11 Chapter 11

“Son.” Wexler was unhappy to have their tête a tête interrupted, and his smile was simply a baring of teeth. “I was just telling Portia here that she doesn’t look old enough to have a son working for the government.”

“Yes. I overheard you.” Did he realize how repugnantly condescending he sounded, to both Mother and me? “She has kept herself well, hasn’t she?”

Mother raised her hand to toy with the diamond drops in her left ear, signaling that she’d had more than enough of the good senator for one evening.

“Of course we need to make sure she doesn’t overdo. She really isn’t getting any younger.” I gave him a saccharin smile. “Mother, are you ready to leave? I’m afraid I need to make an early night of it.”

“Certainly, sweetheart. You aren’t getting any younger, either. Just let me visit the ladies’ lounge.”

“Once more?”

She frowned at me, but her eyes were dancing with amusement.