by Warren Adler
"Do you feel that your husband's situation will help or hurt, Mrs. Shipley?"
"Frankly, I believe it will be irrelevant. He is obviously a very sick man. He has, for reasons that I will never understand, done something that is beyond reason. It is a great personal tragedy and has come as a great shock. No one, no matter how brilliant, wealthy or fortunate is immune to mental illness." She smiled with consummate ingratiation.
The camera, which treated her so lovingly, did not fail her. She looked wonderful, magnificent.
"As to your question, Francis," she told the interviewer. "I intend to put all this horror behind me. Whether it hurts or it helps remains to be seen. But this I can say. I want to be Governor of this great state of Virginia. I have learned a great deal about this State which I have grown to love. I believe I am the best-qualified candidate and that the people will show me their support in this special election. I intend to take my case for change to every nook and cranny of the old dominion."
Despite her cynicism about the political process and her knowledge of the wheels that turned to manipulate the public, Fiona felt a surprising feeling of alliance with this bigger than life woman.
"Lucky you Madeline baby. You can play any role you choose. Wish I could do the same." Fiona said aloud to the TV, crossing the room to the bar and pouring herself another scotch.
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About the Author
Warren Adler has published twenty-seven volumes of fiction, which have been translated into more than twenty-five languages. Mr. Adler's novel The War of the Roses, a classic about divorce, was made into a hit movie starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. It has appeared somewhere in the world every week for the past fifteen years. Another book titled Random Hearts was made into a movie starring Harrison Ford, directed by Sidney Pollack, and released in October 1999. The Adlers have three sons and four grandchildren.
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