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capacity.”
    “So it is. In Washington, though, that word takes on a new meaning. We must protect the government and those who make it work.”
    “My mistake, I thought government existed to protect the people by whose grace it stands,” Josie responded lightly, but there was no mistaking her meaning.
    “I love a woman with a quick mouth,” Patriota said.
    “I believe that’s quick wit, Senator,” Eugene Weller suggested.
    The senator looked Eugene up and down, seeming to lament the man’s lack of it.
    “English is my second language. I sometimes confuse words. Thank goodness Eugene is here to watch over me. And now, the time. I’m afraid Eugene was right. We will have to miss the reception.”
    He put one a hand on Eugene’s shoulder and pointed to a young woman coming down the hall with the other.
    “There is Sarah going back to the office. Sarah,” he called out. “Will you be kind enough to escort Ms. Bates to the reception? You know where it is?”
    “Yes, sir. This way.”
    Sarah waited, hand outstretched but Josie didn’t take her up on the invitation. She was looking after the senator and his chief of staff as they walked away. Finally Sarah grew impatient, so Josie relented and went with her to the reception room even though all she really wanted to do was go home. She was tired of the cold and of people who thought outside was the distasteful corridor that connected one government building with the next.
    Behind them Ambrose and Eugene walked and talked. Just before they turned a corner, Patriota looked back at Josie’s retreating figure. Eugene followed his gaze to see what had caught his boss’s interest.
    “Don’t worry, Senator. She’s scheduled for the red eye.”
    “Eugene, if I were to worry about everyone like her I would have been in my grave long ago.”
     

 
    “No. No, they aren’t taking it seriously.” – Josie
    “Do you want me to see what I can find on this guy?” – Archer
    “I’ve got a few hours before I have to be at the airport. I’ll check him out.” – Josie
    “I got a call from the trucker who saw the flyer on the kids. He says he picked Hannah and Billy up and dropped them up north near Sanger. I figure they’re headed to San Francisco. After you get home, I’ll head out that way.” – Archer
    “You should go now.”- Josie
    “Not a chance. Max and I have a homecoming planned.” – Archer
    “It will be late.”- Josie
    “But you’ll be home.” – Archer
    “Unless I find Hannah here.” – Josie
    “Up north is a better bet. I picked up your mail.” – Archer
    “Anything urgent?” – Josie
    “You got a letter from Chowchilla.” – Archer
    “Great.” – Josie
    “You want me to open it?” – Archer
    “Or burn it.” – Josie
    “How about I open it and then burn it? Just in case.” – Archer
    “Whatever. Linda and I have nothing to talk about.” – Josie
    “I’ll take care of it, babe.” – Archer
    “Thanks. See you soon.” – Josie
    “Not soon enough.” – Archer

CHAPTER 4
    Josie lingered exactly two minutes after she hung up with Archer and then she opened the door of the reception room, walked into the hall, and out of the building. She left behind the other two witnesses, their families, Patriota’s staffers, and various hangers-on who drank cheap wine while nibbling cheese cubes and celery sticks. If any of the people in that room could have brought Hannah back home Josie would have nibbled cheese cubes until she turned orange. Since they couldn’t, she took off to find a private place to check out the one lead she had; the one she hadn’t mentioned to anyone.
    By the time she got outside the day chill had turned to night cold. She walked a few blocks with her coat collar turned up and gloved hands pushed into her deep pockets. A breeze ruffled her hair, the cold stung her nose and made her eyes tear. Despite the weather and her worry and her homesickness, Josie was not immune to the majesty of