White saw Hammond’s body stiffen, his jaw muscles tensing. “What’s your point?”
“My point?” White said, resisting the urge to bang Hammond’s head against the solid marble wall behind him. “Drain is going to be back up and running soon, and Veronica will be traveling and promoting it all over the world. You’re going to support her—no matter where it takes her. Even to the Arabian Peninsula. And you’re going to ensure that she’s protected by the best Secret Service agents. I might not be one of them anymore, but I know that they’re uncorruptible, that they’ll follow their oath to protect her—no matter what instructions the VP gives them. Are we clear on this?”
Hammond’s stony expression didn’t waver, but White’s eyes caught a flicker of something that might have been fear.
“But yes, you were right, Alex,” White said. “I’m a lucky man. And by the way, Vonnie and I are leaving tonight.”
This time, Hammond’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “Where?” he asked, as if he had just swallowed broken glass.
“As far from you as we can,” White said, getting up and walking away.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The first thank-you goes to my readers. Thank you for your attention and your time. There aren’t enough words to properly express how grateful I am. It’s always such a pleasure to interact with you online. Thank you for your messages. Keep them coming—because they keep me going!
This book would not exist if it wasn’t for my marvelous team at Thomas & Mercer. I’m extremely proud to be associated with such a talented lineup of publishing professionals. I am forever indebted to my acquiring editor, Liz Pearsons. Thank you for your support and spot-on editing. You’re truly a joy to work with. Thanks, too, to Grace Doyle, Sarah Shaw, Laura Barrett, and Lindsey Bragg. Thank you to Caitlin Alexander, who with Liz made countless suggestions, large and small, on how to improve the book. You’re a literary genius!
A special thanks to my good friend and literary agent Eric Myers at Myers Literary Management. Thanks for everything you do for me. I know I can count on you. Thanks to my writer friends Marc Cameron, Mark Greaney, Joshua Hood, Jack Carr, James Hankins, Don Bentley, Brad Taylor, KJ Howe, Rip Rawlings, Brian Andrews, Jeff Wilson, and Kyle Mills for their support and kind words.
A big thank-you to the guys over at the Crew Reviews: Sean Cameron, Mike Houtz, and C. E. Albanese, all of them terrific writers in their own rights. Thanks to the Real Book Spy, Ryan Steck. You’ve become a trailblazer, my friend!
Finally, I wish to thank my children, Florence and Gabriel, who are a constant source of inspiration and laughter. You brighten my life. And to my fabulous wife, Lisane: every single day with you is a gift. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful life partner. Your love means everything to me. Thanks for believing.