early 1980s and smokes marijuana in the mid-1970s. However, her career takes a back seat when Richard dies in a car crash in 1985. For some time, Florentyna loses the will to pursue anything, even her career. Then suddenly, seeing a homeless Vietnam Vet impels her to come "back with a vengeance." Working harder than ever, she comes very near her goal of becoming the first female U.S. President. For the good of her party, she strikes a deal with her opponent, Pete Parkin to support him if he promises not to run for a second term, and if he makes her his vice presidential candidate. During Parkin's term, Florentyna averts many a crisis: actions for which the President takes full credit. At the end of his term, however, he not only reneges on his promises and wants to run, but undermines Florentyna's support by announcing Ralph Brooks, the other Illinois Senator as his running mate. It seems as though Florentyna's dream will never become a reality. Disgusted with the entire situation, she leaves Washington. While she is playing golf and discussing what to do with her life—her son William is now President of Lester's, with Edward, Secret Service agents arrive to announce President Parkin's sudden death from a heart attack, though there are insinuations that his death was orchestrated to put Florentyna at the helm. Florentyna thus becomes the President, and marries Edward Winchester, her childhood friend. Inspiration Archer got the inspiration for Florentyna's political life and rise to the Presidency from the elections of Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi. External links Jeffrey Archer's official website 1982 British novels Novels by Jeffrey Archer British political novels Hodder & Stoughton books