It seemed a shame to disappoint the crowd who’d been waiting for this moment, but the president nodded. Nathaniel and Sullivan left the train to confer with a uniformed police officer who stood just ahead of the rope line holding back the throngs of people. The policeman gestured to the row of guards who surrounded the depot, and whatever he said must have reassured Nathaniel, because he immediately turned to meet Caroline’s gaze through the train window and gave a brusque nod.

“We can go,” she said, eager to step into the crisp autumn air.

The crowd cheered as McKinley emerged onto the platform, waving both hands above his head and grinning broadly. The president waded into the crowd, shaking hands and even greeting some of the men by name. This was precisely the sort of thing that ratcheted Nathaniel’s paranoia to monstrous proportions. His face was tense, his eyes constantly scanning the crowd, and his hand was on the butt of his exposed pistol.

Mrs. McKinley was eager to get home. As soon as the president freed himself from the throng of well-wishers, they headed toward the carriages that would drive them to the McKinleys’ house.

Except Nathaniel wouldn’t let them leave the station.

“The police escort I requested hasn’t arrived,” he said tightly. He and Sullivan herded the entire presidential party into the lobby of the train station, which had been cleared of all civilians. “You’ll need to wait here until the local police arrive.”

Chanting from the crowd outside could be plainly heard, but all this commotion was stressful for Ida. Caroline held Mrs. McKinley’s arm and guided her toward a chair by the window. They managed only two steps before Nathaniel slid in front of them.

“You’ll have to sit near the back,” he said. “I don’t want you being seen through the windows.”

“This is utter nonsense,” Ida insisted. “Do you think someone is going to shoot me through the window?”

“It would be safer on the far side of the lobby, ma’am,” Nathaniel said.

Ida banged her cane on the floor. “I want to see my people. We don’t need a police escort. Everyone loves us in Ohio.”

“Let the man do his job, Ida,” the president said calmly, then returned to conversation with George and Sven.

Caroline scrambled for a topic to distract Ida as they sat near the back wall of the lobby. “What is the first thing you will do once you’re back in your own home?”

Ida clasped a hand over her chest. “My own home,” she said wistfully, savoring the words. “I can hardly believe I’m finally back. I love every room and window and spigot of that house. I can’t wait until the Major and I can return for good.”

God willing that won’t be for four more years.