"I don't think I'll have to. Walter really belongs in one of those banks in Switzerland or Grand Cayman. He loves the chance to be discreet almost as much as he loves having people know how discreet he is."

"Then you're going to arrange for our evening ride, yes?"

"As soon as you leave, I'll set things up. We've got some damn fine horses out at the stables near Camp David."

"I want it to get dark an hour or so after we disappear. At first we'll need to see what we're doing, but then I want to make it as difficult as possible for the people who are looking for you."

"Now, why would they want to be doing that?"

"Beats me. You're only the president. Drew, I know this has got to be hard for you. It's tough getting bossed around when you're used to being the capo del capo. But please believe me, we're doing the right thing—the only thing."

"Why can't we just—?"

"Just what? Arrest everyone? It was horrible watching Jim collapse and stop breathing the way he did. He could have had a hundred Secret Service men around him, a thousand, and the outcome would have been the same."

Stoddard drummed his fingertips together, and Gabe could tell that he was scanning every possibility for how he might deal with the threat to his health and life and still remain president.

"You have the map I drew marking where you should leave the ATV?" he asked finally.

"Right here."

"Remember, I haven't been there for years, so there's no vouching for accuracy."

"I'm planning on making a trial run up there later today."

"Just call if you get lost."

"That reminds me. Do you have a cell phone I can borrow? Mine was in my pocket along with my wallet when I went for the big swim."

Drew padded to the bedroom and returned with a check and a cell phone.

"Careful now," he said, handing the cell phone over. "Push the concealed button by mistake and you wipe out Moscow."

The two friends stood quietly for a time, then shook hands and finally embraced.

"Where're you going to start?" Stoddard asked.

"I have some errands to run, but first I'm going to see just how easy it is to buy a car and get it on the road when all I have is cash."

"My money's on you. I just spoke a little to Carol and told her what's in store for us. She says she trusts you to do what's best for her husband."

"Thank her for me, Drew."

"I knew I did the right thing bringing you out here from Wyoming,"

"And I knew I did the right thing voting for you."

CHAPTER 53

BIG AL, THE CAR BUYER'S PAL.