Oliver's heart skipped a beat. "I beg your pardon?"
"Oh, didn't I tell you? It's begun. Your name's becoming a byword in Washington. We're going to begin our campaign the first of the year."
Oliver was almost afraid to ask the next question. "Do you honestly think I have a chance, Todd?"
"The word 'chance' implies a gamble, and I don't gamble, son. I won't get involved in anything unless I know it's a sure thing."
Oliver took a deep breath. "You can be the most important man in the world." "I want you to know how very much I appreciate everything you've done for me, Todd."
Todd patted Oliver's arm. "It's a man's duty to help his son-in-law, isn't it?"
The emphasis on "son-in-law" was not lost on Oliver.
The senator said casually, "By the way, Oliver, I was very disappointed that your legislature passed that tobacco tax bill."
"That money will take care of the shortfall in our fiscal budget, and - "
"But of course you're going to veto it."
Oliver stared at him. "Veto it?"
The senator gave him a small smile. "Oliver, I want you to know that I'm not thinking about myself. But I have a lot of friends who invested their hard-earned money in tobacco plantations, and I wouldn't want to see them get hurt by oppressive new taxes, would you?"
There was a silence.
"Would you, Oliver?"
"No," Oliver finally said. "I guess it wouldn't be fair."
"I appreciate that. I really do."
Oliver said, "I had heard that you'd sold your tobacco plantations, Todd."
Todd Davis looked at him, surprised. "Why would I want to do that?"
"Well, the tobacco companies are taking a beating in the courts. Sales are way down, and - "
"You're talking about the United States, son. There's a great big world out there. Wait until our advertising campaigns start rolling in China and Africa and India." He looked at his watch and rose. "I have to head back to Washington. I have a committee meeting."
"Have a good flight."
Senator Davis smiled. "Now I will, son. Now I will."
Oliver was upset. "What the hell am I going to do, Peter? The tobacco tax is by far the most popular measure the legislature has passed this year. What excuse do I have for vetoing it?"
Peter Tager took several sheets of paper from his pocket. "All the answers are right here, Oliver. I've discussed it with the senator. You won't have any problem. I've set up a press conference for four o'clock."
Oliver studied the papers. Finally, he nodded. "This is good."
"It's what I do. Is there anything else you need me for?"
"No. Thank you. I'll see you at four."
Peter Tager started to leave.
"Peter."
Tager turned. "Yes?"
"Tell me something. Do you think I really have a chance of becoming president?"
"What does the senator say?"
"He says I do."
Tager walked back to the desk. "I've known Senator Davis for many years, Oliver. In all that time, he hasn't been wrong once. Not once. The man has incredible instincts. If Todd Davis says you're going to be the next President of the United States, you can bet the farm on it."
There was a knock at the door. "Come in."
The door opened, and an attractive young secretary walked in, carrying some faxes. She was in her early twenties, bright and eager.
"Oh, excuse me, Governor. I didn't know you were in a - "
"That's all right, Miriam."
Tager smiled. "Hi, Miriam."
"Hello, Mr. Tager."
Oliver said, "I don't know what I'd do without Miriam. She does everything for me."
Miriam blushed. "If there's nothing else - " She put the faxes on Oliver's desk and turned and hurried out of the office.
"That's a pretty woman," Tager said. He looked over at Oliver.
"Yes."
"Oliver, you are being careful, aren't you?"
"Of course I am. That's why I had you get that little apartment for me."
"I mean big-time careful. The stakes have gone up. The next time you get horny, just stop and think about whether a Miriam or Alice or Karen is worth the Oval Office."
"I know what you're saying, Peter, and I appreciate it. But you don't have to worry about me."
"Good." Tager looked at his watch. "I have to go. I'm taking Betsy and the kids out to lunch." He smiled. "Did I tell you what Rebecca did this morning? She's my five-year-old. There was a tape of a kid's show she wanted to watch at eight o'clock this morning. Betsy said, 'Darling, I'll run it for you after lunch.' Rebecca looked at her and said, 'Mama, I want lunch now.' Pretty smart, huh?"
Oliver had to smile at the pride in Tager's voice.
At ten o'clock that evening, Oliver walked into the den where Jan was reading and said, "Honey, I have to leave. I have a conference to go to."
Jan looked up. "At this time of night?"
He sighed. "I'm afraid so. There's a budget committee meeting in the morning, and they want to brief me before the meeting."
"You're working too hard. Try to come home early, will you, Oliver?" She hesitated a moment. "You've been out a lot lately."
He wondered whether that was intended as a warning. He walked over to her, leaned down, and kissed her. "Don't worry, honey. I'll be home as early as I can."
Downstairs Oliver said to his chauffeur, "I won't need you tonight. I'm taking the small car."
"Yes, Governor."