Mounting Fears

25

THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE DIRECTOR OF the Central Intelligence Agency dined on the coffee table, sitting on the floor. The White House kitchen had sent up rack of lamb, new potatoes, and haricots verts, with apple pie for dessert.

"I suppose," Will said to Kate, "you've alerted the Joint Chiefs about this warhead, so they can alert their intelligence people."

"Yes, and I have an eight-o'clock meeting with them tomorrow morning," she said. "I don't think you should attend yet. If word got out, it would get the media all stirred up. As it is, we can call it an unsubstantiated rumor, which it pretty much is."

"Then let's say no more about it this evening," Will said, "and just enjoy our dinner." He tasted the California cabernet and poured them all a glass.

THEY HAD FINISHED their dinner and were on brandy when the phone rang. Will picked it up. "Yes?" He punched the hold button and turned to Stanton. "For you-your wife."

"I'll take it in my bedroom," Stanton said, getting to his feet.