a night out with Mark, even if it was strictly business.
Mark hung up the phone. “One of the kids has an ear infection, and Sandy would love to get out of going tonight. So, I’m available.”
“Are you sure you’re not just telling me this so I won’t feel guilty about taking you away from your wife?”
“No, honestly, she’d rather stay home with the kids. You know me, Carolyn. Would Saint Mark lie?”
“No.” Carolyn laughed low in her throat, “Saint Mark would never lie.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at six.”
She pushed up from the chair, and left his office. They’d become close over the years, and he was one of the few people she trusted, although within limits.
Once she returned to her office, Carolyn called in her assistant, Katherine Seals. Carolyn had met Katherine at party headquarters. The daughter of a party leader, Katherine had quickly become invaluable and was a good friend as well.
Katherine entered her office. At twenty-seven, Katherine moved with the silent grace of a feline. Even seated in the chair in front of Carolyn’s desk, her athletic frame looked ready to pounce. Auburn curls danced around her face as she spoke. “What’s up?”
“We’ve got a hot case,” Carolyn announced with an easy smile.
Katherine’s green eyes lit up. “I’m ready.”
“I’ll brief you tomorrow. This afternoon I need you to go to the law library and pull everything you can find on children as informants, and everything on kids who’ve testified against their parents. Don’t limit it to Missouri, but weed through it. I only want information with teeth to it.” Her gaze caught on the wall clock above Katherine’s credenza. It was four o’clock.
“You want sensational stuff, as well as precedent-setting information?” Katherine asked.
“Exactly.” Carolyn picked up her briefcase and lifted her coat off the hook behind her door. “Have it by tomorrow, and we’ll review it together. I won’t be back today.”
NINE
The reception consisted of caviar and champagne, followed by a full-course meal featuring Maine lobsters flown in that day. Heads turned when Carolyn strolled into the main room with Mark. Her black cocktail dress, cut on the bias, accented shapely legs and her hair moved in soft waves about her shoulders. A waiter offered glasses of Veuve Clicquot, which they accepted.
“Our seats are at the head table.” Mark said.
Walking through the crowd with Mark felt natural, she thought, comfortable.
Mark introduced her to several bankers. He’d begun his professional life in investment banking. The fact that he’d given up such a lucrative career for the pursuit of justice, Carolyn long ago concluded, was a testament to his moral fiber. Attentive and polite, he made her feel valued and respected, things she hadn’t felt in a longtime.
“I want you to meet someone special.” Mark said as they finally approached the head table and found their seats.
“ Carolyn Alden Lane, may I introduce you to Mort Fields.”
Her heart raced. Mort Fields was the most important political player and money man in Missouri. He could make Warner’s career. “I’ve heard Warner speak of you. I can’t believe we haven’t met before.” Carolyn said as she extended her hand.
Living up to his reputation for charm, Mort kissed it. “And I’ve heard of you. Your record against the drug trade is making quite an impact.”
Carolyn smiled at the compliment. “Thank you.”
She couldn’t believe her good fortune as she sat down next to him. He was not taller than five-foot-six, with a slender build but his charisma was enormous. As the number-one power broker in Missouri, he was closely tied to the International Banking Fund, which possessed seemingly limitless monetary resources. It was alleged that he alone determined the distribution of the funds. Within fifteen minutes, she and Mort were trading jokes.
After the meal began, their discussion became more serious. “Have you heard about my latest venture?” Mort asked.
“The rumor is that you’re financing two computer geniuses, with some revolutionary technology, in a software company.” Carolyn said.
“Essentially that’s true. Interested in investing?”
“I didn’t know you were looking for investors.” Carolyn said as a waiter set her entree in front of her. This was too good to be true.
“I wasn’t. I certainly don’t need them.” Mort picked up the seafood fork and plucked a piece of meat from the claw of his lobster. “But I may make an exception for someone I like. And I like you.”
Carolyn realized that he was flirting with her. “Well, thank you. I recognize an outstanding opportunity when I see one. And based on your business reputation, I’d be a fool to decline an offer to invest with you. But what would be expected in return?”
“Smart question. Could it be that the lady is a businesswoman on top of her other talents?”
She weighed her words with care. “I try. However, I find it’s men like you from whom I can learn a great deal.”
“Thank you. If you invest with me, I guarantee you’ll make money. And if Warner loses the election, you may need it.”
“Bite your tongue,” she teased, then grew serious. “But you still haven’t answered my question.”
“I might possibly need your legal talents. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours, figuratively speaking, of course.”
“Of course.” Carolyn said. “I’d love to see a proforma.” She knew the extra funds and Mort’s support would help Warner’s presidential dreams immensely. Besides, it was a chance at financial freedom, a chance to liberate herself from Edmund Lane. And a chance to secure her place in Warner’s life.
Mort raised his champagne glass. “I promise you won’t be disappointed by the business plan. Here’s to new partners.”
“To new partners.” Carolyn tilted her glass to his.
After dinner was finished and the speeches delivered, the real party began. Bartenders worked up a sweat shaking martinis and mixing drinks, while band music vibrated the floor.
Mort led Carolyn across the room to meet Stephan Thomas, then excused himself. Stephan was the lead counsel for Poultry Foods. Carolyn knew that he, too, was a contact worth cultivating. They talked about many issues, including their mutual frustration in dealing with state and federal regulators.
“Call me if you’re having difficulties. I may know of a way to attack the bureaucracy,” Carolyn said. “We might be able to help each other.”
Thomas grinned. “I think we could do business.”
By ten o’clock, Carolyn had solidified her prospects with Poultry Foods, Comco, Bounce Plastics, and other big industry donators. Usually this was Warner’s game, and she stayed in the background entertaining the spouses. Now, she was finally setting up the field for her own play. Warner couldn’t have done better, and she felt certain that he would be proud of her.
She sensed that she’d been welcomed into an exclusive club, a club where the payoff could be enormous. Mort Fields was a plum conquest. Besides investing in his new software company. Carolyn planned to approach him for a major contribution to their campaign.
Warner’s father would applaud her initiative. Yes, indeed. Edmund had taught her well. A cold chill passed over her. She’d expected to run into her father-in-law at the gala.
Carolyn’s gaze traveled over the room. She spotted Edmund in a discussion with Ron Spitz, Adam Miles, and
