“He says someone set him up.”

“People like him always say that after they’re caught.”

“Martin, have you ever considered that what happened to Russ could have been a politically motivated frame-up?”

At this, the president leapt off the bed and stormed across the room, breathing heavily. “What would make you even imply such a thing?”

“Well, when he asked to see me, I thought he was going to try to position himself for a presidential pardon. Use me to get to you.”

“Go on.”

“But he didn’t do anything of the sort. All he cared about was some legislation he’s been working on. He wanted me to tell you that the laws are important ones and that people, and especially children, shouldn’t suffer because of him. He asked me—no, more like begged me—to convince you to read over his bills and support his programs. That was it. That was the only thing that mattered to him.”

Martin’s face turned crimson. “You’re kidding me, right? Darlene, you really are a gullible hick. Please, tell me this is a joke.”

“Martin, I—”

“You what? You what, Darlene? You had drinks with a pervert, and then you chat it up with him about a program that hasn’t even been formally presented to me!” His anger had charged the air like lightning, fueling itself before a strike.

“Martin, please, you’re sounding unreasonable.”

“You have no business talking to Russ Evans!” he shouted, pounding the top of their bureau and sending a velvet-lined box of costume jewelry spilling across the floor. The mouth that had moments before been kissing her was now contorted into a snarl.

Darlene kept her eyes locked on him, watching with concern as he stalked back to her. Her chest tightened, and for a brief moment she felt trapped between her husband and the headboard of the bed. Then the president sat down on the edge of the mattress, just as gently as he’d done earlier. He put his hand on her knee. She could feel her leg shaking.

“Sweetheart,” he said, “I am so sorry for going off at you like that. Just the mention of that man’s name is enough to make me go crazy. With all the pressures I have, right before my reelection bid is to start in earnest, I’ve got to live with the fact that I nominated a child predator to join the highest ranks of my administration.”

“But maybe, just maybe he’s innocent.”

“We both know that isn’t true,” Martin said, “but I also know how important kids are to you, so I’m going to make a deal. I’ll read whatever Evans’s remaining people submit. Then we’ll see.”

“Thank you. That’s all I’m asking.”

“But you have to make a promise to me.”

“Anything. Anything at all.”

“You are never, and I mean never, to speak to Russ Evans or mention him in my presence again. Promise me that, Darlene.”

Again, she conjured up an image of Evans sitting across the table from her—a soul adrift and without hope of rescue. Despite her lingering doubts and the horrible accusations against the man, her heart ached for him. But loyalty to her husband was by far the stronger pull.