“Move into my study and work here, then. The hotel will want the presidential cottage back.”

“Okay, I’ll do that. Listen, the Republican convention is next week, and Senator Henry Carson of Texas looks like he’s taking the nomination. Our private polls show Kate leading all the obvious Republicans, except Carson, by double digits. She’s leading him by eight points.”

“That’s good news.”

“We believe we can take him, and I’ve already told you what my job is going to be if that happens.”

Stone nodded.

“I’ll make as much time for you as I can, but I can’t make any promises. If she wins, all hell will break loose the day after the election, as I’ll be running the transition team.”

“And I’ll get to Washington as often as I can,” Stone said. “Something else: I have to go to Paris this fall for the opening of the new L’Arrington there, and I have some other business there, so I may be two or three weeks. Any chance you can do some of that with me?”

“I’d love to, God knows, but I just can’t manage it. I can’t even say I’ll try.”

“Well, if that’s the price of getting Kate elected, I’ll just have to live with it,” Stone said ruefully.

“If it’s any consolation, I’ll have to live with it, too,” Ann said.

The phone buzzed, and Stone picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Ed. I just wanted you to know that we made it back okay.”

“I’m sorry you couldn’t wait and fly with us. You’d have liked the airplane.”

“I already wish we’d done that. When we got back we found my office and house staked out by the press.”

“Pick somebody you like and give him an exclusive interview. Everybody else will run it, but you’ll have them out of your hair.”

“Good idea. I’ve got just the reporter in mind. Anything in particular you want me to tell them?”

“Just stick to the truth, and you won’t get accused of lying to Otero and Willingham.”

“Okay. Thanks for your help this morning.”

“Have you heard anything new from the cops?”

“Not a word. Everybody in the world wants to talk to me but them.”

“That just means they don’t have anything to tell you yet.”

“I guess so. Can you stop for a few days in Santa Fe on your way back?”

“I’d love to, but Ann has to get back to her New York office. She’s got a lot on her plate now.”

“I guess she has. Susannah sends her love. Give ours to Ann.”

They hung up.

“The Eagles send love,” he said to Ann.

—

DETECTIVES MORALES AND CROFT sat down across the desk from Captain Clark, and Croft slid a typed form across the desk.