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"Not yet I have to run by the office and clear my desk first

There were a few hitches during the last trip to Los Angeles I want to review the planning"

They turned in unison as another government limousine pulled up to the dock Senator Marcus Larimer climbed out and strode toward the presidential yacht followed by an aid that dutifully carried an overnight bag

Larimer wore a brown suit with a vest; he alore a brown suit with a vest It had been suggested by one of his fellow legislators that he was born in one His hair was sandy colored and styled in the dry look He was big and rough-cut, with the look of a carrier trying to crash a celebrity benefit

He simply nodded to Blackowl and threw Lucas the standard politician's greeting: "Nice to see you, Oscar"

"You're looking healthy, Senator"

"Nothing a bottle of scotch won't cure," Larih Then he swept up the ramp and disappeared into the main salon

"Have fun," Lucas said sarcastically to Blackowl "I don't envy you this trip"

A few ate onto M Street, Lucas passed a co in the opposite direction Lucas didn't like the Speaker of the House Not nearly as flaer type who had succeeded not soaway in the congressional power circles and supplyingan oil-leasing schereased his way out of the i in his political IOU's

He looked neither right nor left as he drove by Hison ways to pick the President's influential pocket

Not quite an hour later, as the crew of the presidential yacht were preparing to cast off, Vice President Margolin ca draped over one shoulder He hesitated a moment and then spied the President, seated alone in a deck chair near the stern, watching the sun begin to set over the city A steward appeared and relieved Margolin of the gar

The President looked up and stared as though not fully recognizing him

"Vince?"

"Sorry I'ized "But one of my aides o"

"I wasn't sure you could make it," the President murmured obscurely