The Devil’s Bed by Krueger William Kent

Author:Krueger, William Kent [Krueger, William Kent]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 2003-08-27T05:00:00+00:00

The President dined with his closest staff. Over a good Caesar salad and rare prime rib, the business of the government was carried on, especially discussion of Lorna Channing’s report on national youth service. Although Clay Dixon’s personal enthusiasm had waned, he gave it his full attention. Afterward, he asked Lorna to stay. He poured brandy for them both and lit a hand-rolled cigar, and they reminisced for a while about growing up on the Purgatoire River. She told him the smell of the cigar reminded her of sitting on the porch with her father after dinner and looking at the evening sky. It was a good memory, she said.

“Kate hates the smell of cigars,” Dixon told her.

“Most women do, I think. You keep looking toward the door,” Lorna finally noted.

“I thought Kate might come.”

“Give her time, Clay. She’s been through a lot.”

“Time isn’t the issue.” He got up from the sofa and walked to the window. The sky outside was the color of blackberry jam and seeded with stars. The city lights were split by the dark curve of the river. “When did you know your marriages were over?”

“It can’t be that serious,” she said.

“When she looks at me, its like she’s seeing me through a wall of ice. It’s been like that for a long time now.”

“I’m sorry.”

He put the cigar in an ashtray and turned to look at her. “You have friends in D.C., Lorna?”

“Yes. Many.”

“Me, I feel like I’ve got practically none. I have more acquaintances, more advisers, more hangers-on than I can keep track of. But friends?” He sighed heavily. “Bobby Lee, you, and Kate. And now I don’t have Kate.”

“You still have Bobby. And you still have me.”

She left the sofa and walked toward him. Her feet made a soft hush-hush on the carpet as she came. He could smell her perfume when she drew near. The fragrance was a trigger for an explosive desire that had been building in him for some time. Impulsively, he took her in his arms and he kissed her. She didn’t resist.

“That was nice,” he whispered against her lips.

“Yes,” she said. “Yes, it was.” Very gently, she removed herself from his embrace. “And that’s all there will be.” She took a half-step back. “Clay, you’re the president, and I’m your adviser for domestic affairs. I don’t want that to be an ironic title. I know you’re feeling alone right now, but this isn’t the answer.” She put her hand on his cheek. “I’m not saying it’s not tempting. It’s just not right, and you know it. Talk to Kate. Work things out. I know you can.”

The phone rang and startled them both. Reluctantly, Dixon answered it. He listened a moment and then said, “Thank you.” He looked at Lorna Channing. “Kate’s here. She’s on her way up.”

“You see? Didn’t I tell you?” She smiled. As she left the suite, she paused long enough to give the president a kiss on his cheek. “Good luck.”

He didn’t have much time to settle himself before Kate arrived.

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