Since the days of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Presidents had used this as their country retreat, and as a place to host foreign dignitaries in a relaxed atmosphere, and Keller could see why.

He mused that it would be just like a Robert Frost poem, except for the six big Secret Service men spread out behind them, and in front of them, and off to their sides. The men murmured into their collar microphones as they moved along. Their voices could be the sound of a small stream.

David Barrett walked slowly and thoughtfully.

“I’ll never forget what you did, Lawrence.”

He said it pleasantly enough. But he left the statement there, and left Keller to wonder about its meaning. It was fitting to walk in nature like this, and to have the President drop a mysterious Zen koan on him.

What had he done, in David Barrett’s eyes? Taken control during a bad situation, when Barrett was clearly out of control? Put Barrett on the sidelines until his daughter was safe, and he could pull himself together? Derailed a misguided attempt to start World War Three?

Or was it that he had betrayed David, taping him in the Oval Office during his most vulnerable moments, and then using that tape against him?

Keller had done all of these things. But what did Barrett think he had done?

“What are your plans, David?” Keller said.

Barrett took a deep breath. “This is the happiest day of my life, so first of all, I’m going to enjoy it. I’m going to thank God for my many blessings, and take stock of what the future holds. They’ve flown Elizabeth to a hospital in Germany, and she’s still en route there, but everyone assures me she’s doing fine. Later this morning, Marilynn, Caitlynn, and I are all going to fly out there to be with her. It’s going to be one heck of a family reunion.”

He stopped and looked down at Keller. “Is that what you mean?”

Keller shrugged. “Sure. That, and when do you think you’ll be coming back to work? You are the President of the United States, after all. The country needs you. I’m not really sure Mark Baylor is cut out for the job.”

There was a mischievous twinkle in Barrett’s eyes. He started walking again. “Some people are meant to be President, and some people are meant to be Vice President,” he said.

“I couldn’t have put it better myself,” Keller said.

“I think I’ll be in Germany for a few days until Elizabeth is ready to come home. Then I’ll take a couple more days here at Camp David with the whole family. My mom and dad will probably come up and stay, too.”

“That’s nice.”