This being President was going to be a tall order. The conspiracy against Thomas Hayes had been far-reaching. At this juncture, it was impossible to know everyone who was involved, and what branches of government they were in. For the foreseeable future, the domestic threat level against her would be considered the highest level. She would wear body armor during all public appearances.

The problems in the Middle East would not go away overnight, but maybe she was already making some headway. She had spoken briefly today with the President of Russia. He told her, through an interpreter, that he was very glad to hear she was alive. He assured her they could work together to smooth out the problems with Iran.

But there were even darker problems on the horizon. In the afternoon, she sat in her office with two visitors.

I want to keep funding the Special Response Team, she said. But Id like to take it out from under the umbrella of the FBI.

Luke Stone stood at the window, staring out at the grounds of the Naval Observatory. Whose umbrella would you like to put it under?

She shrugged. It could be a branch of the Secret Service. Or it could simply be its own organization that reports directly to the President.

That sounds nice, Ed Newsam said. He sat in a wheelchair with his bad leg up on the desk. He held an unlit cigar in his hands. I like the ring of that.

Stone turned around. Until yesterday, I was on an extended leave of absence. I dont know if I even work for the Special Response Team anymore.

Thats funny, she said. I kind of had you tapped for Director. I was wrong about you, Stone. Thats what Im telling you. In the past twenty-four hours, youve saved my life again and again.

Stone shook his head. I need to find my wife and son. The plot has unraveled, and the conspirators dont need them anymore. Every minute that passes…

Susan nodded. I know. Weve got every available resource working on finding them. I promise you we will find them. But in the meantime, I cant have you walk away from the SRT. There are only a handful of people I can trust right now, and you two are at the top of that list.

She walked to the door of the office and looked outside. Chuck Berg and another agent were ten feet away. She quietly closed the door.

She turned back to Stone and Newsam.

The truth is I have another urgent mission for you. I only heard about it in the past half hour. Unfortunately, our enemies see us in a weakened position, and theyre taking this moment to strike. The next forty-eight hours will be crucial.

Now Stone and Newsam stared at each other.

Come on, guys. I need you.

Do we even get to know what it is?