"How do I know? I've never met anyone capable of more convoluted machinations." He waited. "You're not going to tell me."

"I don't usually use kids in my plans."

"But you're not saying you didn't this time." He opened the door. "It was a pretty foul game at Vasaro. I wouldn't like to think you'd drawn me into something that dirty. Tell me who your source was."

"You know me. We've been friends for seven years. If that's not good enough, you'll have to think what you like."

Galen swore softly. "Damn you. Give me something."

"I don't make excuses or explanations. You take me as I am or not at all."

"I'm supposed to trust you blindly?"

Travis didn't answer.

Galen sighed. "You're a tough friend to have, Michael. I don't think you were in on the setup at Vasaro, but the CIA may have a different view. I hope you know what you're doing."

He hoped he did too, Travis thought as the door closed behind Galen. The situation here was very dicey, and he didn't know how long he could stay on the run. He needed a safe haven while he negotiated a way to stay alive and get out with all the marbles in the game.

And keep the marbles from falling into the hands of the CIA. He'd have to do some fast talking and even faster manipulating to place himself in a position to bargain with Andreas.

So what was new? It was what he'd been doing all his life. Deception, manipulation, sleight of hand, and balancing on the tightrope Galen said he wanted nothing to do with any longer. He wasn't sure he wanted it either. God, he was tired.

Snap out of it. The adrenaline would come back in a rush when the CIA came through that door. Think of the challenge. It wasn't every day a man got to match wits with the leader of the free world.

Juniper

The nurse who opened the door was middle-aged, her red hair peppered with gray. "Dr. Riley is with your daughter, Mr. President. I'm afraid she's having a bad night."