Sons of Fortune

“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

p; “My father wants you to.”

“But my mother doesn’t,” said Fletcher.

“Why not?” asked Jimmy.

“She thinks I should spend my final year concentrating on getting a place at Yale.”

“But if you become student president, it will only assist your application. It’s me who’s going to find it a struggle.”

“I’m sure your father has several markers to call in,” said Fletcher with a grin.

“What does Annie think?” asked Jimmy, ignoring the comment.

“She’s happy to go along with whatever I decide.”

“Then perhaps I should be the deciding factor.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“If you hope to win, you’ll have to appoint me as your campaign manager.”

“That should certainly lengthen the odds,” said Fletcher. Jimmy picked up a cushion from the sofa and threw it at his friend. “In fact, if you really want to guarantee my victory,” added Fletcher as he caught it, “you should volunteer your services as campaign manager for my closest rival.”

Their sparring was interrupted when Jimmy’s father walked into the room. “Fletcher, could you spare me a moment?”