Cut and Thrust Read Online Free PDF Page A

term is going extremely well.”
    “Amazing the things you can get done when you have a majority in both houses,” Collins said. “And Jerry Brown had the goodness to clean up the budget problem before I got in.”
    “I wanted to get your views on how the nominating process is going,” Stone said.
    “It’s fascinating, isn’t it, what Kate Lee is doing? I had my doubts at first, but I’m beginning to think she just might pull it off.”
    “Well, Martin Stanton has been a big help.”
    Collins laughed heartily. “Yes, Marty can be his own worst enemy. He’s my friend, though, and I owe him my support for as long as he’s in the race.”
    “Of course you do, and I know that Kate understands that. She’ll feel differently on a second ballot, though.”
    “If there’s a second ballot, then we’re in a whole new ball game,” Collins said. “And believe me, Marty knows that. It’s a shame that someone with so much talent for politics and governing can risk it all for a roll in the hay. He was a terrific state legislator and governor.”
    “And a very good vice president,” Stone said. “It has occurred to some folks that those talents might serve him well in the United States Senate.”
    Collins’s eyes narrowed, and he smiled. “Oh, I think Marty would be good in any office in the land.”
    “Especially one with four years left in the term,” Stone pointed out. “And I’m sure it would ease his mind to know that a soft landing is available, should the balloting at the convention not go his way.”
    “I’m going to take my time making that appointment,” Collins said, “even though there are all sorts of people already scratching at my office door.”
    “I think you should certainly take your time . . . making that announcement,” Stone said. “After all, timing is everything.”
    “Did you know, Stone, that Eleanor Stockman was taken off her respirator this afternoon about three o’clock?”
    “No, I hadn’t heard that. I haven’t had the TV on today.”
    “And she died about an hour ago,” Collins said. “The announcement is being made about now.” He looked at his watch. “Just in time for the six o’clock news.” The vibrating of a cell phone could be heard on the governor’s person. He took out an iPhone and looked at it. “The deluge has already begun,” he said. “I’m glad it’s not Kate on the phone.” He held down two buttons at once and switched it off.
    “I don’t expect you’ll hear from her on the subject,” Stone said.
    “But it certainly makes our conversation pertinent, doesn’t it?”
    “I suppose it does,” Stone said.
    “Can you guess who that was on the phone?” the governor asked.
    “It would be impertinent of me to try,” Stone replied.
    The governor laughed and polished off his drink. “Well, I suppose I’d better get in there and say hello to some folks.” He stood up. “I’m told that Charlene Joiner will be here tonight,” he said. “I believe you’re acquainted with her, aren’t you, Stone?”
    “Who isn’t?” Stone asked.
    The governor laughed again. “She’s quite a lady,” he said.
    “Marvelous actress.”
    “Do you think I should get to know her better?”
    “I think it would be wise to take Will Lee as your example on the subject of Charlene.”
    The governor smiled broadly. “Someone who was allegedly present a few years ago at Van Nuys Airport, when she tried to get to him on Air Force One, swears he heard the president tell the Secret Service that if she came on board to shoot her.”
    They both had a good laugh, then joined the others.

S tone walked into the living room, which was now well populated with guests, and the first person he saw was the vice president of the United States. Martin Stanton was a tall, athletically built man of about fifty, with dark hair going gray, wearing a perfectly tailored suit. He was engaged in conversation with Peter and Hattie, and his eyes flicked toward Stone as he