“Merci.” Borgia slips the twenty into the gloved palm as the door swings open from the inside.

“Pierre, come in.” Republican Party co-chairman Charlie Myers shakes Borgia’s hand and slaps him affectionately on the shoulder. “Late as usual. We’re already two rounds ahead of you. Bloody Mary, right?”

“Yes, fine.” The private meeting room is paneled in deep walnut like the rest of the restaurant. A half dozen white-clothed tables fill the soundproof room. Seated at the center table are two men. The older, white-haired gentleman is Joseph H. Randolph, Sr., a Texas billionaire who has been a surrogate father and friend to Borgia for more than twenty years. Borgia does not recognize the heavyset man seated across from him.

Randolph stands to embrace him. “Lucky Pierre, good to see you, son. Let’s have a look at you. You put on a few pounds?”

Borgia blushes. “Maybe a few.”

“Join the club.” The heavyset man stands, extending a thick hand. “Pete Mabus, Mabus Tech Industries.”

Borgia recognizes the defense contractor’s name. “Nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine. Sit down and take a load off.”

Charlie Myers brings Borgia his drink. “Gentlemen, you’ll excuse me, I need to use the little boys’ room.”

Randolph waits until Myers has left the room. “Pierre, I saw your folks last week up in Rehobeth. All of us are real upset ‘bout you not getting the vice presidential nomination. Mailer’s doing a real disservice to the entire party.”

Borgia nods. “The president’s concerned about getting re-elected. The polls tell him Chaney will give him the support the party needs in the South.”

“Mailer ain’t thinking down the road.” Mabus points a chubby finger. “What this country needs now is strong leadership, not another dove like Chaney as second-in-command.”

“I couldn’t agree more, but I have no say in the matter.”

Randolph leans closer. “Maybe not now, son, but in four years you’ll have a big say. I’ve already spoken to some of the powers that be, and there’s a general consensus that you’ll represent the party in 2016.”

Borgia holds back a smile. “Joe, that’s great to hear, but four years is still a long time away.”