Read Online Target Churchill by Warren Adler - Free Book Online Page B

him on, the poor man deliberately tapped a border-state nonentity. Beware of what you wish for, Spence.”
    Not wanting to turn off a source, Spencer held back any hint of resentment. He didn’t like this charming but snobby Brit to badmouth his presidents—not that he didn’t partially agree. But Truman’s decision to drop the bomb showed extraordinary courage and did end the war.
    Maclean had emptied his martini glass, and Benson sensed that he would order another.
    â€œNot for me,” he said quickly.
    â€œLet’s order then,” Maclean said, adding, “I wouldn’t give the speech that much credence, Spencer.” He lowered his voice. “Let’s face it, Benson. The man’s an icon. Trust me, his fame will fade in time. But in terms of power politics, I’d say he’s out of the loop.”
    Maclean’s dismissal of Churchill struck him as ingenuous.
    The lunch left him troubled. When he got back to the office, he put in a call to Sarah Churchill. Forgetting the time difference, he apparently roused her from sleep. He knew she would be testy and hungover.
    â€œWhy can’t the world operate on one time zone?” she said, hoarsely.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Sarah. Could you call me later at the paper?”
    â€œNo, no, Spence. Just give me a few minutes to pull myself together.” She giggled. “I am alone, darling.”
    He waited through a long pause, but the tinkle of ice in her glass gave a clue to what was happening.
    â€œSo, how are things in the capital of our colonies, darling?”
    â€œHopping,” he said, with some indifference. He wanted to avoid the small talk and get right to the point.
    â€œI’d like to interview your father, Sarah. Soft stuff. A feature on what the great man is doing in his retirement.”
    â€œHow endearing.”
    â€œIt’s business, baby. You’re my source.”
    â€œYou mean sauce or source?” she teased. “I did enjoy you as the former.”
    â€œYou’re deflecting, Sarah,” he said, with mock sternness.
    She sighed and paused. He could picture her taking another sip of Johnny Black, her father’s choice as well.
    â€œBoth he and Mother are in Miami. I’ll be visiting them in a few days. Got a week’s reprieve from this dreary flick we’re doing. I need family solace to compensate for a wretched script.”
    Spencer knew that despite outbursts of rebellion, Sarah sought her parent’s comfort in times of stress.
    â€œReally, Sarah. Can you set it up for me?”
    â€œUsing me, are you, Spencer?” she giggled. Obviously, the alcohol was improving her mood. “But then you can use me anytime you feel the urge.”
    â€œToo rich for my blood, Sarah,” he muttered, but with a deliberate lilt.
    He was indeed using her and had no intention of getting back on her treadmill of perpetual need. But then he did understand that she had a heavy burden to bear, considering her father’s celebrity. She was without illusions about being a stick figure in her father’s spotlight. The role had considerably stunted her sense of self-worth.
    â€œMy understanding is that Father does not want to give any interviews. Not before his speech in….” She groped for the name.
    â€œFulton, Missouri.”
    â€œSounds right. Oh yes, Westminster College. I thought it would be nice for him to go, poor dear. He’s rather flummoxed with his move from Number 10, although he’s getting over it. For what it’s worth, I encouraged him to go. The President himself is making the introduction.”
    He was surprised at her knowledge. Perhaps the relationship with her father was closer than he realized.
    â€œWhat will he talk about?”
    He hoped his inquiry sounded casual, only mildly interested.
    â€œAs always, darling. The big picture.”
    â€œState of the world?”
    â€œWhat else? Obviously, he does not wish