An ABC team arrived and was filming and asking questions when Charlie got in from school. As soon as she was able to finish with the reporters, she suggested they go out for dinner. Tina’s Café on Sunrise Boulevard was a good place to lose themselves. She passed Charlie’s number along to Derek and turned her own commlink off. It gave her the first quiet time she’d had since opening her eyes that morning.

•  •  •

Unfortunately, she couldn’t take Charlie’s commlink to South Jersey with her next day. So she gave Derek her mother’s number and was consequently able to enjoy an uneventful ride.

A few minutes after she arrived, friends and family began showing up. Uncle Frank and Aunt Louise, two cousins, her mother’s cousin Alice, and Hutch’s younger brother, Jason. There were a few people she’d been in elementary and high school with, including a guy she’d fallen in love with at fifteen. Harry Collins. He still looked good. And though she’d done what she could to put him behind her, you never really forget a first love.

They came and went throughout the day and evening, commenting on her courage, admitting how they would never do it, and going on about how it would be a flight into the dark. “I think it’s crazy,” said Uncle Frank. “It just seems like asking for trouble.”

In the morning they enjoyed a long breakfast of French toast and an assortment of fruit. Afterward they just sat and talked until Jason said how he had to be getting to work. He did public relations for Cranby & Fitch, a law firm. So, finally, it was time to say good-bye. There were lots of hugs and assurances from Hutch that when the mission was done, she would return to Cherry Hill and actually spend some serious time with the family.

“I will,” she said. “Absolutely.”

Mom’s commlink sounded. She answered and listened for a moment. Then she grinned and covered the link. “This woman says she’s calling from the White House.” Her eyes sent the rest of the message: The president wants to talk to you.

Hutch’s heart skipped a beat. Her mother handed her the link. Priscilla looked at one of the exits, signaling that it would be a good idea if she got some privacy. Mom and Jason looked awestruck, but they wasted no time leaving the room. Hutch stared at the phone for a long moment. Then: “This is Priscilla Hutchins.”

“Ms. Hutchins, the president wishes to speak with you. Please hold.”

She heard a click at the other end. Then, after only a few seconds, Proctor’s voice: “Ms. Hutchins?”

“Yes, Madam President. What can I do for you?” Dumb. She knew what was coming.