Capital Offense

Her heart raced. Mort Fields was the most important political player and money man in Missouri. He could make Warner’s career. “I’ve heard Warner speak of you. I can’t believe we haven’t met before.” Carolyn said as she extended her hand.

Living up to his reputation for charm, Mort kissed it. “And I’ve heard of you. Your record against the drug trade is making quite an impact.”

Carolyn smiled at the compliment. “Thank you.”

She couldn’t believe her good fortune as she sat down next to him. He was not taller than five-foot-six, with a slender build but his charisma was enormous. As the number-one power broker in Missouri, he was closely tied to the International Banking Fund, which possessed seemingly limitless monetary resources. It was alleged that he alone determined the distribution of the funds. Within fifteen minutes, she and Mort were trading jokes.

After the meal began, their discussion became more serious. “Have you heard about my latest venture?” Mort asked.

“The rumor is that you’re financing two computer geniuses, with some revolutionary technology, in a software company.” Carolyn said.

“Essentially that’s true. Interested in investing?”

“I didn’t know you were looking for investors.” Carolyn said as a waiter set her entrée in front of her. This was too good to be true.

“I wasn’t. I certainly don’t need them.” Mort picked up the seafood fork and plucked a piece of meat from the claw of his lobster. “But I may make an exception for someone I like. And I like you.”

Carolyn realized that he was flirting with her. “Well, thank you. I recognize an outstanding opportunity when I see one. And based on your business reputation, I’d be a fool to decline an offer to invest with you. But what would be expected in return?”

“Smart question. Could it be that the lady is a businesswoman on top of her other talents?”

She weighed her words with care. “I try. However, I find it’s men like you from whom I can learn a great deal.”

“Thank you. If you invest with me, I guarantee you’ll make money. And if Warner loses the election, you may need it.”

“Bite your tongue,” she teased, then grew serious. “But you still haven’t answered my question.”

“I might possibly need your legal talents. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours, figuratively speaking, of course.”

“Of course.” Carolyn said. “I’d love to see a proforma.” She knew the extra funds and Mort’s support would help Warner’s presidential dreams immensely. Besides, it was a chance at financial freedom, a chance to liberate herself from Edmund Lane. And a chance to secure her place in Warner’s life.

Mort raised his champagne glass. “I promise you won’t be disappointed by the business plan. Here’s to new partners.”

“To new partners.” Carolyn tilted her glass to his.

***

After dinner was finished and the speeches delivered, the real party began. Bartenders worked up a sweat shaking martinis and mixing drinks, while band music vibrated the floor.

Mort led Carolyn across the room to meet Stephan Thomas, then excused himself. Stephan was the lead counsel for Poultry Foods. Carolyn knew that he, too, was a contact worth cultivating. They talked about many issues, including their mutual frustration in dealing with state and federal regulators.

“Call me if you’re having difficulties. I may know of a way to attack the bureaucracy,” Carolyn said. “We might be able to help each other.”

Thomas grinned. “I think we could do business.”

By ten o’clock, Carolyn had solidified her prospects with Poultry Foods, Comco, Bounce Plastics, and other big industry donators. Usually this was Warner’s game, and she stayed in the background entertaining the spouses. Now, she was finally setting up the field for her own play. Warner couldn’t have done better, and she felt certain that he would be proud of her.

She sensed that she’d been welcomed into an exclusive club, a club where the payoff could be enormous. Mort Fields was a plum conquest. Besides investing in his new software company. Carolyn planned to approach him for a major contribution to their campaign.

Warner’s father would applaud her initiative. Yes, indeed. Edmund had taught her well. A cold chill passed over her. She’d expected to run into her father-in-law at the gala.

Carolyn’s gaze traveled over the room. She spotted Edmund in a discussion with Ron Spitz, Adam Miles, and the other senator from Missouri, Bill Rudly.

A local businessman, Ron Spitz was earning a reputation for publicly blaming Warner, Edmund, and Adam Miles, Edmund’s partner and best friend, for breaking the union that Ron once headed. Senator Rudly supported Ron and the union.

Not again, Carolyn thought, watching as the four men faced off. Voice raised, Adam waved his hands in the air. Ron’s face flamed crimson. Her body tense, Carolyn walked to the outer edge of the room, searching for Mark and steering clear of what could easily become a scene.

She found Mark at the bar. “Would you care to dance?”

“The honor would be mine.”