Cole grins at Maddy. “Don’t worry. I know the lady who runs the place.”

Now the two details blend to form a protective cocoon around them both. It reminds Cole of taking laps with the whole NFL team.

“I need a favor,” says Maddy.

“You spent all this hard-earned taxpayer money just to ask me for something?”

“You’re in a more receptive mood when you’re out in nature.”

“Wow,” says Cole. “This must be one ugly ask.”

“Senator Balquière, Louisiana,” she says, her voice slightly lower. “I think he’s ready to come over to our side.”

“Balquière? He’s a party leader for the opposition!”

“It’s taken some work,” says Maddy, “but he’s starting to think like an American, not a politician. Now he needs a sweetener, and that’s you.”

“How sweet?” asks Cole. “And how far?”

“Baton Rouge,” says Maddy. “Small high school. The senator’s grandson is on the football team and they’re having a god-awful season. One of your inspirational talks could make a difference.”

“How bad a season?”

“Eight losses. No wins. Dead last in the league.”

“Christ,” says Cole, shaking his head. “I’ll need my A material.”

After another half a mile, Cole hears fresh chatter from the agents around them. When he looks up at the path ahead, he sees the presidential limousine—the Beast—waiting between two armored Suburbans. Agents in dark suits are spaced around the vehicles, scanning the area. One has his hand on the open rear door of the limo.

“My ride’s here,” says Maddy. “Want a lift?”

“I’m gonna do another couple miles,” says Cole. “But thanks for the offer.”

Maddy slows down as they get closer to the curb. She grabs Cole’s sleeve and pulls him to a stop. “Cole, your visit could help break the last logjam. Getting an old warhorse like Balquière on board is a huge step toward saving this country and making history.”

Cole sees a few reporters from the press pool waiting near a van behind the Suburbans. They edge forward as Maddy and Cole get close. Maddy gives them a wave and a smile. “No remarks, guys. Just a friendly run with my husband.”

Cole hugs her around the waist and quickly kisses her on the lips. He hears the cameras snapping.

Maddy slides into the car, shielded by three Secret Service agents. She looks straight at Cole and mouths Thank you.

Just before the eighty-pound door slams shut, he waves. As the small caravan pulls away with the press van behind them, Cole nods at Lambert. “Let’s go, Doug.” All around him, Cole hears the agents chatter: “Sage on the move.”