They watched as a helicopter lifted off from the White House grounds.
Alex looked at the NIC insignia on the tail. “That was probably Carter Gray making his last trip to the White House.”
“Good riddance,” Kate said.
“The person who replaces him might be just as ruthless,” Alex cautioned.
“Now, that’s a truly frightening thought,” Kate said.
“It’ll be okay.” Alex pointed over to Lafayette Park. “So long as he’s here.”
On a bench sat Stone and Adelphia drinking the cafe.
Adelphia was talking animatedly; however, it was clear that Stone’s attention was fully on the building across the street.
Alex and Kate walked off down the street, leaving the country in the capable hands of citizen Oliver Stone, and the Camel Club.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To Michelle, thanks for always being my number one fan and best critic. I’m still amazed that you read every word in every draft.
To Aaron Priest, thank you for being there for me from day one. None of this would be possible without you.
To Maureen Egen, Jamie Raab, Tina Andreadis, Emi Battaglia, Tom Maciag, Karen Torres, Martha Otis, Jason Pinter, Miriam Parker and the rest of the Warner Books gang who work so hard on my behalf. You have my thanks and appreciation.
To Lucy Childs and Lisa Erbach Vance for all the thousands of details you handle every day for me.
To Frances Jalet-Miller, your editing skills and incredible insight were on full display with this book. Thank you.
To Art Collin, my sincere thanks and gratitude for reading through early drafts.
To Dr. Monica Smiddy, thank you for the detailed and thoughtful medical advice. You make a humble writer sound like a forensic genius.
To Dr. John Y. Cole at the Library of Congress, thank you for the amazing behind-the-scenes tour of LOC and the expert knowledge of its magnificent buildings and collections.
To Mark Dimunation and Daniel De Simone with the Library of Congress for patiently answering all my questions and letting me glimpse the library’s Rare Books reading room. It’s a true gem.
To the USSS Washington Field Office, my utmost thanks and respect for all you do and for your willingness to share your knowledge with me.
To Jennifer Steinberg, my gratitude for always getting answers to those last-minute research questions.
To Maria Rejt, for your very helpful comments.
To Bob Schule, for reading the words, giving me incredibly good comments, educating me on energy policy and, above all, being the best friend anyone could have.
To Neal Schiff, thanks for always being willing to share your FBI knowledge.
To Charles Veilleux, thank you for the expert advice on firearms and weapons.
To Tom DePont, for help on financial issues in the novel.
To Dr. Alli Guleria, a dear friend, for always being there for us, and for educating me on all things orthodontic and Indian.
To Lynette and Deborah, for navigating the “Enterprises” straight and true.
Books by David Baldacci
Series
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell
1. Split Second (2003)
2. Hour Game (2003)
3. Simple Genius (2007)
Freddy and the French Fries
1. Fries Alive! (2005)
2. The Legend of Silas Finklebean (2006)
Camel Club
1. The Camel Club (2005)
2. The Collectors (2006)
3. Stone Cold (2007)
Novels
Absolute Power (1996)
Total Control (1997)
The Winner (1997)
The Simple Truth (1998)
Saving Faith (1999)
Wish You Well (2000)
Last Man Standing (2001)
The Christmas Train (2002)
The Whole Truth (2008)
