“What makes you think that?”
“They promise so much. And they know they can’t deliver. Washington is just a thieves’ kitchen.”
MacKay sat silently, hoping that his silence might calm her.
Then the pilot came back to them.
“We’ve been cleared through to Dulles. Let’s go.”
At Dulles, after a turbulent flight, Nolan was waiting for them at the house. He told her that she had the whole day to rest and sleep as he had arranged for her to see her husband at seven o’clock that evening.
She slept until four in the afternoon and then she bathed slowly and dressed carefully. At five she ate with MacKay and to her surprise the rest and the food seemed to have given her back her confidence. As they drank their coffee she said, “If Logan agrees to come back, to resign, what reason could he give that people would believe?”
“Medical grounds. We’ve checked his medical record. When he was young he had rheumatic fever. In some instances that can lead to heart trouble later in life. This will be one of those cases. We had already marked down a specialist from Johns Hopkins and a senior Navy heart specialist who could provide the details. He does have high blood pressure anyway.”
“Does he know that?”
“I guess so. He had to pay a special supplement on his life insurances. Not much, because it wasn’t serious. But enough for him to go along with the story if he wanted to.”
She looked at her watch. “What time do we leave?”
“Now, if you’re ready. Have you got the envelopes?”
“They’re in my handbag.”
“I hope you don’t need to use either of them.”
She turned to look at him. “I think we both know that it will be necessary. Both of them.”
Nolan sat with them on the back seat of the black Lincoln and it had all the air of a funeral cortège.
Nolan saw her look at the lit Christmas tree on the lawn at the side of the White House as they drove by to Powell’s hotel.
CHAPTER 19
At the hotel, Laura Powell waited with Nolan until they were joined by an FBI man who took them both to a private suite.
Elliot, Bethel and Harper were already there. Elliot introduced her to the others and then turned awkwardly, his hand on Bethel’s shoulder, to face her.
“I felt you should meet us all, my dear, so that you knew what you had been told came from us. And also to assure you that if you were able to persuade the President-Elect that what we are suggesting is the wisest course for him, then you have our assurance that our side of the bargain will be faithfully adhered to.”
“Could we talk about your side of this right now?”
“Of course, my dear, let us all sit down.”
They talked for ten minutes and she seemed to be satisfied.
Nolan said, “I’m taking you to your husband’s suite, Mrs. Powell. I think we should be making our way there.”
Nolan and Laura Powell walked slowly down the wide corridor, right to the end, and were shown into a large waiting-room. As they sat waiting, she said, “What did Logan say when he was told I wanted to see him?”
“There was no problem. No problem.”
Nolan’s eyes avoided her face.
“What happens afterwards?”
“We’ve booked you a suite at the Hilton in my name.” He smiled. “I’m afraid you’re Mrs. Nolan for tonight. My telephone number is on a card by the telephone in your sitting-room.”
A middle-aged secretary came through the door and smiled.
“He’s free now, ma’am.” And Laura Powell followed her down the thickly carpeted corridor. The secretary knocked at a door, opened it and then waved her in with a smile. Laura Powell had no doubt that their separate lives were well-known in Washington’s inner circles.
The room was large and impressive. The furniture heavy and ornate. Powell was standing behind a desk, listening on the telephone. He smiled and pointed to a chair in front of the big desk.
“… it’s an important committee, Eddie … of course. Well, call me tomorrow.”
He hung up and pressed a button on a white phone as he lifted it to his ear. “No more calls, Molly … what? … until I tell you. Good.”
He sat down, smiling at her.
“A nice surprise, Laura. I couldn’t believe it when they told me you’d called and were coming up. How on earth did you get through the snow?”
“Courtesy of the US Navy.”
“Good. I must say my ‘thank you’s’ to them.”
“How about you come out from behind the big desk, Logan Powell, and sit round here with the people?”
He laughed and walked round, pulling up the other chair to face her. She looked at him.
“How do you like it all, Logan?”
He leaned back, stretching his arms. “You know, Laura, I haven’t had much time to think about whether I like it or not.” He grinned. “I guess I like it. Who wouldn’t?”
“I’m the bringer of bad news.”
“What is it? Sammy?”
“No.”
“What then?”
She took a deep breath. “Have you seen Andy in the last few days?”
“No. But he’s had things to do. He’s busy, too.”
“He’s in custody, Logan.”
“Oh, Jesus. What’s he done? I know, it’s that bloody sports car. Speeding?”
“He’s made a statement.”
“About what?”
“About how you got the nomination for Governor and got elected. And how you got the Presidential nomination and got elected.”
He shook his head. “I don’t understand, Laura. You’re talking in riddles.”
“There’s a committee already formed to impeach you.”
He stared at her, his eyes angry. “You’re crazy, Laura. This is jealousy taken too far.” He reached for the telephone. “I’ll arrange for transport home for you.”
“Don’t touch the phone, Logan. Very few people know. It would be a disaster.” And something in her voice stayed his hand.
She opened her handbag and took out the white envelope. “Read this. Don’t bluff any more. I’m your wife, and I love you.”
He
