Emily just stared sadly at her husband. “Since we’re being honest with each other, I think it’s easy for you to say that now. Back then, had I given you the ultimatum, I think we both know you would have anguished over your decision. That’s water under the bridge now, as they say, Gabriel. You need to cut Lincoln Moss loose before it’s too late. By too late, I mean that your top people are going to resign. It would seem, if the gossip is true, that little black book everyone whispers about actually exists. That’s the gossip you want to hear. Am I right?”

Gabe swallowed hard. “When you say my top people, who are you referring to exactly, and why hasn’t anyone said anything to me?”

“Because . . . Gabriel, you refuse to listen to anyone except Lincoln. It’s your own fault. But to answer your question, your chief of staff, your National Security Advisor, and the Director of Homeland Security. The latest rumor seems to be that the Director of the CIA is so fed up with Moss, she’s one hair away from stepping down. The only one who has been silent is the Director of the FBI, Jack Sparrow.”

Gabriel Knight chewed on his bottom lip. He felt lower than a snake’s belly. “I haven’t heard from Lincoln in two days.”

“And this surprises you . . . why?” Emily snorted.

Gabe winced at his wife’s sarcasm. “It was my turn to call him. I didn’t. Mainly because my chief of staff, Geoff, made a few stinging comments, and I took them to heart. The truth is, I called him out on it, and he let loose. I really thought about firing him on the spot, but I didn’t. He’s a good man, and he is loyal to me.”

“You always said you couldn’t trust anyone but Lincoln. Are you saying now that all of that trust is changing? Why? What is going on, Gabe?”

“Morale, for want of a better word. Everyone is surly, no one wants to take responsibility for making decisions only to be countermanded by Lincoln. And, yes, I let that happen. I also rescinded his pass. Now he has to do what everyone else does, make an appointment or stay away. While I did not call him, he has not called me, either.”

“Oh, Gabe, don’t you see what he’s doing? He’s showing you he’s in control, and you will call him when you need him. He’s not going to blink if that’s what you’re thinking. He never did belong at your early-morning briefings. That’s what started all the resentment toward him. You must know that,” Emily said.

What he knew was that his wife was now calling him Gabe and not Gabriel. If nothing else, he was grateful for that. He nodded. “Okay, what’s the rest of it?”