“Did you know, Stone, that Eleanor Stockman was taken off her respirator this afternoon about three o’clock?”

“No, I hadn’t heard that. I haven’t had the TV on today.”

“And she died about an hour ago,” Collins said. “The announcement is being made about now.” He looked at his watch. “Just in time for the six o’clock news.” The vibrating of a cell phone could be heard on the governor’s person. He took out an iPhone and looked at it. “The deluge has already begun,” he said. “I’m glad it’s not Kate on the phone.” He held down two buttons at once and switched it off.

“I don’t expect you’ll hear from her on the subject,” Stone said.

“But it certainly makes our conversation pertinent, doesn’t it?”

“I suppose it does,” Stone said.

“Can you guess who that was on the phone?” the governor asked.

“It would be impertinent of me to try,” Stone replied.

The governor laughed and polished off his drink. “Well, I suppose I’d better get in there and say hello to some folks.” He stood up. “I’m told that Charlene Joiner will be here tonight,” he said. “I believe you’re acquainted with her, aren’t you, Stone?”

“Who isn’t?” Stone asked.

The governor laughed again. “She’s quite a lady,” he said.

“Marvelous actress.”

“Do you think I should get to know her better?”

“I think it would be wise to take Will Lee as your example on the subject of Charlene.”

The governor smiled broadly. “Someone who was allegedly present a few years ago at Van Nuys Airport, when she tried to get to him on Air Force One, swears he heard the president tell the Secret Service that if she came on board to shoot her.”

They both had a good laugh, then joined the others.

Chapter 8

Stone walked into the living room, which was now well populated with guests, and the first person he saw was the vice president of the United States. Martin Stanton was a tall, athletically built man of about fifty, with dark hair going gray, wearing a perfectly tailored suit. He was engaged in conversation with Peter and Hattie, and his eyes flicked toward Stone as he entered the room.

Stone walked over to where they stood. “Oh, Dad,” Peter said, “have you met the vice president? The governor invited him to join us this evening.”

“I have not,” Stone said, extending a hand, “but I am very happy to.”

“I’ve heard so much about you, Stone,” Stanton said. “I believe you and Kate Lee are very good friends.”

“We are just good friends,” Stone replied, “in spite of what you may have heard.” Or spread around, Stone thought.

Stanton smiled broadly, revealing impossibly white teeth. “Of course,” he said with a little smirk.