Rachel was as tough as they came. You dont join an elite group of Army special operations pilots as a woman. You brawl your way in. Which was perfect for Rachelher off-work hobby was cage fighting. Meanwhile, Jacob was as steady as a rock. His calm under fire was legendary, almost surreal. His hobby was mountaintop meditation retreats. The two of them might know Luke was suspended. They might even know there was a warrant for his arrest. But they also knew Luke was Delta, and they werent the types to ask too many questions.

How close can you get us to the White House? Luke said.

You got a lunch date? Rachel said.

Luke shrugged. Come on.

South Capitol Street heliport, Jacob said. Its a DC Metro Police pad, closed to all other traffic, but I know them. I can squeeze us in there. Theyre about three miles from the White House.

I need an SRT car waiting for us, Luke said. No driver, just the car. Okay?

Got it, Rachel said. She glanced back at him.

Ill tell you all about it later, he said.

Luke went back to the hold. Ed stood by the open cargo door.

Luke shouted at him. We got a helipad three miles from the White House, and well have a car there that we drive.

Ed nodded. That sounds right.

The phone rang again. Luke looked at the caller ID. He didnt want to talk about arrest warrants anymore, or about who believed what. This time, when he answered, he barely spoke to her.

Trudy, put Mark Swann on the phone.

Chapter 22

10:23 a.m.

Washington, DC

Were never going to make it.

Luke drove the company SUV toward the White House through mid-morning traffic. It was stop and go. They were running out of time.

The phone was plastered to his ear. It rang and rang. Finally, it picked up. For the third or fourth time in a row, he got her voicemail. She had told him that she and Gunner planned on going to the movies.

Her voice was vibrant and bright. He pictured her: beautiful, smiling, optimistic, and energetic. Hi, this is Becca. I cant answer your call right now. Please leave a message after the tone, and Ill call you back as soon as I can.

Becca! he said. He took a breath. He didnt want to alarm her. I need you to do something for me. I dont have time to explain. When you get this message, drive straight to the country house. Dont go home. Dont stop to pick up anything. Just get on the highway and go. If you need anything, you can always get it over there. Ill meet you there as soon as I can. He paused. I love you both so much. Do this for me. Dont hesitate. Just go now, as soon as you hear this.