The president gave a congenial laugh as he took his seat. As always, he was formally dressed in a suitcoat, vest, and tie, his face haggard from three years in office. “Not unless Mrs. McKinley has a change of heart about construction noise. Now. Tell me what I can do for you.”

This was it. Her mouth went dry, and her heart threatened to leap from her chest.

“You are aware of my brother’s unfortunate situation in Cuba,” she began. “I fear he is losing weight and has been mistreated in prison.”

“I’m truly sorry to hear that,” the president said gently.

“I don’t know how much longer he can last. Luke may not deserve your mercy, but you have the power to offer it.”

President McKinley could not have been more sympathetic as he looked at her with kindly eyes, but his voice was resolute. “Miss Delacroix, I sincerely hope you’re not about to ask me to intervene on his behalf.”

She swallowed hard. “You are the most powerful man in the nation. You could help.”

“It may appear that way, but I am answerable to the people for every move I make.” He gestured to a tall set of drawers in the corner. “That bureau is filled with desperate requests from all over the country. They are pleas to spare someone from bankruptcy, or a farm from being seized, or a husband from the hangman’s noose. I can’t grant even a tiny fraction of them.”

Worry lines fanned from the corners of his eyes, and he had more silver in his hair than when she began working for him less than a year ago. She didn’t doubt this job had taken its toll, but she had to save Luke.

“Would I have more luck if I submitted a formal request through an attorney?”

His smile was sad. “I would put it in the bottom drawer of that bureau with all the others I’ve received. At this point in my term, I cannot spend political capital on a man charged with treason, no matter how highly I value his sister’s services to my wife. I’m sorry, Miss Delacroix. I can’t consider a presidential pardon at this point. Perhaps if I win a second term, I can consider it in a few years, but not now.”

It was as her attorney had warned her, but she couldn’t give up. Not yet. “What would you do if you were in my place?”

The question took him by surprise. He swiveled in his chair to gaze out the window for a moment. He seemed baffled by the request, but only for a moment.