"Mr. Payne," I said finally, "let me ask you one more question."
"Of course."
"What kind of man is Governor Vance? Beyond being your friend. What kind of leader is he?"
Raphael's expression softened. "Lucas is the most genuinely caring public servant I've ever known. He's built seventeen schools in poor neighborhoods with his own money. He visits homeless shelters every Christmas, not for publicity, but because he can't stand the thought of people being alone."
He paused, looking directly at me. "Last year, he personally drove a sick child to the hospital at three in the morning because the family couldn't afford an ambulance. The media never found out because he made sure they didn't."
"And his wife?"
"Amelia means well, but she's protective to a fault. She sees threats everywhere and responds accordingly. It's destroyed several friendships over the years."