Jack cut another piece of sausage. “What was Rhodes like to work with?”

Paul set his fork and knife down and wiped his mouth with the heavy cloth napkin. “Everybody loved Weston Rhodes where we worked, especially the ladies. I think even Carmen had a little schoolgirl crush on him. He was just so darned handsome and charming. You know how he is.”

Jack had to give him that. Even as a middle-aged man, Rhodes still turned younger women’s heads.

Paul chuckled. “He never met a stranger.”

“A natural political talent.”

“We all knew he was destined for great things. I wasn’t surprised at all when he was elected to the Senate. I was shocked that he didn’t run for reelection. I just assumed he was setting himself for a run at the Oval Office.”

“The Senate doesn’t pay as well as Wall Street.” Jack decided to press his luck. “Neither does the Company.”

Paul frowned. “He told you about his past?”

“Didn’t have to. He was born and bred to clandestine service. It’s practically a family business. But a man like Rhodes has a hard time with authority, unless he’s the one in charge.”

Paul smiled but didn’t comment. He picked up his silverware again and went after his potatoes.

Jack pushed a little deeper. “Were you and Rhodes close back in the day?”

“Not really. I was downstairs, he was upstairs, both literally and metaphorically. Ivy League and all of that.”

“I know the type.” Jack attended Georgetown University, a first-rate academic institution, and his dad was a Boston College grad. Jack was grateful for his education. He didn’t care that he didn’t have the Ivy League connections. Like the Jesuits taught him, it was character—not pedigree—that determined one’s destiny.

“I met your dad once,” Paul said.

“Really?”

Paul continued. “A few months ago, Gerry asked me to drop off some paperwork at his place out in the country. I had to wait on his front porch with the Secret Service detail because your dad was inside. But when Gerry came out, he invited me in for a beer. He grabbed one for me from the fridge and told me to follow him into the den, where your dad was. We all just sat around and drank a beer together, and talked about college football for a few minutes. Nice guy. Not stuck-up like most politicians.”

“I’m a fan, too.”

Paul finished the last bite of buttery eggs, licked the fork, and set it down on the tray.

“So, I have to confess. I wasn’t completely honest with you back in Gerry’s office yesterday.”

“How so?”

“When I said I knew you by reputation, that was true enough. But I also know you through Susan Styles.”

Jack struggled to remember the name. “Sorry, drawing a blank.”