Karima tensed. “I meant early on, when they were still dating. We’ve known them for years. Raheem worked with Patrick in his mineral and gas days, before he made his money.” She sighed and her eyes became slightly unfocused. “They were perfectly matched. Her beauty, his drive. And Patrick was a good friend.” She shook her head and her gaze became direct again. “His speech in Dubai was a deep disappointment. You know about it, of course? Dismissing years of alliance between the US and the Middle East. It’s put a real strain on the relationship, as you might imagine.” She frowned. “And now he sits by as Anita’s good name and reputation are slandered. It’s astonishing he’s doing nothing about it!”

“In fairness, the First Lady hasn’t pushed back either,” Natalie said, seeing an opportunity to get information. “Why do you think she isn’t appearing in public and answering reporters’ questions? She could just tell us who this guy is. It’d be really easy for her to put this to bed.” She stopped when she realized that might not sound good. “I mean, put this whole thing behind her.”

She was relieved to see Karima chuckle. “Why should she come out and show herself? If she were to state the truth, she would be disbelieved, attacked—by the press, by the public. Surely by Washington. Too much truth makes you a threat. No, they would ruin her reputation beyond what we’ve seen.” She paused, as if she was trying to convince herself. “No. The White House should be expressing outrage. Her husband should defend her. That would, as you say, put it to bed.”

Natalie leaned forward. “You’re convinced she’s not having an affair?”

“This is silliness.” Karima waved her hand.

“But the video,” Natalie said. “It might not prove an affair, but it certainly suggests it. Do you have any idea who leaked it?”

Karima shifted in her seat. “These are good questions. But as you know, the public story is so rarely the real one. Like with your little Ryan getting his scoop. Ask yourself who stands to benefit from that tape? From making it? From leaking it?”

“I don’t know,” Natalie said, feeling frustrated with herself.

“Not yet,” Karima said. “But you are smart. And if you keep your ears open, you will.”

After a moment of consideration, Karima added, “Here’s a bit of a head start. Perhaps you will do me a favor? Look into a company called Sallee LLC. You can remember that name? Let me know what you find.”

“Do you have a—?” Natalie was interrupted when her cell phone started to jump. Bibb.

Glancing apologetically at Karima, she answered it.