***

  Bill Minton was in the Oval Office, going through the motions of working late, when the Chief of Staff, Colin Carlucci strode in, without knocking. This was why Minton was really there - waiting news. The President's Executive Secretary disappeared fast, without being asked. Laura Billings knew the signs, and knew something was afoot.

  Minton sat, grim faced, his stomach churning, and looked up. This was it. It had started. Probably the biggest gamble of his political life. This would be bigger than Watergate, the Gulf war, Bosnia - anything. The ball was rolling, and there was no stopping it now. He could tell from the look on Carlucci’s face.

  “McFosters.” said Carlucci. “He’s gone. Had it. Finished - kaput - disappeared off the face of the earth.”

  “As planned?” asked Minton.

  “Exactly as planned.”

  There would be no trace of him. There was no record of him arriving in Washington. Not a living soul saw him. Nothing.