Fast and Loose

60

Stone and Holly lay entwined in Lincoln’s bed, or at least a reasonable facsimile.

“Things are moving fast, aren’t they?” she said.

“Blindingly fast,” Stone replied.

“Thank you for suggesting I rent Will and Kate’s house. It’s a wonderful place, and I’ll have space to entertain after I take office.”

“We’ll find a way for you to live there as long as you’re in Washington.”

“Am I going somewhere else, after I’m booted out of Foggy Bottom?”

“We can think about that some more. We’ve talked about it, if you remember.”

“I can’t make any decisions now, there’s too much ahead.”

“Neither can I, so we’ll both have lots of time to think about it.”

“You’ll come and visit, won’t you?”

“Do you think we can get away with shacking up in Georgetown while you’re secretary of state?”

“I think we should find out,” she said.

“I think we should run that by Will and Kate, but not until after the election.”

“Fair enough.”

“Are you sleepy yet?”

“No, do you want to do it again so soon?”

“Well, sure, but I want to tell you about the past few weeks — a lot has happened.”

“Shoot.”

Stone began with St. Clair’s attempted takeover of the Carlsson Clinic, omitting details of Marisa, and continued until the present day. “There,” he said. “Now you’re all caught up with me.”

Holly replied with a small snore.

“Holly?”

Nothing.

Stone freed his arm, which was getting numb, turned over, and fell asleep himself.