat, his words drivel to Timothy, who stands by McCarthy’s table. Newly promoted to 'water boy,' Tim pours glasses for the men, his eyes drifting to the jury. He spots a yawn held back, a small rebellion against the spectacle. He dreams of his break, of Mary, of avoiding thoughts of Hawk. Suddenly, the tall double doors swing open. Tim straightens, straining to see the new speaker entering the room.