At first Tauriq had used intermediaries to inform Percy in the subtlest of ways of the existence of the tape. He never used it. He never mentioned it again. He simply held onto it for . . . a suitable occasion.

Tauriq Haddad was himself a man of immense wealth, charm, and mystery. He had amassed his fortune thanks to one extraordinary attribute—his remarkable patience. He never bought too soon, never sold too late. And, he never tried to pick and eat a half-ripe fruit. He knew that one day the baubles, trinkets, and videotapes he collected would have their desired effect: to give him control over one or more powerful departments of the government. But how could he have dreamed that one day his most distinctive character trait would bring him the White House itself?

Thus, he had waited patiently, until this particular day.

For Percy DuVal that videotape meant public disgrace. Worse than that, it meant the threat of prosecution for a federal crime. DuVal knew that Tauriq Haddad was absolutely ruthless. If Benjamin Benares failed the security test, Percy DuVal would be destroyed. On the other hand, Percy had ample reason to believe that Tauriq Haddad was no petty extortionist. When Percy delivered on this request, neither he nor anyone else would hear of the incriminating tape again.

After all, Percy thought, what real difference does a chief of staff make? The president could fire him anytime he wanted to. The chief of staff was only an adviser, not a policy maker.

So, armed with what he believed to be impeccable logic, Percy DuVal called in one of his highly trusted colleagues, a Secret Service supervisor. “Daniel,” he said, “this is a rush confirmation from the White House. The file is on the way. The man’s name is Benjamin Benares, and he’s the first pick. It’s already cleared by Number One, but I need something to paper the files. Please see what you can do, and make it quick.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. DuVal,” replied the supervisor. As he walked away, his mind focused on one thing. That little pervert can kill any promotion coming my way. I know what he wants, and it’s unorthodox, to say the least. But if I don’t do as he asks, my career is dog meat. If I play ball though, it could mean a promotion or even a raise.

Thus, the circle of Washington’s bureaucratic protectionism went into high gear. It was just one career bureaucrat protecting his career. Then, in natural progression, another career bureaucrat protected his career. Then another and another, until, in record time, out came a glowing security clearance for a man with certain questionable credentials. And from that clearance came a new White House chief of staff—Benjamin Benares—appointed without proper security checks or references. Appointed with no real concern for the welfare of the United States. Appointed by manipulation and extortion.