Darlene smiled down at her husband. Whatever effects of the job she had observed seemed to have diminished. Her heart filled with love and her eyes must have reflected her desire, because Martin rolled over and kissed her hard on the lips, cupping her breast in his hand. Her mouth opened in response and she kissed him back, deeply. Their lovemaking had been occurring less frequently of late, coinciding not so much with pressures of the presidency, but with the time that Martin’s outbursts had become more common.

He slipped off the rest of his clothes and moved her down beside him, his hands continuing to explore the spots she liked. His touch brought Darlene a profound feeling of comfort and desire. She felt him becoming aroused, and herself beginning to respond. Perhaps this night, the Ambien would stay in the drawer.

“So, baby,” Martin said, beginning the sort of banter he enjoyed during sex. “Tell me something else about your day.”

Darlene tensed.

No lies, no evasions. That was the unwritten rule of their marriage.

She once again flashed on Russ Evans’s sad, desperate face.

“Actually,” she said while Martin worked at her neck with his lips, “there is something I need to discuss with you. But it can wait.”

Martin moaned in her ear. “Hmmmm … sure … get it off your chest if it will help you relax. You seem a little tense.”

Darlene gazed up at the ceiling as he continued to explore the soft curves of her chin, neck, and breasts. He was right about her feeling tense, even though he was, as usual, unwilling to take any responsibility.

“Russ Evans came to the dedication today,” said quietly. “We didn’t see him there, but afterwards, he followed us to the Bar None and asked us to meet with him in private upstairs.”

Martin stopped kissing her and remained motionless. The temperature between them dropped several degrees.

“And did you?”

“Did I what?”

Martin sat up. The ice in his eyes was reflected in his voice. “Meet with him.”

“I … didn’t see what harm could come of it. I mean, we have known each other since we were kids. Kim was with me, and … and Victor was right outside.”

Martin swung onto the edge of the bed, but never took his suddenly hard eyes from her. “I can’t believe you met in public with that pervert,” he said. “Do you think I don’t have enough problems without my wife adding to them with the man who is already the biggest blight of my administration?”

Reflexively, Darlene pulled the sheet up to cover her breasts. “That’s a cruel thing to say, Marty. We three were alone in the upstairs of the restaurant. No one except the agents even saw Kim and me go up there. Russ Evans was our friend. He believed in everything I stand for. Hearing him out seemed the least I could do.”

“You had no business talking with that man. He’s a disgrace. An utter disgrace. He humiliated the both of us.”