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Susanna played it down. “It really was about seeing you, since I was here anyway, and talking to you about something that I was curious about.”

“Go ahead.”

She paused. How do you broach this? She didn’t know what Nate’s thoughts would be and didn’t even know if he was religious or not, although she never recalled him giving that indication. She also didn’t know how fast she should bring the President into the conversation, but then again, Nate Cass wasn’t stupid. So she simply cut to the chase. “The President’s mother is in your facility in Baltimore.”

“I know. We’re talking extra good care of her.”

“She didn’t leave a living will.”

“That I also know. Most people in our facilities haven’t. Quite frankly, it’s why our business is so good.”

“Nate, I went to see this woman.” Nate was surprised. Why would she do that? “I saw a lifeless old lady being kept alive by sophisticated machines and it broke my heart. It also is breaking the President’s heart.”

“I’m not clear on what you’re getting at.”

“Are there ever situations where the plug is pulled? Where your team finally admits to the family that there is no hope?”

“Of course. If someone is brain-dead, we don’t want to just take the money. But that is not the case with the President’s mother.”

“Come on, Nate, I saw the activity. It’s so minimal most medical experts think it isn’t enough to even have a thought.”

“I know, Susanna, but many legal experts say if you disconnect with a wave present you are committing murder. I’m not smart enough to know the real answer, but I know the law, and my people do not terminate when there is any activity.”

She leaned in. Her voice got soft. She wanted to take his hand, but didn’t.

“Nate … this is killing the President. He can’t bear to see his mother like this. He knows her wishes. He wants her to rest in peace.”

“Are the wishes written down anywhere?”

“No. Nothing is written down. But the President knows his own mother and he wants this agony to end.”

“We don’t know if it’s agony, Susanna. She might be having a wonderful dream.”

“Or a nightmare. And is a dream worth the cost of keeping those bodies warm?” Nate looked at her. He was not a fan of the President and he knew what she was getting at.

“Susanna, I know what Matthew Bernstein ran on, and I know when this happened to his mother it went against his promise to terminate life at first blush.”

“Please, Nate. You know that’s not what he wants. He wants precious, precious resources to be used for people who need it and can benefit by it. It’s his opinion that the people in your facilities don’t. That’s all.”

“And he’s entitled to his opinion, but I respectfully disagree.”

“Can you help? In this one case? Can you help? I’m sure the President would be grateful.”

And there it was. It had taken a half bottle of wine to ask the plug question directly. Nate Cass had to admit he was intrigued. There were not many chances to do a favor for the president of the United States and the secretary of the Treasury in one fell swoop. And what a favor.

“Susanna, let me look into this situation more carefully. I will talk to some senior staff and see what we have here.” Susanna was pleased, but she realized immediately how disastrous it would be if this went wrong.

“Nate, I have made you a lot of money and I consider you a friend, and the most important thing, the very most important thing is that this conversation did not happen. I appreciate that you will look into this, but if anyone, anyone at all, even an ex-wife knew about this it would destroy me. I know you’re not crazy about the President but I am asking this as my favor. I came to you because I trust you and you have always been known for discretion.”

“First of all, I’m only going to look into this. I knew the President’s mother; I met her several times and liked her. I am doing this because I want the best for her. That’s all.”

Susanna was shocked. “You knew the President’s mother? I had no idea!”

“I’ve never met her, Susanna. I don’t know her from Adam.”

“But you just said—”

“Quiet.