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transportation secretary in there,” Grace said. “He’s the acting President of the United States.”
     
     
     

CHAPTER 7
    Grace stood in the living room of the restored farmhouse facing Richard Graham for the first time. Graham was short with greying hair that not long ago had been blonde. He wore a blue and white flannel shirt that had been ironed and was tucked into flat front khakis. Grace figured the man thought the flat front looked more rugged with the flannel than pleats would. The room looked like a cross between a rustic cabin and a page from an Ethan Allen catalog. He finished describing what had happened less than two hours earlier at the Capitol and Graham turned and sat down on the end of a long, country plaid print sofa.
    “Are they still alive?” Graham said.
    “I’ve been out of contact since 2200 hours, sir,” Grace said. “At that point we had no reason to believe they weren’t.”
    Another man came and sat down beside Graham on the arm of the sofa.
    “All our friends are in that building,” Graham said. “What do you need me to do?”
    “I need you to come with me and my men,” Grace said. “We’re taking you to a secure location to meet with the leadership staff that’s assembled.”
    “Who?” Graham said.
    “I’m not at liberty to discuss that right now,” Grace said.
    Graham turned to the other man then back to Grace. “William needs to come with me,” Graham said. William was taller than his partner. He was slender but not slight. A snap to his gait contradicted his soothing voice.
    “If Richard goes, I go,” William said.
    Grace paused while he thought then turned to Foster. “He was cleared to be here?” Grace said.
    “He was,” Foster said.
    “That’s fine,” Grace said. “We’ll sort it out when we get to the other side. You have three minutes to grab what you need then you’re with me and my men.”
    “Whoa,” Foster said. “You think you’re transporting him without us?”
    “I don’t think that, I know that,” Grace said. “This is our mission and it’s under the command of the highest ranking people not inside the capitol at this time. For the security of the mission and of Mr. Graham, it’s how it has to be.”
    “I don’t like it,” Foster said.
    “You don’t have to like it,” Grace said. “We’ll have a bird land to pick us up. After we’re gone, the second one will come in for you and your team. You’ll follow us to our destination.”
    Grace turned and walked out of the room and onto the porch before the Secret Service agent could protest more. He tapped his radio.
    “We’re ready for you, Corbin,” Grace said.
    “Copy that. On my way,” Grace could hear the engines begin winding up while Corbin was still talking.
    “Chip, be ready,” Grace looked out to the trees. “We’re not sitting on the ground very long.”
    “10-4, good buddy,” Chip said.
    Back in the house Grace looked around.
    “Okay, Mr. Secretary, you’re with us,” Grace said. “Bring no more than what you can carry, there’s no overhead compartments on the helicopter.”
    Richard Graham stood and went the stairs to pack. William followed him, trying to keep him calm.
    “He’s pretty rattled,” Foster said.
    “I know,” Grace said. “Imagine you were just told you were president.” He glanced over at the radio on Foster’s belt. “Have your men ready.”
    The rumbling of the Blackhawk started growing from outside. By the time Grace had Graham out the door it was turning and landing in the yard in front of the house. Grace led Graham by the arm and began walking. Avery and Levi flanked them and Holden walked with William, watching all directions. The Secret Service officers spread out across the yard. Avery boarded first then helped Graham up. Holden followed then Grace stepped up. Once William was on board Levi took a look around then climbed on.
    As the rotors began to speed up again Chip ran up to the other side of the helicopter and slid