Nathan stayed with Grangeland for another day, grateful for the time off his feet. After Grangeland’s near-constant reassurances she was okay, he and Harv left Great Falls. Because Nathan’s right leg was in a fiberglass cast from knee to ankle without a rubber walker on the bottom, Harv did all of the flying back to Sacramento. In another week, Nathan’s cast would be replaced with a walking version. But for now, he had to avoid putting weight on it. On the flight south, he had to admit Harv seemed quite comfortable in the right seat, amazed what a few solo flights had done to boost his friend’s confidence. After landing at Sacramento Executive Airport, they rented a Taurus and Harv drove Nathan to Sutter Hospital under a deepening twilight sky. Harv dropped him off at the main entrance and said he’d be back in half an hour. Nathan used his aluminum crutches to maneuver himself through the automatic doors. Once inside, he diverted over to the gift shop for a quick purchase. It didn’t feel right visiting Holly empty-handed.

As he hobbled his way toward Holly’s room, his cell rang.

“Hello?”

“Nathan, it’s your father.”

“Hi Dad, is everything okay?”

“I’m just leaving for a meeting with the president on this Bridgestone business.”

“You’re working late again.”

“Damage control. I’ve only got a minute, but I wanted to talk with you first.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“I’m hoping to close the book on it.”

“Fine by me,” Nathan said. “Harv and I aren’t planning to do anything, if that’s what you mean.”

“Not everyone would take that position. You were nearly killed.”

“Because of my own mistakes on the ground. Believe me, Dad, we’re willing to let it go.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“You’re far more forgiving than I’d be in your shoes. But I’m glad that’s your decision. I don’t want to see Director Lansing or former Director Ortega dragged through the dirt over this.”

“I don’t either.”

“I’m going to let Lansing and the president know your position on this. It’s not fair to let them twist in the wind.”

“Yeah, I agree. What are you going to tell the president?”

“The truth.”

“What will he do?”

“Lansing’s his appointee, he doesn’t want a scandal any more than I do.”

Nathan stopped at Holly’s door and lowered his voice. “I only have one request.”

“Name it.”

“Will you keep your eye on someone out here? Her career?”

“Sure, who is it?”

“The Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento field office. Her name is Holly Simpson.”

“I’m writing it down. SAC Holly Simpson. Sacramento. I certainly will, to the extent I can. That’s a promise.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’d like to stay in touch more. Let’s make the effort from now on.”

“I’d like that.”