Guests in formal dress filled a parlor of the People's Manor. Servers weaving through the crowd with silver trays offered cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The pinkish light of an approaching September sunset streamed in through the casement windows. Antique drapery, crystal chandeliers, and colonial sideboards completed the elegant setting of a cocktail party hosted by President Martin and his wife.
Although he was properly dressed in a tuxedo, the Fox looked out of place. He held a wine glass and stood on the margin of the room, observing rather than mingling. Perhaps it was the sunglasses, which he wore indoors, or the faint look of contempt on his face that invited no conversation and kept others at bay.
He saw Ken Martin, Darcy Egan, and Zack Walker scattered around the room. Martin smiled as he worked the crowd, taking no cocktail or hors d'oeuvres, keeping himself ready for handshakes and pats on the back. Like a tulip without a stem, Darcy looked plump and legless in her floor-length pink gown. Zack managed to look disheveled, even in a tuxedo. His pants, a bit too long, drooped. His bowtie, a bit too loose, tilted. He looked around, then spotted the man he was expecting: the Fox.
Zack approached Ken Martin and took him aside. The Fox observed Zack whispering in the presidential ear and discreetly tilting his head in his direction. Martin looked at the tech guru. The Fox raised his wine glass in greeting. The president did not return the gesture, but instead looked away.
Zack filtered through the room, taking his time to approach the Fox casually. "Wearing your sunglasses indoors? Did you expect to find skylights on the ceiling?"
"Why, no. I didn't expect that much transparency."
"Take them off, dude. You might call attention to yourself. Besides, it's disrespectful to the office of the president."
"Is it now? And what you, Velvet, and Silk are doing isn't disrespectful to the office of the president?"
Zack waited, but the glasses remained on.
"I'll escort you over. He'll have a few words with you. Then you'll leave. Got that?"
The Fox nodded.
The men walked to President Martin. No introductions were made, only a wary nod from Martin, which was returned by a grin from the Fox.
"In two days it'll be fall, Mr. President," said the Fox.
"That's right," replied Martin.
"I'd say there's a chill in the air," the Fox continued. "Wouldn't you?"
"I would," Martin said, trying to hide his perturbation.
"Time to get out the Topcoat?" asked the Fox.
There was a pause. The president seemed surprised at the bluntness. Then, he replied, "Yes, it's time."
"That should protect you from the changing winds and storm clouds."
"That's the idea," said Martin.
"So, you're all in on that?" the Fox persisted.
"I am." The president bowed his head to take leave and walked away.