The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2004

sediment of newspaper, feces, bones and fur that covered the floor. Even the historical society had no interest in preserving the place. Campbell signed another letter generated by the lawyer of the trust he had set up for Rose. He was just a few weeks away from completing the transfer to the conservancy as well as providing Mae and Big Jimmie a modest annuity. Standing to go get more coffee, he heard a large splash, like the dropping of a brick into a barrel. This was followed by a chorus of bellows and whistles of straining air. At the window he saw 60 swans running across the water, their wings slapping the surface as they crept into the air. Four swans remained under Mal-ku’s tree, two reared high with their wings spread broad like sheets, foaming the water between them. Mal-ku was in the water. The other two birds swam around, their heads darting at the water, snapping; one had a tuft of orange fur in its bill. Campbell watched as they trapped Mal-ku in a cold, frothy cage. As he headed to the door, the phone rang. Campbell ignored it, ran from the house to the dock and untied the canoe. The tide was low, and he had to drag the canoe through icy muck. Mal-ku was waterlogged; he’d swim one direction and the four swans would corral him back to their center. The water beaded off their feathers; they hov- ered, almost standing on the water. Mal-ku was sim- ply an annoyance that would be easily dispatched. Campbell paddled, but with the way the shore ran, with all the fallen trees and brush, it was hard going. Mal-ku’s head was below the water more than it was above. The two reared swans settled down. The four of them swam tightly together. They seemed to be using their bodies to hold Mal-ku under water. Campbell yelled. He threw the canoe’s bailing bucket at them. An explosion burst out of the woods. As the sound resonated through the cove, a second, more percussive shock followed. Steel pellets rained F O C U S 40 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U LY- A U G U S T 2 0 0 4 We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 arlington@dcexeclub.com alexandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or reservations@dcexeclub.com