The women huddled together as they tried to figure out what was going on. A tall, distinguished-looking man stepped to the ground and ran over to where Charles was standing.

"We had a bit of engine trouble and needed to set down. I hope you don't mind. Won't take but a minute to fix. My passenger would like a word with you all. Follow me. Feel free to climb aboard. You have exactly four minutes before I find out what the trouble is. Or isn't," he mumbled under his breath.

The women ran forward and there was the new president-elect of the United States standing with her arms outstretched in the open doorway.

Lizzie was the closest. Martine Connor hugged her. "We developed some mysterious engine problems when we were overhead. We saw your lights and set down. Where did all that money come from? God, Lizzie, how do I thank you?"

"No thanks necessary. We had a deal, Miz President. You renege, and we'll come after you. You know that, right? Doesn't matter if you're the chief exec or not. We have to be clear on that. My ladies are not known for their patience. We need to be clear on that, too."

"Tell me something I don't know. Where I come from, a deal's a deal. Nice boots, Lizzie! Oh, my goodness, I think they found the problem. Come to visit sometime, but be sure to call ahead. I'll be sure to reserve the Lincoln Bedroom."

The newly elected commander in chief reached out her hand to touch each of the vigilantes. She smiled and winked. The women all nearly swooned with joy. The first woman to be elected president of the United States had touched them. Actually touched them.

"Sorry, folks, we have to lift off. Thanks for your hospitality, sorry for the intrusion," the distinguished-looking man said. "Back away, please."

When the helicopter was nothing more than a speck on the horizon, the women all started to jabber at once. "What'd she say? Is she going to grant our pardons? What? Tell us right now, Lizzie, or we're pushing you off this mountain."

Lizzie paused for effect. She slowly enunciated each and every word. "She-said. . .'Nice-boots! Come-for-a-visit-sometime.'"

The women chased Lizzie all the way back to the dining room, with Charles in the lead.

"I think I might want some brandy in my coffee this morning," Annie said.

"Sounds good to me," Charles said as he headed for his kitchen.

"Nice going, ladies," he murmured to no one in particular.

If you enjoyed Final Justice, read on for a special preview of Fern Michaels's emotionally rich and wonderfully compelling best-seller.