Sons of Fortune Read online

  “But they might not come.”

  “I’ve checked the guest list, and they’ve accepted.”

  Fletcher suddenly remembered the trade-off he’d agreed on with the senator. “How far have you got with your homework?”

  “Haven’t even started,” admitted Jimmy.

  “Jimmy, if you don’t get a pass grade next term, Mr. Haskins will put you on probation and then I won’t be able to help.”

  “I know, but I’m also aware of the deal you struck with my father.”

  “Then if I’m to keep it, we’ll have to start work first thing tomorrow. We’ll begin by doing two hours every morning.”

  “Yes sir,” said Jimmy, snapping to attention. “But before we worry about tomorrow, perhaps you should get changed,” said Jimmy.

  Fletcher had packed half a dozen shirts and a couple pairs of slacks, but still hadn’t a clue what to wear on his first date. He was about to seek his friend’s advice, when Jimmy said, “Once you’ve unpacked why don’t you come down and join us in the living room? The bathroom’s at the end of the hall.”

  Fletcher changed quickly into the shirt and slacks he’d bought the previous day at a local tailor his father had recommended. He checked himself in the long mirror. He had no idea how he looked, because he’d never taken any interest in clothes before. Act casual, look sharp, he’d heard a disc jockey telling his radio audience, but what did that mean? He’d worry about it later. As Fletcher walked downstairs, he could hear voices coming from the front room, one of which he didn’t recognize.

  “Mom, you remember Fletcher,” Jimmy said as his friend strolled into the room.

  “Yes, of course I do. My husband never stops telling everyone about the fascinating conversation the two of you had at the Taft game.”

  “That’s kind of him to remember,” said Fletcher, not looking at her.

  “And I know he’s looking forward to seeing you again.”

  “That’s kind of him,” said Fletcher a second time.

  “And this is my kid sister, Annie,” said Jimmy.

  Annie blushed, and not only because she hated being described by Jimmy as his kid sister: his friend hadn’t taken his eyes off her from the moment he’d walked into the room.

  “Good evening, Mrs. Coulter, how nice to meet you and your husband, and this must be your daughter Diane, if I remember correctly.” Mr. and Mrs. Coulter were impressed because they had never met the senator before, and not only had their son scored the winning touchdown against Hotchkiss, but they were registered Republicans. “Now, Diane,” continued the senator, “I have someone I want you to meet.” Harry Gates’s eyes swept the room searching for Fletcher, who had been standing by his side only a moment before. “Strange,” he said, “but you mustn’t leave without meeting him. Otherwise I won’t have kept my end of the bargain,” he added without explanation.

  “Where’s Fletcher disappeared off to?” Harry Gates asked his son once the Coulters had joined the other guests.

  “If you can spot Annie, you won’t find Fletcher behind; he hasn’t left her side since he arrived in Hartford. In fact I’m thinking of buying him a dog leash and calling him Fletch.”

  “Is that right?” said the senator. “I hope he doesn’t think that releases him from our deal.”

  “No, he doesn’t,” said Jimmy. “In fact we studied Romeo and Juliet for two hours this morning, and guess who he sees himself as.”

  The senator smiled. “And which part do you imagine fits your character?” he asked.

  “I think I’m Mercutio.”

  “No,” said Harry Gates, “you can only be Mercutio if he starts to chase Diane.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Ask Fletcher. He’ll explain it to you.” Jimmy left his father to walk across and join his friend.

  “I don’t know what you see in her,” said Jimmy.

  “She’s got everything you haven’t,” said Fletcher smiling. “She’s bright, pretty, fun to be with and…”

  “Are you sure we’re talking about my sister?”

  “Yes, which is why you’re the one who has to wear glasses.”

  “By the way, Diane Coulter has just turned up with her parents. Dad wants to know if you’re still hoping to meet her.”

  “Not particularly, she’s gone from A to Z, so she’s now a natural for you.”

  “No thanks,” said Jimmy, “I don’t need your cast-offs. By the way, I told Dad about Romeo and Juliet, and said I saw myself as Mercutio.”

  “Only if I start to date Dan Coulter’s sister, but I’m no longer interested in the daughter of that house.”

  “I still don’t understand.”

  “I’ll explain tomorrow morning,” said Fletcher, as Jimmy’s sister reappeared carrying two Dr. Peppers. Annie scowled at her brother, and he quickly disappeared.

  For some time, neither of them spoke, until Annie said, “Would you like me to show you the Senate Chamber?”

  “Sure, that would be great,” said Fletcher. She turned and began walking toward the door, with Fletcher following a pace behind.

  “Do you see what I see?” said Harry Gates, turning to his wife as Fletcher and his daughter disappeared out of the room.

  “I certainly do,” replied Martha Gates, “but I shouldn’t get too worried about it, as I doubt if either of them is capable of seducing the other.”

  “It didn’t stop me trying at that age, as I feel sure you remember.”

  “Typical politician. That’s another story you’ve embellished over the years. Because if I remember correctly, it was me who seduced you.”

  “This is the Senate Chamber,” said Annie as they looked down from the gallery onto a semicircle of blue leather chairs.

  “It’s very impressive,” said Fletcher.

  “Daddy says you’ll end up here one day, or perhaps go even further.” Fletcher didn’t reply, because he had no idea what exams you had to pass to become a politician. “I heard him tell my mother he’d never met a more brilliant boy.”

  “Well, you know what they say about politicians,” said Fletcher.

  “Yes, I do, but I can always tell when Daddy doesn’t mean it because he smiles at the same time, and this time he didn’t smile.”

  “Where does your father sit?” asked Fletcher trying to change the subject.

  “As the majority leader, he sits third along from the left in the front row,” she said pointing down, “but I’d better not tell you too much because I know he’s looking forward to showing you around the Capitol himself.” He felt her hand touch his.

  “Sorry,” he said, quickly removing his hand, thinking it had been a mistake.

  “Don’t be silly,” she said. She took his hand again, this time holding on to it.

  “Don’t you think we ought to go back and join the party?” asked Fletcher. “Otherwise they might start to wonder where we are.”

  “I suppose so,” said Annie, but she didn’t move. “Fletcher, have you ever kissed a girl?” she asked quietly.

  “No, I haven’t,” he admitted, turning scarlet.

  “Would you like to?”

  “Yes, I would,” he said.

  “Would you like to kiss me?”

  He nodded and then turned and watched as Annie closed her eyes and pursed her lips. He checked to make sure that all the doors were closed, before he leaned forward and kissed her gently on the mouth. Once he’d stopped, she opened her eyes.

  “Do you know what a French kiss is?” she asked.

  “No, I don’t,” said Fletcher.

  “No, neither do I,” admitted Annie. “If you find out, will you tell me?”

  “Yes, I will,” said Fletcher.

  Book Two

  Exodus

  10

  “Are you going to run for president?” asked Jimmy.

  “Haven’t decided yet,” Fletcher replied.

  “Everyone assumes you will.”

  “That’s one of the problems.”

&nbs