"To discuss your possible succession to the Presidency," Oates replied.

"There is no possible about it," Moran rejoined waspishly. "The Senate is scheduled to begin the trial at seven o'clock this evening.

As next in line to the executive office, I feel it is my sworn duty to take the oath immediately afterward and assume the responsibility for healing the wounds caused by the President's harmful delusions."

"Aren't you jumping the gun?" asked Simmons.

"Not if it means stopping the President from any more outrageous actions."

Oates looked dubious. "Some people might interpret your undue reaction, at least until Vince Margolin is proven dead, as an improper attempt to usurp power, especially when considering your part in motivating the President's ouster.

Moran glared at Oates and shifted his stare to Emmett. "You have the Vice President's clothing that was found in the river."

"My FBI lab has identified the clothing as belonging to Margolin," acknowledged Emmett. "But it shows no indication of being immersed in water for two weeks."

"Most likely it washed onshore and dried out."

"You say the fisherman who came to your office with the evidence stated he snagged it in the middle of the Potomac River."

"You're the Director of the FBI," snapped Moran angrily. "You figure it out. I'm not on trial here."

"Perhaps it would be in the best interests of everyone present," Oates said quietly, "to continue the search for Margolin."

"I'm in total agreement," said Brogan. "We can't write him off until we find his body."

"Questions will most certainly arise," anded Mercier. "For example, how did he die?"

"Obviously he drowned," Moran answered. 'Trobably when the Eagle sank."

"Also," Mercier continued, "you never satisfactorily explained when and how you and Marcus Larimer disembarked from the Eagle and traveled to an as-yet-undisclosed resort for your Caribbean fishing trip."

"I'll be happy to answer any questions before a congressional investigating committee," said Moran. "Certainly not here and now in front of people who are in opposition to me."

"You must understand, in spite of his mistakes, our loyalties lie with the President," said Oates.

"I don't doubt it for a minute," said Moran. "That's why I summoned you here this morning. Ten minutes after the Senate votes, I will be sworn in as President. My first official act will be to announce either your resignations or firings; you have your choice. As of midnight tonight, none of you will be working for the United States government."

The narrow paved road snaked through the high hills that dropped steeply into the Black Sea. In the rear seat of a Cadillac Seville stretch limousine, Vladimir Polevoi sat reading the latest report from Aleksei Lugovoy. Every once in a while he looked up and gazed at the dawn sun creeping past the horizon.