TWENTY-SEVEN
Carolyn sat next to her assistant. Katherine Seals, in front of her computer. “Internet lesson number nine-hundred-fifty-four.” Carolyn said with a laugh. “Will I ever digest all of this?”
“Of course.” Katherine responded. “You have to remember, I’ve been working with computers for years.”
Carolyn knew that information was the key to success. And, she had to admit, finding herself on the learning curve again was exciting.
“I know you majored in computer science in college, but how did you become so proficient?”
“My real education came from my old boss, Clayton Small, at the National Security Agency,” Katherine said.
Carolyn paused, searching her memory. “Wasn’t he part of the espionage story Jack Rudly broke? Something about trapping a German spy who tapped into our military computers.”
Carolyn saw pain flash in Katherine’s eyes.
“After I graduated, Clayton offered me a job at NSA in Information Systems Security. I worked with him for several years, and learned more about computers in that time than I learned in my four years at Berkeley. He’s an incredible man.”
“Why’d you leave?”
Katherine met Carolyn’s gaze. “I had no choice. Jack Rudly saw to that.”
“What happened?”
“I’d rather not go into it. Let’s just say that I thought my trust was well placed, but I was wrong. Never date a 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- too soon too fast slowdown.
“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 resumé 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.
They’re quite comfortable with each other, Carolyn noted, sensing a stronger tie between the two men then just a chance meeting at a reception. But why was Young so chummy with a man like Cain? Was it a result of the years his family had been in politics? Or was the distinguished gentleman from Georgia more than surface charm and a flashy wardrobe?
Warner joined them, handing Carolyn a glass of champagne.