“Suppose they combine their delegates behind one of the candidates and the other gets chosen as his running mate?”

Stone did some quick arithmetic. “Then that candidate would have a chance of getting the nomination on the second ballot,” Stone said, “if he could pick up enough of the undecideds from California and the other states.”

Ed shrugged. “Let’s just say that I don’t think you’re the only one who’s thinking that way.”

Stone didn’t have to think that over.

Eagle changed the subject. “What are you doing with your day?” he asked.

“I’m taking Kate and the president out to Centurion Studios for a tour, and Peter’s giving us all lunch.”

“Peter has an excellent chef,” Susannah said.

“Have you and Peter made a deal, Susannah?”

“We have. Contracts should be ready for signature in a day or two.”

“Then I’ll try not to run into Charlene Joiner while we’re at the studio.”

“I’d go armed if I were you,” Susannah said.

They finished breakfast and rose to go their separate ways.

“Stone,” Eagle said, “one thing I can tell you without violating a confidence: Pete Otero won’t take the second spot on the ticket.”

“How recently did you hear that?” Stone asked.

“About two hours ago, in a phone call.”

—

WHEN STONE GOT back to the house, he ran into Ann, who was going into the library. “I have a meeting with Sam Meriwether,” she said, “but we’ll be ready to leave for Centurion at noon.”

“Ann,” Stone said, “would you mind if I have a word with you and Sam right now?”

“Not at all. Come in.”

They went into the library, where the senior senator from Georgia was having a cup of coffee. “Good morning, Stone,” he said.

Stone took a seat. “Sam, what’s the latest on the delegate count?”

“As best we can tell, Kate has a hundred and eleven, Willingham eighty-nine, and Otero fifty-one,” the senator said.

“Not good,” Stone said.

“Well, I think that’s pretty good,” Meriwether said. “We won’t win on the first ballot, but we probably will on the second. And if it goes to a runoff, we’re a sure thing.”

“And is Otero still Kate’s favorite for the second spot?”

“I believe so. She dislikes and distrusts Willingham.”

“Is there anyone else in the running?”

“Not that I’ve heard discussed in the last twenty-four hours.”

“Sam, I don’t have any hard information to back this up, but I have reason to think there’s a deal for Willingham to throw his delegates to Otero on the first ballot, then take the number two spot on the ticket with Otero.”

Meriwether shook his head. “I don’t think Willingham would join the ticket of someone who’s younger and, in Willingham’s eyes, less qualified than he. He’s got too much ego for that.”