The sixty minutes seemed interminable. Finally, Darlene tapped a fist on Kim’s knee, rose from her seat, and headed to the back of the theater.

“I’m going to use the bathroom,” she whispered to Bonnie.

“Stay here for half a minute.”

“You can check out the room, but please be sort of quick about it.”

“Are you okay?”

“I will be once I get in there.”

By agreement, she stood resting her elbows on the back wall and waited.

Darlene knew Bonnie was startled by her uncharacteristic abruptness, but it served its purpose. The woman checked the bathroom in thirty seconds or so and pronounced it empty. Moments later, Darlene was inside.

Grateful for the many hours she had spent with her yoga instructor, personal trainer, and in the White House gym, she crossed over to the pair of sinks and nimbly pushed herself up onto the one farthest from the door. It was no problem to slide the curtain aside on a small transom window that was now level with her waist, and to undo the latch.

As soon as she pushed open the window, a well-manicured hand featuring a shade of nail polish identical to her own gripped the sill from the other side. Then a woman’s head popped into view. Wearing the same wig, glasses, and satin scarf as Darlene, she climbed through the window, then stepped on the edge of the sink and dropped to the floor with a cat’s grace. The jeans and Hard Rock jacket completed a striking match.

“Madam First Lady,” the woman said as Darlene helped her down, “I’m Nicole Keane, Kim’s friend. It’s a pleasure to meet you. The stepladder is right outside. You won’t have any trouble.”

It was difficult for Darlene to keep from staring at the lawyer, whom Kim had described as the perfect body double.

“A ten-finger boost and you’re out of here,” Nicole said.

“Kim’s by herself ten rows down the second aisle. Just keep your head down and avoid any eye contact with the two agents in the last row. They think I’m in a hurry to get back to the movie, and won’t expect any chitchat. In fifteen minutes, Kim is going to tell them I have an upset stomach, and ask them to check the bathroom again. Then she’s going to come get you at your seat, and we’ll switch back.”

“I’ve got the plan memorized like it was one of my court briefs.”

“Perfect.”

“Ten-finger boost,” Nicole said, interlocking her fingers. “The ladder’s right under the window.”

“Is he there?” Darlene asked.

“I didn’t see him. Just the ladder.”

Darlene set her foot onto Nicole’s makeshift hoist, slipped easily through the window, located the ladder with her foot, and climbed down into the dimly lit alley behind the theater.

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26