Chapter 56

7:15 a.m.

Municipal Detention Center - Washington, DC

How did you sleep?

Like a baby. I was in the lockup with about six other men. Nice guys. I never knew how many innocent people there were in jail.

Luke stepped into the sunlight outside the detention center. It was bright out. His hands were still cuffed. He was led along by Don Morris. He, Don, and two agents Luke didnt recognize walked down the steps and headed toward a late-model black sedan parked up the street.

That was quite a trick you pulled. They had to use dental records to figure out it wasnt Susan Hopkins in the car with you. And that was barely an hour ago. They still dont know who it is.

Oh? Luke said. I could have sworn it was Susan.

Don stopped walking. He looked at Luke. Cut the shit, Stone. Im not in a funny mood today, and I didnt think you would be, either. Youre going to talk, and youre going to tell us where Susan is. You realize that, dont you? Oh, I know. Luke Stone is unbreakable. Itll take days to get the information from him. Personally, I dont think so. I think youre going to talk very fast. Weve got some leverage on you, in case youve forgotten.

You said you would never hurt my family.

Don smiled. I wont. Your family is alive and doing fine. You need to know that. But we need to know where Susan Hopkins is.

Don, Susan is the President of the United States.

He shook his head. You dont decide that, Stone.

No. The Constitution does.

Don made a sound. It was something like a harrumph. He looked at the two agents with them. Can you men give Agent Stone and me some time alone?

The two men walked perhaps thirty yards away. They stood near a parked car and stared at Luke and Don. They didnt pretend to do anything but watch. Luke supposed they must know that he could kill Don with his arms and his legs tied.

Don leaned back against the black sedan. Son, what are you doing?

Luke stared at him. He had known Don a long time, and yet, had never really known him at all. What are you doing, Don? What are you doing? Im not the one who just helped engineer a coup.

Don shook his head. Luke, whatever you prefer to call it, its already over. Things are moving forward, not backwards. Bill Ryan is President of the United States, whether you like it or not. Your family is in jeopardy, but theyre not dead, and they havent been hurt. You can get them returned to you. You just need to play ball here a little. I cant even believe your reluctance. Youre not holding any cards.