She was always so poised. So perfect and ladylike, even in the most trying of times. Another weight settled on his chest. He’d run across town to provide comfort but ended up badgering her over Luke instead.

“I’m sorry about Mrs. McKinley,” he said, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “It goes without saying, but you didn’t deserve what happened.”

She turned her face into his palm, pressing a kiss to it. “I’ll survive.”

Of that he had no doubt.

They held each other as the moon rose high. In a way, they had never been more free to be together, but in the past they had always been on the same side, united in their mission to keep the president and the White House in order.

Now he feared they might be heading in opposite directions.

It was after midnight before he returned to the men’s dormitory in the White House. He was the only one still awake as he lay flat in bed, staring at the exposed beams of the ceiling. Sleeplessness was nothing new to him. He hadn’t slept more than a few hours since McKinley was shot, but tonight was especially challenging as waves of euphoria battled old demons and worries about the future. He was honor-bound to report what he’d learned, for rogue investigations and spy rings couldn’t be allowed to take root within the government.

Nathaniel placed a telephone call to Wilkie first thing in the morning and was ordered to report to the director’s office at nine o’clock. He was still planning how best to reveal what he knew without placing Caroline’s brother in jeopardy as he entered Wilkie’s office.

Instead of questioning him about Luke Delacroix’s unexpected arrival, Wilkie crossed the room with an expression of rapt anticipation on his face. “What do you make of that?” he asked, holding a five-dollar bill inches from Nathaniel’s face.

Nathaniel scrutinized the bill, noting the quality of the engraving, the shade of ink, the tiny cotton and linen threads in the paper. He held it up to the light, and his mouth went dry, his heart started pounding. A surge of excitement flared to life, for he’d just spotted his old nemesis. The bill was a brilliant forgery, but he’d know the work of the Kestrel Gang anywhere.

“They’re back in action,” he said.

Wilkie nodded. “And I want you to find them. That bill turned up in Milwaukee last week. I’m moving you back onto the case. I want you to nail them to the wall this time.”