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stomach. The doctor had said it was an incipient ulcer, but Deering had too much to do to worry about such things as ulcers. “They destroyed Shiller and Mosgrove. They tore them apart.” He spoke reflectively, as if almost to himself. “Christ, Brian Howell was the answer to a maiden’s prayer. He was as pure as snow, and even then the Judiciary Committee crapped all over him. But he got through. God, I know the President would hate to have to go through all that again if Howell dies.”
    â€œDeath changes a lot of things,” Baker said quietly. The irony wasn’t lost on Deering. The death of the former president had drastically changed both their lives.
    â€œHow’s the job hunting coming along?” Deering asked, to change the subject.
    Baker shrugged. “Not bad. Oh, there’s plenty of opportunity to become a vice-president of this and that p.r. firm, but I’m shooting for something a bit more permanent, maybe television. I’m talking to two of the networks and CNN.”
    â€œAs you know, anything I can do to help.…”
    Baker grinned. “Getting a bit tired of doing all the work and having only the ‘assistant’ tag?”
    â€œMaybe a little,” Deering said, smiling. “You know how this town is, it’s the title that counts. But don’t worry about it. Anyway, I like you. You’re one Californian whose brains haven’t been addled by too much sun, surf, and funny cigarettes. You’re close, you understand, but I think you still possess some basic human qualities.”
    â€œThat’s a qualified endorsement, but I still appreciate it,” Baker grinned. He offered more coffee but Deering shook his head.
    â€œTell me the details,” Baker asked. “I’m no longer close to power, but I still like to hear about it. What exactly was his reaction when you told him that Justice Howell was at death’s door?”
    Deering smirked. “Pissed,” he said. “That’s the only way to describe it. There was no pretense of sorrow or any of that crap. It was as if Howell had turned traitor and voted with the opposition. The President was damn angry about him and his inconsiderate stroke.”
    Baker nodded. “All politicians think of themselves first, at least if they’re successful. That’s how they get to the top. It’s instinctive.”
    â€œHe took it very personally. But it was a short explosion. You know how he is, he never lets his emotions show. Everything is ‘just swell’ and everybody is ‘just grand.’”
    â€œYes. That disgusts me, but that’s his training. He’s strictly an Eastern ‘swell.’”
    Deering laughed. “Cheap shot.”
    Baker smiled. “But true. Old school tie and all that. Tennis anyone? Shit, at least my man had a bit of starch in his boxers.
    Deering grew serious. “Starch or no starch, we’ll have to go like hell to find someone to replace Howell if he croaks. And it’ll have to be someone who can get by the knives of the Judiciary Committee.”
    â€œHow about a fellow senator? They usually afford a free pass no one of their own.”
    â€œWe thought about the last time. But the word was passed that the chairman wouldn’t bless anyone, not even a fellow member of the Senate club. He’s jealous and he doesn’t want anyone who might obviously tilt the court to the right.”
    â€œWell, that tends to narrow the choices.”
    Deering nodded. “I’ll say. Of course, if they had nailed Howell, we did have a couple of hot prospects waiting in the wings last time. And that hasn’t been so long ago.”
    â€œWho?”
    Deering hesitated. “A couple of good people. The President said if Howell dies and we have to move fast, he’ll probably pick one or the other quickly.”
    Baker sipped his coffee. “What the hell’s the matter with you, Amos?