Her husband’s team had insisted that taking on a health issue would be a good way to “soften her image,” make her “more palatable to voters who worry about a South American immigrant as First Lady.”

“But I’m an American citizen,” she’d protested.

“And Spanish is your first language,” her husband’s communications director had replied. “Half our supporters would like to deport you.”

She’d gone along with it. Stayed quiet, done as they’d asked. As always.

God, what a mess I’ve made, Anita thought bitterly. ¡Que desastre!

She let the bathrobe fall off and she slid into the bathtub. She stretched her legs in the water and let out a long breath.

It was nice here. Here she didn’t have to acquiesce. Comply. Vacuum. How did other First Ladies do it? she wondered. She couldn’t be the only one who thought the job was torture. On the other hand, the idea of being the first First Lady to murder her husband while in office did have some appeal. Just think of the cleaning special she could do after that!

There was a knock at the door.

“Ma’am?” It was Beth, the head of her security detail.

She liked Beth, liked the Texas twang in her accent, and the fact that though she was smaller than the rest of the detail, she clearly commanded their respect. Beth had put her job on the line by agreeing, without her boss’s approval or the president’s, to the First Lady’s insistence that they get out of town—now.

“Yes?”

“It’s Anthony. He wanted me to let you know he’s arrived. Downstairs.”

Anita Crusoe smiled as she felt a calm wash over her, slide deep into her core. Anthony. Thank god for Anthony.

“Please tell him I’ll be down in ten.”

THE EARLYBIRD™/ THURSDAY / 6:02 A.M.

THE E-NEWSLETTER TRUSTED BY WASHINGTON'S POLITICAL ELITE

Good morning, EarlyBirders™. Here are the morning’s need-to-know stories:

DRIVING THE DAY: Where’s Rigo? Colombia’s 21-year-old wild child is still MIA. Abductions of international celebs don’t just HAPPEN in DC! Who took him and where? Venezuela denies involvement. Should make for an awkward day two at the president’s summit. Developing...

QATAR HEROES: On the heals of Crusoe’s recent DISASTROUS SPEECH in the Middle East, the region’s oil ministers are meeting in Qatar, threatening to halt oil exports to the US.

MMMMM: On the MENU for tonight’s official PanAmerican Summit Dinner:

Green Delicata Squash Soup

Chili Cheese Grits Soufflé & Roasted Figs with Speck

Thyme-Roasted Rack of Lamb

Pear Torte with Huckleberry Sauce

Hungry yet? We are!

**EarlySponsor™: MakeWell™ Pharmaceutical’s HealHead™. Is Life Giving You a Headache? Our HealHead with Zanthex Offers Mind and Body Relief. MakeWell™ is a subsidiary of GlobalCom™ International.**

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