THE URBAN PHOENIX: Arthur Salvatore's rise from the ashes.

CHAPTER 37

ARTHUR WOKE UP to a call from his secretary, Helen. She basically ran his whole life schedule now from his gym sessions to meetings with dignitaries and governors of the state to even press conferences.

He rolled over in his bed and groaned when he looked at the caller ID. He tried to recall if she had told him about any meeting for today, but he could not think of anything so he picked up the call.

"Yeah?" He answered gruffly.

"Morning sir," Helen said brightly.

Sometimes Arthur wondered how she did it. When he wanted nothing more than to collapse back on the bed and sleep as long as he wanted, her voice was always sharp. It was like she did not sleep.

"Hello, Helen," Arthur muttered. He swung his leg over the side of his bed and stood up. He might as well fix himself a cup of coffee to wake up.

"Yes, sir," Helen said.

He could hear the sound of traffic in her background and realized that she was on the road already, this early. What time is it? He glanced at the digital clock.