Faulkner smiles appreciatively. He’s a seasoned pol, so he’s used the same tactics himself. When somebody gets out of line, highway funds for his district might mysteriously get held up. A promised military base might need to be relocated. A congressman with a safe seat might suddenly see a well-funded primary opponent on the horizon.

“Play hardball, Maddy. We need to get our financial house in order once and for all—before the whole thing collapses.”

“I believe it’s what we were put here to do,” says Maddy. “Me and you.”

Faulkner shifts in the bed and brings his head closer to Maddy’s. He leans forward.

“Maddy, you need to be careful. Even in this place, I hear things.”

“Like what?”

Faulkner eases back down onto his pillow. “Someone might be trying to sabotage you. Someone who wouldn’t mind if your first term was your last.”

CHAPTER
14

An agent holds the door open for the president. Unsettled by Faulkner’s warning, Maddy steps into the corridor and immediately runs into another problem.

Rachel Bernstein.

Bernstein is the VP’s chief of staff, formerly his campaign manager, and one of the people who believe that Ransom Faulkner was cheated out of his rightful destiny.

“Hello, Rachel,” says Maddy. “Nice to see you.” A harmless lie.

“Madam President,” Bernstein replies curtly. Behind her are two young staffers and a Secret Service agent from the VP’s detail.

“I just saw the chief,” Maddy says. “How’s he doing, really?”

Citing HIPAA requirements, Bernstein says, “Unfortunately, unless you’re a family member or have written permission from the vice president, I can’t tell you a thing.” She waits a split second before adding, “Ma’am.”

Maddy knows HIPAA doesn’t apply here, since Bernstein isn’t part of Faulkner’s medical team, but she nods as if she believes her. “Well, then,” says the president, “I’ll get on that.”

Bernstein heads for Faulkner’s door. Maddy grabs her arm and pulls her back. “The vice president is resting,” she says firmly. “Let him be.”

“Is that what the doctor said?” asks Bernstein.

“No,” says Maddy. “That’s what I said. Remember me? I’m the person you serve at the pleasure of.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Bernstein says.

Maddy turns to her two Secret Service agents. “Let’s move.”

Hospital personnel step to the side as the agents clear a path to the elevators. The lieutenant with the football follows close behind Maddy.

Four years ago, in that New York City convention hall, Maddy and Ransom Faulkner had stepped into a private holding room and made a deal: When her two terms were up, she would fully support his run for president. Rachel Bernstein knows about the deal, and Maddy is aware that she can’t wait for it to happen.

But after seeing the vice president today, Maddy’s not sure it ever will.

CHAPTER
15

Dartmouth College