Read In Sheep's Clothing: An Action-Packed Political Thriller (Matthew Richter Thriller Series Book 1) for Free Online Page A

and had reasoned that a by-the-book agent would be better suited for the role.  After speaking to Pat Monahan, he knew he had made the right decision.
    Unfortunately, the rest of the day had not gone as well, starting with the news that his vice president might be trying to undermine him. 
    “Absolutely not, Dave,” Rumson had said defensively when Kendall confronted him.  “I’ve spoken to a few people and explained how important the Hettinger nomination is to this administration and that I personally believe she’s the right person to head up State.  Never once,” he said, his voice firm, “did I give anyone the impression that I wasn’t one hundred percent behind Carol.”
    The president noted the anger in Rumson’s eyes.  It was clear that he felt his integrity was being called into question. 
    Rumson demanded to know who was spreading false rumors about him.
    The president considered the source.  He had known Charles Howell for over ten years, having met him when he was a money manager and Howell was the President of Cornell University.  Then, when he had been elected to the Senate, he had convinced Howell to join his staff.  Of all of his advisors, he spent the most time with Howell.  From their morning coffees to countless impromptu meetings throughout the day, Howell was always there offering his opinion, his advice.  He trusted the man and never had reason to doubt him.
    “Tyler, I have it from a source I trust.”
    “For God’s sake, Dave!”  Rumson threw his hands up in frustration.  “This is the same thing that happened to Duggan!  Someone over in the Senate is out to get me!”
    He sat back in the darkened room and sighed.  It was a long time before he finally stood and made his way down the hall.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    Richter grabbed a bottle of water and began pacing back and forth to cool down after his ten-mile run.  He glanced up at the clock on the kitchen wall.  It was just after seven in the morning and his shift, the last before vacation, didn’t start until four.  Picking up his cell phone, he walked to the window and stared out at the overcast sky. 
    Last night had been rough.  After waking in a cold sweat, he’d tossed and turned for two hours.  He couldn’t shake the feeling that his life was crashing down around him.  He had finally given up trying to fall back to sleep and gone for a run. 
    He knew his job was at risk.  Although his shift supervisor, Brad Lansing, hadn’t said anything to him yet, it was only a matter of time.  Keith O’Rourke, nonetheless, had pulled him aside again.  The conversation had stung.
    “You’re putting POTUS at risk.  I don’t want to do it, but unless you get some help, I’ll have to speak to Lansing and Kroger.”
    Richter had cringed at that.  Secret Service Director Gerry Kroger had no tolerance for anything less than perfection.
    “Listen, I’m going to do you a favor.  I’m adjusting the schedule.  You’ve got two weeks coming to you.  Take them now.  Go see your family.  Enjoy the holidays.”  O’Rourke had paused.  “But I want you to make an appointment with the shrink before you head out of town.”      
    Richter stared at his phone for several seconds before pressing the buttons.
    “Good morning.  Doctor Hastings’ office.”
___
    The snow began to fall as Richter walked down the steps to the metro platform.  Washington traffic was challenge enough on a clear day.  With six inches of snow forecasted, he decided to leave his car at home.
    He had been somewhat disconcerted by his conversation with Dr. Hastings.  After they had discussed his dream, she had surprised him when she asked what he wanted in life.  A family?  A wife?  Kids?  What did he do for fun?  What made him laugh?  What made him happy?  What was his passion?  What made Matthew Richter tick?  If he could live his life again, would he do anything differently? 
    Richter had struggled with most of the