Sharky's Machine

The big man said nothing for a few minutes. He puffed on the Havana, savouring the taste of the smoke on his tongue, letting the smoke ease from his lips, watching it race towards the concealed exhaust vents. Then be said, ‘Is this Lowenthal’s estimate?’

Hotchins nodded.

‘He’s low,’ DeLaroza said.

‘Low?’

‘Yes, low. According to our computer, it will take four point six million. That is, of course, considering all the variables. Possible run-offs, et cetera. Add on a ten per cent contingency, over five million.’

Hotchins chewed his lips. He looked out the window of the car, staring around the tomblike interior of the parking lot. A Honda pulled in and stopped and a hassled suburban wife lifted a crying child from the car, then dragged him along behind her towards the elevators.

‘I know what you are thinking, DeLaroza said, ‘you are thinking how could Lowenthal make such a sizeable error. Correct?’

‘It crossed my mind.’

‘It is simple. The last time he was involved in a campaign was ‘68. In ‘72 his man lost in the primary, but principle was Involved. We cannot fault him there. The point is, it is eight years since he was involved in a campaign that went all the way. Inflation. New Methods. The cost of television, newspaper advertising, all rising every day. Many things could account for the discrepancy. He is not an accountant. His political acumen is beyond value. With his friends, you have a package worth more than a million dollars. You probably could not buy them for that.’

‘You can’t buy them at all,’ Hotchins said.

‘I would tend to doubt that. It is naive, but also immaterial. We have them, that is what is important.’ He paused, then mused aloud, ‘Five million dollars. A lot of money.’

‘Yes,’ Hotchins said. ‘Now we have some strong bank commitments and...’

DeLaroza held up a hand. ‘Donald, . . Donald, wait. I said a lot of money. I did not say too much money. You have relied on my financial advice for what — sixteen years now? Are you getting nervous because the price is going up?’

‘It has to be done carefully,’ Hotchins said. ‘You know the rules of disclosure. If Fitzgerald can turn up anything

‘Please,’ DeLaroza said, ‘do not tell the bunter how to load his gun.’

Hotchins stopped. Then be patted DeLaroza on the knee. ‘Sorry,’ he said.

‘The money is my problem,’ DeLaroza said. ‘There is this other thing.’

‘It can wait,’ Hotchins said quickly.

‘No, I think not.’

‘It can wait!’

‘No.’

The muscles in the corners of Hotchins’s jaw quivered, then grew rigid. The fiat, hard tone returned to his ‘voice. ‘It is personal, Victor.’

‘It is a dangerous thing now. Before it was merely risky. I could understand it. I know that kind of hunger. But...’

‘It’s still my business.’

‘I have never risked five million dollars on you before, Donald.’

‘Ah, so now I find out where the strings are.’

‘Have there ever been strings attached before?’

‘No. But I knew there must be a price. Sooner or later there had to be a price. I guess now is as good a time as any to settle that.’

‘You are getting off the subject.’

‘This is the subject.’

‘You are getting angry,’ DeLaroza said.

‘You’re damn right. We’re getting into my personal life —‘

‘You have no personal life any more.’

‘Half the politicians in Washington have mistresses.’

‘Half the politicians in Washington are not running for president.’

‘Jesus!’

‘Donald, we are friends. After all it was 1 who introduced you to the woman. I saw the need. Understood it. But now it must wait until after the election.’

‘You think she’s going to wait around until after the election? Hell, you know her better than that, Victor. Besides, it’s not just me, it’s the idea of me that fascinates her.’

DeLaroza nodded. ‘I am glad-you realize that,’ he said.

‘It would he a sign of weakness, asking her to sit in the wings until the election’s over.’