“My guess is Governor Richard Collins might appoint himself to the seat. He’s one of our bright younger stars, and it would be a good opportunity for him to become better known nationally.”

“He was the mayor of San Francisco, wasn’t he?”

“That’s right.”

“Would he make a good vice presidential running mate for Kate?”

“Too soon. He’s only thirty-eight, and he hasn’t finished his first term. Pedro ‘Pete’ Otero of New Mexico has had two terms as governor, and—don’t tell anybody this—he’s the favorite for VP in our camp, if he doesn’t beat us for the nomination!” She looked at her watch. “I’ve got to get into a shower and run over to the presidential cottage,” she said, getting up and trotting toward her bathroom.

Stone finished the papers and was just getting up when she left. He showered, shaved, and dressed and got downstairs in time to see Mike Freeman and Dino about to leave.

“We’re off to a security meeting with the convention managers,” Mike said. “Chief Rivera of the LAPD has asked Dino to come along and kibitz.”

“Good for you to get to know your future peers around the country,” Stone said.

“Don’t start,” Dino said.

“We’ll be back in time for a drink before dinner,” Mike said. “Oh, I didn’t make another date for dinner.”

“How did Charlene take your breaking your date?”

“Like an arrow in the chest, I think.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she just showed up,” Stone said.

“You really think she’d do that?”

“She won’t if I alert the Secret Service.”

“Do that, and I’ll never get laid again,” Mike said.

“Don’t worry, Charlene will have you back in the sack in no time,” Stone said.

Chapter 5

The kids arrived a little early for the dinner party, and they sat out by the pool, waiting for the other guests.

“Tell me about these houses you’ve bought,” Stone said to Peter. “You’ve been pretty quiet about it.”

“Ben and I bought two adjacent properties in Brentwood,” Peter said. “We’ve taken down the fencing between them and combined the landscaping, so that it seems like one larger property with two houses. We have nearly four acres, altogether. Hattie and Tessa have done the decorating, and we’re ready for what amounts to a double housewarming tomorrow evening.”

“I can’t wait to see the place,” Stone said.

“Neither can I,” Dino said. “Are you sure you can afford this, Ben?”

“Dad, I’m a successful movie producer,” Ben replied. “You’d be surprised at what I can afford.”