She walked up to Susan as if in a dream. The two women hugged. It was tentative as first, but then Susan pulled Esa closer. Abruptly, Susan started to cry. It felt so good, so good, to be here with this woman, at this moment.

I am, she said. Im alive.

She closed her eyes and let the hug go on.

Youre not the President, a booming voice said.

Susan let Esa go. Coming down the grand marble staircase was none other than William Ryan. He looked hale and hearty, fit and energized, much younger than his years. I am the President. I took the Oath of Office last night. It was administered by the Chief Justice of the United States.

He reached the bottom of the stairs and walked directly to Susan. He was very tall. He towered over her. She looked up at him. Chuck Berg was on her right. Walter Brenna was on her left.

Susan, Ryan said. Its nice to see you. But Im going to have to ask you to leave. Youve obviously been under terrible strain during the past twenty-four hours. Im pretty sure youre in no frame of mind to take the Oath.

A crush of military men and Secret Service agents had gathered in the foyer now.

Ryan gestured to a couple of military men near him. Will you escort Mrs. Hopkins out, please? We have work to do here.

Susan pointed at him. Arrest that man. For treason, and for the murder of President Thomas Hayes, and more than three hundred other people.

There was a moment when she didnt know what would happen. Everyone simply stood and stared. Somewhere, a clock ticked. Three seconds, four seconds.

Five.

Chuck Berg stepped forward. He took a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt.

He moved toward Ryan. Sir, you have the right to remain silent.

An Army man stepped in front of him. Chuck pushed the man. Suddenly, there was pushing and shoving everywhere. Susan was jostled as big strong men moved each other back and forth. Then she felt a sharp pain.

Someone had stepped on her foot.

The Secret Service agents outnumbered the military three to one. All of the Secret Service men upheld their jobs.

In the end, Ryan fought them. He went down swinging, but down was where he went. In seconds, he was face first on the polished wooden floor, two Secret Service men pressing him down.

The Secret Service stood Ryan to his feet. His face was red from exertion. He glared at Susan as they led him toward the front door.

I am the President of the United States! he shouted.

Susan waved a dismissive hand at him.

Get out of my house, she said.

*

Pierre and the girls were flying in to see her. The thought of it gave her hope, and happiness. She needed a little of that.