journalist.”
Carolyn nodded. No wonder they related so well; they both had suffered at the hands of men. Carolyn considered Katherine more than a kindled spirit. She viewed her as a strong ally for the future, because Katherine wielded her computer skills like a weapon.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Carolyn pulled her pumps from her feet, and settled into the seat of the limousine next to Warner. Life has definitely improved, she reflected. With Katherine minding Warner’s Missouri office, Carolyn spent more of her time in D.C. Since the last election, Warner hadn’t done anything without consulting her first. Finally, they were equals in their marriage.
Warner stretched, then leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes.
She studied his handsome profile. Their relationship had fallen into a comfortable rhythm. And her elevated status to confidant and consultant gave her hope that their personal relationship might be salvageable. Maybe all the ugliness was behind them.
“I’ve summarized some topics you might want to address with a few key players.” They were on their way to a reception in the East Room of the White House with the party leadership and other dignitaries.
His eyes remained closed. “That’s good. Have you written it down?”
“Of course. It’s all right here.” Carolyn pulled a document out of the leather portfolio next to her. “We need to push for more funding for the war on drugs. Congress talks a big game, but nobody’s coming up with serious programs.”
Warner took the file from her. “I agree.” Within minutes, he read through the typed pages, loading the information into his brain like a computer. That skill still amazed her. She knew that even under the influence of a few cocktails, he would be able to articulate their agenda eloquently.
“Any questions?”
Warner smiled at her. “Not one. As usual you’ve handled it all. I’ll make sure to spend time with Alex Major.”
Alex Major was the chairman of their political party, and his support would be crucial to securing the nomination for president.
Warner kissed her cheek. “What would I do without you?”
His compliment warmed her. “Warner, I-”
His gaze met hers.
Could they move beyond their mistakes into a real marriage again? A warning flashed in her mind-
“Yes?”
She shook her head and gave him a gentle smile. “It’s nothing.”
“Can I get you a glass of champagne?” Warner asked as they entered the party.
“I’d like that.”
“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Feeling buoyant, Carolyn turned her attention back to the party. It was imperative that she spend time mingling. There were senators, Congressmen, various foreign diplomats, the most prestigious members of the press, and, of course, the president and first lady. She mentally took notes. It wouldn’t hurt to be seen on the society page attending a gala at the White House.
Carolyn saw Warner’s friend, Senator Richard Young of Georgia, coming toward her. A tall man with jet-black hair, cut military style, and dark brown eyes, he wore a colorful cummerbund and bow tie, giving him an air of confident youthfulness. The bright blues and reds stood out against the conservative lines of the tuxedo. She had to admit he was strikingly handsome.
“Hello, Carolyn.” he said. “How are ya’ll?”
She smiled broadly, concealing her discomfort. Just his “hello” put her on edge, though she wasn’t sure why. “Just fine, thank you. And you and your family?”
“We’re all fine. One of the kids has the flu, though. So Dixie had to stay home tonight.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Carolyn realized that regardless of Warner’s friendship, being objective about Young was impossible. Whether Warner admitted it or not, he was their biggest obstacle in running for the presidency.
But this was a good chance to get to know the competition. Carolyn reminded herself. She clicked through her mental catalogue of information on Young. His family had a longstanding history in politics. That fact alone gave him a serious political edge. His father and grandfather had both been senators. He had much of the party brass on his side and a great political image. Moderate in his political positioning, he and Warner shared many ideals. Their voting records in the Senate were almost identical, both supported welfare reform, cutting defense spending, increasing funds for education, environmental protection, and lower taxes for middle America.
Strategically, she had to admit. Young was the clear front-runner for the nomination.
Somehow, she realized, his voter appeal needed to be neutralized, although she had no idea how to accomplish that feat. First, she needed to know and understand more about their adversary.
As Carolyn and Young talked, they were joined by a man she’d never met. She gauged him to be about five foot nine, with thinning dark hair slicked back, cold gray eyes, and angular features.
“ Carolyn Lane. I’d like to introduce you to Winston Cain,” Senator Young said.
“It’s nice to meet you. Mr. Cain.”
Their eyes met. They’d never been in the same room together, had never even spoken directly, but each was well versed on the other. Edmund Lane made sure of that.
“The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Lane.”
“And what do you do?” Carolyn asked, knowing his resume already. According to Edmund and Warner, Cain had some of the finest retired intelligence operatives in the world on his payroll.
“Oh, a little of this and a little of that.” Winston responded, laughing. Richard laughed with him.
Warner joined them, handing Carolyn a glass of champagne.
“Good evening. Richard.” Warner shook Cain’s hand warmly. “Winston, how’ve you been?”
Winston met Warner’s gaze. “Well, thank you. How’s your father?”
Surprised by Warner’s familiarity with Cain, Carolyn watched as the three men talked. They appeared to be a very cozy group of cronies. But the true enigma remained Richard Young. Carolyn promised herself that she’d figure him out. She couldn’t afford not to.
Jack ran his finger along the inside of the collar of his tuxedo shirt, then took another sip of his club soda.
Carrie Masters, a twenty-something correspondent, strolled toward him with a glass of champagne in one hand.
“Quite a party,” Carrie said. “It always amazes me to see so many power brokers all in the same room. It has to be a security nightmare.”
“I’d say so.” Jack agreed as he surveyed the crowd, taking note of who was talking to whom. Lead stories
