The Devil's bed

“Great,” he said. “Just great. The press will have a field day speculating on this one.”

“I’m sure Ed McGill can come up with a positive spin for you, something they’ll love in Peoria.”

“Fuck Peoria.” He stepped out of the elevator, hauling up a smile for the media.

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 softhush-hushon 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. He was undoing his tie when she entered the room. She wore a lovely dress, black and sheer, and she looked wonderful in it.

“I was under the impression you wouldn’t be here tonight,” he said.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior this afternoon. It’s been a difficult time for me.”

“I’m sure it has.”

She lingered near the door, as if not entirely certain she should be there with him. “Clay, we all make mistakes. Horrible mistakes, sometimes. And there’s nothing to be done about it except to hope we’re forgiven.”

“Is that why you’re here? You’re going to offer me forgiveness. Kate, I don’t need-”

“I need to know that I can trust you.”

“You can.”

“I’ve watched you change, Clay. I’m not sure what you believe anymore. Sometimes I’m not even sure who you are.”

“I am who I’ve always been. A not-at-all perfect man. But one who loves you.”

She stared at her hands and seemed concerned that they held nothing. “We haven’t been happy for a long time.”

“We can find a way again.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

“Then do, Kate. Believe it. Believe me. Trust is a leap of faith, isn’t it? Take that leap. Take it, and I swear I won’t let you fall.”

She considered him a long time. Finally he moved to her, crossed the room slowly, put his arms around her, and held her tightly. He could feel her soft and yielding in his embrace. Then she went rigid.

“Chanel,” she said.

“What?”

“You reek of it.” She pushed away from him.

“Kate-”

“I ran into Lorna Channing at the elevator. She bathes in Chanel.”

“She was here, of course. She’s one of my advisers,” he explained calmly.

She looked closely at his face, and her own face frosted over. “And what exactly was she advising you on? There’s lipstick smeared all over you.”

“Kate, I swear nothing happened.”

“Only because of my bad timing.”

“Kate,” he said, and he reached for her.

“Stay away, Clay. I don’t want you near me.”