Whats in this for you, Don? Surely you didnt do this just because Bill Ryan is your old college buddy.

Don nodded. Okay. Fair question. If it helps you do the right thing, Ill answer it. Im tired of America being weak. Im tired of America being hesitant. That kind of thing was never in my training as a military man, and frankly, it isnt in my DNA. I cant stand it. And Im tired of begging for resources to keep the Special Response Team afloat year after year. We were doing great work, you saw it, you were part of it, and the whole thing was going down the tubes.

Luke was beginning to see. So Bill Ryan is going to give you the budget you want for SRT?

Don shook his head. No. Bill Ryan is a figurehead, as Im sure youre aware. There are other powers at work here. And they would like to see America restored to greatness, just as I would, and you would. So this afternoon, Bills going to announce that Im his nominee for Secretary of Defense.

Luke stared at him. He thought back to the night before, David Delliger taking a bullet at the 50-yard line inside the Naval Academy football stadium.

You sure you want that job? I was with your predecessor last night. His tenure ended pretty abruptly.

Don smiled. Dave wasnt a good pick for that job. He was a military man, but he wasnt a warrior. These times call for a warrior. Im sure you of all people can understand that.

Don, if we go to war with Iran, the Russians…

Don raised a hand. Luke, dont lecture me about the Russians. I was killing Russians when you were shitting in your diapers. I know what the Russians are going to do. Nothing, thats what. Theyre going to stand by and watch. Now tell me where Susan is. Please.

Luke didnt say anything.

Rebecca and Gunner are going to die today, Luke. Thats what is going to happen. And you wont have anyone to blame but yourself.

Luke turned his head away. Youre a traitor, Don.

Up the street, in the direction Luke was looking, something strange was happening. The two agents were walking quickly back this way. Behind them, a group of men in suits and wearing sunglasses followed them along on the sidewalk. Luke counted seven men. He turned and looked in the other direction. Maybe they were all headed somewhere else.

No. Another half a dozen were coming up the sidewalk the other way. Luke glanced back at the agents who were with Don. Suddenly, they bolted. One darted into the street. He ran halfway across before a car hit him. The car screeched to a halt. The agent rolled over the hood and fell to the street. Three men ran toward him, guns drawn.

The other agent ran across a lawn toward a parking lot. Five men chased him.