“But I think I should step aside for now.” He clenched his fists. “I had no idea that Mark was this… ambitious. That he would go to these lengths to unseat me.” He shook his head again. “Maybe it’s for the best. Mark is a tough man. No one has stolen his daughter. Maybe he can… help me… get her back.”

“I think Mark Baylor will make an exceptional Interim President,” Lawrence said, feeding David the term.

For a second, David’s eyes showed confusion. “Interim…”

Lawrence nodded. “Of course. David, you’re my friend. I’ve never seen you like this. I’ve never seen you so indecisive. You can’t simply take a leave of absence when you’re President of the United States. If you’re going to leave, even for a week, even for a couple of days, you’ve got to appoint Mark as the Interim President. Mark will need the power that comes with the title—do you think the Joint Chiefs of Staff are going to obey a substitute teacher? Also, the American people need to have confidence in their leadership. They need to know they have a President. They need to know someone is in charge. When we get Elizabeth back, after you have some time with your family to recuperate, then maybe…”

Now David was staring at Lawrence. He stared for what seemed like a very long time. Lawrence did not look away. There was a light of recognition in David’s eyes.

“Did you… did you do something to me, Lawrence? Were you in on it with them? I mean, I figured they bugged the Oval Office. That made sense, but…”

Those eyes stared and stared, imploring him.

Keller shook his head. Now that the secret was out, there was no sense dancing around the topic. Still, it was best not to confirm or deny anything. You never could tell who was listening.

“David, whatever I did or didn’t do, all of my actions have been for the benefit of the United States of America. Please trust me on this. We’re going to get your daughter back. Then we’re going to demonstrate to some people who the boss is around here. There’s going to be a show of power.”

Barrett was hanging his head now. “Please, Lawrence. Please get her back. That’s all I really care about.”

Keller nodded. “I know that, David. And we’re going to do everything we can to make it happen. This is for the best. You’re not thinking clearly right now. You wouldn’t have been able to manage. No one would. There’s no way to have objectivity in a situation like this. There’s no way to make decisions. Mark is fresh and alert. He can step up to the plate for you.”

Barrett’s shoulders slumped. He seemed to be withering right in front of Keller’s eyes. He sighed heavily.