75

Eugenie is waiting for you in her office, the door left open and her secretary gone for the day.

"Mr. .," she says. "It's good to see you again."

"You won't pretend this is a social call or that I had any choice in the matter, now, will you?"

"Of course not," she says, smiling. "Please, have a seat."

You do.

"Last time we met, I offered you my services," you say, "and you refused. Have you reconsidered?"

"In a manner of speaking," Eugenie says.

She leans forward. "There is a gala later this evening. Everyone who is anyone will be there: sponsors, businesspeople, politicians. I need you to come. Mingle. Then I'd like you to give a speech about what you've seen. Paint a vivid picture of what VE is really like."

"Why?"

"We're pushing the VE-ban through Congress tomorrow. Testimonies like yours could make all the difference."