Collins began to speak. “Good evening, and welcome to the great state of California!” The crowd went suitably wild, then calmed down. “Word has reached me that a Californian is seeking your nomination.” Big laugh. “I have not come here to endorse him.” He waited a beat. “Nor to bury him.” Another laugh. Then Collins got serious and began to speak of the challenges facing the country. He finished ten minutes later with a few short sentences. “I’m told that the current president of the United States is watching tonight. On television, of course. I want to say that this country is in the best shape it has been in for many years. Probably since World War Two. And Will Lee is the man we can thank for that!” The crowd went nuts, the band played, and Cara Collins appeared, took the governor by the hand, and led him off the stage.

“Well, that was mercifully short,” Will said. “I think we can thank Bill Clinton for the brevity. And what he said about me was nice.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t true,” his wife said. “If I get this office, I’ll do my best not to screw up your legacy.” She took his face in her hands and kissed him.

A waiter materialized. “Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is served.” They all got up and went to the table, where place cards seated Will and Kate at opposite ends of the table. The noise from the floor was turned off and the music restored.

A waiter brought a tray containing a large roast duck. He presented it, then two other waiters began to bring out plates of duck and vegetables. Stone was given the wine to taste and approve.

A cell phone was heard to buzz, and Ann left the table and went into the hallway. She came back a moment later and went to Kate. “Martin Stanton is on the phone for you. He wants a meeting.”

“Not now,” Kate said. “At our cottage at The Arrington.” She looked at her watch. “At ten o’clock.”

Ann left the room and came back a moment later. She nodded to Kate. “Done.”

“Well, that’s going to be an interesting conversation,” Will said. “Who knows, maybe some history will get made.”

Chapter 17

Ann Keaton sat in the backseat of the SUV with Kate Lee as they approached The Arrington. Stone sat silently in a jump seat.

“What do you think Marty wants?” Kate asked Ann.

“I think he wants secretary of state,” Ann said.

Kate turned and looked at her. “You think he’s going to offer to drop out if I give him State?”

“It’s my best guess,” Ann said. “In those circumstances, would you give it to him?”

Kate emitted a low laugh.

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