Ballard shook hands and exchanged greetings with the others at the table and everyone sat.
Following dinner, the president tapped Mike’s arm and whispered, “Let’s step outside for a little fresh air.”
They walked to a courtyard patio, previously cleared by the secret service and state police. Mike had a waiter bring two snifters of cognac and two cigars.
“Ready to go?” Ballard asked softly.
Mike nodded.
“Okay,” Ballard said, “you’ve got the ball. Make sure it’s tough. Otherwise, we’ll have to start all over on something else.”
“I’ll get things moving right away.”
“Are you sure how they’ll react?”
“As sure as I can be.”
The president exhaled deeply. “This is it, Mike.”
“I know. Let’s hope everything goes right.”
They spoke for another fifteen minutes, then returned to the Ball.
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