“I would,” said a voice from the door. “So would I,” said another.

They looked up to see the first lady and the president, closing the door behind them.

Ann ran to hug Kate, and Stone stood up. “Congratulations, Kate,” he said, pecking the offered cheek. He shook Will’s hand, too. Then he went to the bar and filled everyone’s order. Finally, they were seated.

“Governor Otero called,” Ann said. “He wants to meet.”

“I don’t want to see him,” Kate said.

“Then will you call him? I think it would be a good idea.”

“Then get him on the phone, please.”

Ann dialed the number on the phone nearest Kate and handed it to her. She pressed the speaker button and set the phone down.

“This is Pete Otero,” a man’s voice said.

“Hello, Governor, it’s nice of you to call,” Kate replied.

“I wanted to congratulate you, Director. I don’t know how this happened, but whatever you did, it was effective.”

“I myself am not sure how it happened,” Kate said, “but I expect someone will tell me pretty soon.”

“Director, I’m at your disposal,” Otero said. “What would you like me to do?”

“Governor, I think the best thing to do is to continue to follow the published schedule of the convention and hold the balloting tomorrow night. I expect we’re all curious to find out what the delegates do.”

“Are you going to choose a running mate before then?” the governor asked.

“No, Governor, I’m not. I don’t want to get into the business of trading appointments for ballots. I want to see how the voting goes and, if I’m nominated, then I’ll consider my options.”

“I understand completely,” Otero said.

“Would you and your wife like to be my guests at the fund-raiser at The Arrington tonight?”

“We had planned to attend and we’d be delighted to join you.”

“I’ll see you then.” Kate said goodbye and hung up. “Ann, will you call Mark Willingham’s campaign manager and Marty Stanton and ask them to join me in my box tonight? I invited Governor and Mrs. Collins a couple of days ago.”

“I’ll see that the furniture is arranged correctly in the box,” Stone said.

Kate found a sheet of paper and made some notes, then handed it to Stone. “Here’s the seating plan. I’d like the seats marked with the names.”

Stone looked at the sheet. Will was on one side of Kate, he and Ann were on the other. The Bacchettis and the Eagles were on the far side of Will, and the Collinses, Stanton and guest, the Willinghams, and the Oteros were in the row behind.

Stone went and called the hotel manager, faxed him the seating plan, then returned to the library. Sam Meriwether had arrived and made himself a drink.

“Sam,” Kate said, “what do you expect in the balloting?”