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can’t have it both ways. We don’t make frying pans. We make weapons. And I intend to take us to an area that appreciates us.”
    â€œWhy don’t you tell us what you really want, Peyton,” Roger Candlin said.
    â€œPeace on earth and good will toward men,” Peyton laughed. “Don’t patronize me, Roger.”
    â€œI ask again. What do you want?”
    â€œMore champagne?” he asked.
    Heads shook.
    â€œWhat do I want?” Peyton Piper mused. “Well, I’d like that goddamn protesting stopped, and then I’d like some appreciation for our contribution to the economic well-being of the area.”
    â€œThat’s certainly possible,” Roger Candlin said slowly. “My staff could arrange some well-placed news articles and TV interviews, that sort of thing. It doesn’t take much real effort to paint any sort of kettle or horse a different color.”
    â€œWhy do I have the feeling that you have a real zinger waiting for us, Peyton?” Bea said.
    Peyton Piper smiled graciously. “Next, I want the party nomination for the United States Senate. And that’s something you two in partnership with the Piper money can give me.”

T HREE
    â€œGood God, Peyton!” Bea said. “You aren’t even a member of the party.”
    â€œI’m registered as an Independent.”
    Bea glanced at Candlin in surprise. “I believe you’re actually considering this proposal.”
    The congressman avoided her eyes. “The fact that he’s registered as an Independent is not a problem. That’s a minor detail that we can get taken care of tomorrow. When he makes a formal announcement we’ll pass out some sort of ‘see how distinguished I am for not registering before’ statement. I’ve made a quick calculation of the convention votes. If we’re not close enough to go over, we’ll have the solid twenty percent necessary to force a primary. Are you ready for that sleigh ride, Peyton?”
    â€œBut of course.”
    â€œHow much money did you have in mind?” Candlin asked. The remark was thrown out casually, but everyone knew that was the crucial question of the night.
    Piper smiled. “A great deal. I feel the need for a change of scenery and Washington suits me fine. As a matter of fact, I’ve given it enough thought to consider that Mrs. Piper, who hates to travel, will remain here at Bridgeway. I will ask Paula to take a sabbatical from college and act as my hostess.”
    Why does that not surprise me, Lyon thought.
    â€œThis is ridiculous,” Bea snorted. “We don’t even come close philosophically. I think you should be talking to the other people.”
    â€œSince when did philosophy matter?” Peyton smiled. “What’s important is winning elections. The way it reads now, you guys are forced to back a very vulnerable incumbent.”
    â€œI’ve seen candidates bounce back from scandal before,” Bea said. “The voters might forget that sex business by the general election, or there’s another scenario where the candidate plays the contrition game and throws himself on the mercy of the electorate. He does have options, Peyton.”
    â€œYou can’t win without the feminine vote. And since faithful wife caught faithless senator boffing his aide, he’s going down the tubes. I have private polls that show his present approval rating as somewhere alongside Saddam Hussein.”
    Lyon turned away from the group. His wife was under attack, but it would be inappropriate if he attempted to take up cudgels on her behalf. Her political positions were of her own choosing, although what Peyton proposed presented several unique problems. An hour ago Bea had been in agreement with the protesters who were rallying against the munitions manufacturer. Now she was being asked to endorse him.
    He walked down the aisles of the long room with its high bookshelves