"The way I see it, we need to start grilling the scientists and administrators in that lab attached to Lily's place—find out who they're working for other than Lily, and what they might know that will help get those fullerenes in you neutralized or eliminated. But before we do that, I really think we should find a place to hide you away from anybody who might possibly be behind this."

"What do you mean by anybody?"

"Just that."

"My wife? My Secret Service protection? My staff? The country?"

"Drew, you're no good to any of us dead. At the moment, virtually everyone connected with you in any way is a suspect."

"Excuse me, my friend, but haven't you seen what life is like for me? Except for here in our little temporary apartment, I'm not able to go to the bathroom without a phalanx of agents standing by. It's their job, and they do it well."

Gabe tapped his fingers together and worked through the idea that had taken root in his mind.

"I have an idea for a way we might be able to get you separated from everyone—everyone except me, that is."

"Pardon me for my skepticism, but I've seen the Secret Service in action. I don't believe you can do that."

"I didn't say it was going to be easy."

Gabe stared out the window and again played through the scenario he had concocted.

"You have figured out a way to kidnap the President of the United States?" Drew said.

"It's not kidnapping if the president goes along with it—more like borrowing. What we need is a place to go—a place where you might be able to hide out for a few days."

"We would have to notify Tom Cooper that he's about to become president."

"Nonsense. It's his job to be ready to become president. That's why you picked him. Besides, as you suggested, he might be the last person we want to tell anything to. Drew, the Constitution and the laws of the land have been put together to handle situations involving you having to take a break from running the country."

"I suppose. I can't believe that my ratty ol' cowboy pal is lecturing me on constitutional law."

"Believe me, sir, your ratty ol' cowboy pal has been busy making himself something of an expert on this. Now, if we're to succeed in separating you from the world, it will have to be soon. Should be today, but I'll need time to get some things together. So tomorrow."

"I'll try and stay in here alone or with Carol as much as possible until then."

Gabe flashed on the unsettling exchange with the First Lady the night of Drew's psychotic episode.

"With Carol would be better," he managed. "I don't want you to be alone. If you can, I'd appreciate it if you make your main priority mobilizing people to help find Alison. I'm really worried about her."

"Count on it."