As the years passed, Chuck learned that Walt wasnt the only one in the Service who thought this way. No one talked openly about it, but he had heard whisperings. How could you identify a White on White? What would it look like if one was coming?

Chuck nodded to himself. This is what it would look like. A bomb had gone off inside a secure facility, hours after an attack on the White House. The explosions at the White House also came from inside the building, or most of them did. Outsiders couldnt plant bombs in either place, and definitely not in both places. The only ones who could have done this were the military, the intelligence community, or the Secret Service itself.

With the benefit of the flashlight, he crouched low and duck-walked quickly back to the Vice President. She hadnt moved at all.

Maam? You can sit up now, if you can manage it. I have food, water, and a first aid kit. Were going to need to wear these masks when we move out, and Ill show you how. It will seem cumbersome and confining at first, but I promise youll get used to it.

She moved slowly to a sitting position. She winced at the pain in her arm. Some of the skin on her face had peeled away. To Berg, the burns looked superficial, although she might get some scarring or discoloration. If that was the worst thing that happened to her, Chuck would call that lucky.

Shouldnt we try to call someone? she said.

He shook his head. No. We cant call anyone. We dont know who the enemy is. For the time being, were going to operate in secret.

She seemed to think about that. Okay.

Now, the way to the surface may be difficult, Chuck said. We might have to climb, and it may be frightening, and painful. So Im going to ask you to do something for me. Im going to ask you to reach down deep inside, and be as tough as you can. Find that tough person inside you. I know shes in there. Can you find her?

The woman looked at him, and suddenly her eyes were hard. Buddy, I was in the fashion industry, surrounded by predators, when I was a young girl. I was living in New York and Paris and Milan, by myself, at sixteen years old. I am as tough as they come.

Chuck nodded. That was exactly what he wanted to hear.

Chapter 45

11:57 p.m.

The United States Naval Academy - Annapolis, Maryland

It was a strange place to meet.

Luke was dressed entirely in black. He wore black gloves. There was a black hood stuffed in his pocket.