Gabe risked a glance over at the man, but The Chief was facing stoically ahead.

"I wish I were back home," Gabe said.

Blackthorn set a hand on Gabe's shoulder.

"When it's time, you'll come home," he said. "Meanwhile, the president has the right doctor taking care of him. Of that I am certain."

With help from Treat Griswold, Gabe had surprisingly little trouble getting Blackthorn into the White House and then to the medical clinic, which had been closed since before the motorcade to Baltimore. Then, after ensuring that there were no reporters or other surprise visitors wandering about, Griswold stood guard as the two doctors crossed to the elevator and rode up to the president's residence, where the chief executive waited with his wife.

After brief introductions, Gabe took advantage of the situation to confirm that Stoddard's lungs were still clear and that he was, in fact, ready and able to undergo extensive psychological and neurological testing. In case of any problem, Carol would remain close by in another room and Gabe would be in the clinic. Neither the president nor the First Lady showed any particular reaction to Blackthorn's appearance or his blindness, although Stoddard did ask the man if he was Democrat or Republican.

"Arapaho," was the reply.

CHAPTER 26

Back in his office, Gabe fished out Lily Sexton's card and called her at Lily Pad Stables. The secretary-designate answered on the first ring, prompting Gabe to wonder what the caller ID read for calls originating in the White House.

"This is Lily."

Gabe flashed on the woman, elegant, alluring, and stately in her tuxedo—clearly one of a kind. Despite the drawing in Ferendelli's desk and the notion that Lily and the man were involved with one another, the idea of spending some time with her, especially on horseback, held definite appeal.

"Lily, it's Gabe. Gabe Singleton."

"Well hi. After the other night I was hoping I might hear from you. Everything all right with the president?"

Gabe focused on what he and Lattimore had told the world after Stoddard missed the state dinner. It was no surprise, really, but the list of those anxious for information on Drew's health kept growing.

"He's doing fine."

"Excellent. After we spoke the other night, then you rushed away on your mission of caring, I decided you needed Serious Therapy, so I've been anxiously waiting to tell you."

"Are you that perceptive? Half the people who know me think I could use a good shrink."

"Not a shrink, Doctor, Serious Therapy. He's my best trail horse—an absolute hunk."

"And here I thought you had brilliantly diagnosed me after just a few minutes together."

"Maybe I have. We'll see what you need after you spend some time on S.T. I hope you'll agree this is some horse. The president's ridden him twice."