We need them, Luke said. Hell, the countrys still paying them a pension, right? They might as well put their bodies on the line one last time.

Just then, the rumble of a large motorcycle came to them from the street. It was coming fast. It appeared out of nowhere, made a crazy low turn into Brennas short driveway, and rambled uphill into the garage bay. It skidded to a stop, the front tire crashing into the far wall. The rider managed to keep it upright.

Luke pulled his gun, thinking it was the start of the attack.

Brenna ran for the garage door. He leapt, grabbed a cord, and yanked the door down. He locked the door by hooking it into a heavy clasp on the ground.

The man on the bike removed his dark helmet. A woman was on the back, holding him around the waist. Luke looked closer. In fact she wasnt holding him at all. Her wrists were handcuffed around the mans waist. She was also tied to him with two large leather straps. Brenna produced a knife and immediately started cutting them apart.

Once her wrists were freed, the womans left arm fell to her side. She used her right hand to remove the helmet. Her short blonde bob fell almost to her shoulders. Her face was dirty with soot. Her jaw was clenched. The left side of her face, nearly to the chin, was an angry, peeling red. Her blue eyes belied her exhaustion.

Susan Hopkins looked around the garage. Her eyes caught Luke.

Stone? What are you doing here?

Same thing youre doing, Luke said. Trying to get my country back. Are you okay?

Im in pain, but Im all right.

The man put down the kickstand and climbed off the bike. He was very tall. His face was tired, but his body language was erect and his eyes were alert.

Charles Berg? Luke said.

The man nodded. Call me Chuck, he said. The Vice President has been a trouper. Weve had a rough night, but she hung in there. Shes as tough as they come.

Shes the President, Luke said, and the truth of that hit him for the first time. Not the Vice President. He looked at her. She was small. He couldnt get over that part. He always thought supermodels were supposed to be tall. She was also beautiful, almost ethereal in her beauty. The burn on her face somehow added to the effect. He felt like he could look at her for an hour.

He didnt have an hour. He might not have five minutes.

Susan, you are the President of the United States. Lets everybody try to remember that. I think itll help. Now we have to get out of here.

Lukes phone started ringing. He looked down at it. He didnt recognize the number. Ed was calling.

Walter, this is a crazy question, but do you happen to have an extra cell phone youve never used?