Why do I keep calling it that? he asked himself. Ghosn shook his head. The obvious place to begin was the access door. It would not be easy. Impact with the ground had telescoped the bombcase, doubtless damaging the internal hinges but he had all the time he wanted.

Ghosn selected a screwdriver from his tool box and went to work.

President Fowler slept late. He was still fatigued from the flight, and he almost laughed at himself in the mirror. Good Lord, three times in less than 24 hours wasn't it? He tried to do the arithmetic in his head, but the effort defeated him before his morning coffee. In any case, three times in relatively short succession. He hadn't done that in quite a long time! But he'd also gotten his rest. His body was composed and relaxed after the morning shower, and the razor plowed through the cream on his face, revealing a man with younger, leaner features that matched the twinkle in his eyes. Three minutes later, he selected a striped tie to go with the white shirt and gray suit. Not somber, but serious was the prescription for the day. He'd let the churchmen dazzle the cameras with their red silk. His speech would be all the more impressive if delivered by a well turned-out businessman/politician, which was his political image, despite the fact that he'd never in his life run a private business of any sort. A serious man, Bob Fowler - with a common touch to be sure, but a serious man whom one could trust to do The Right Thing.

Well, I will sure as hell prove that today, the President of the United States told himself in yet another mirror as he checked his tie. His head turned at the knock on the door. "Come in."

"Good morning, Mr President." said Special Agent Connor.

"How are you today, Pete?" Fowler asked, turning back to the mirror the knot wasn't quite right, and he started afresh.

"Fine, thank you, sir. It's a mighty nice day outside."

"You people never get enough rest. Never get to see the sights, either. That's my fault, isn't it?" There, Fowler thought, that's perfect.

"It's okay, Mr President. We're all volunteers. What do you want for breakfast, sir?"

"Good morning, Mr President!" Dr Elliot came in behind Connor. "This is the day!"

Bob Fowler turned with a smile. "It sure as hell is! Join me for breakfast, Elizabeth?"

"Love to. I have the morning brief - it's a nice short one for a change."

"Pete, breakfast for two a big one. I'm hungry."

"Just coffee for me," Liz said to the servant. Connor caught the tone of her voice, but did not react beyond nodding before he left. "Bob, you look wonderful."

"So do you, Elizabeth." And so she did, in her most expensive suit, which was also serious-looking, but just feminine enough. She took her seat and did the briefing.

"CIA says the Japanese are up to something," she said as she concluded.