Chapter 232

“That’s why I’m here,” responded Senator Chatham. “First let me congratulate you both on some excellent work under incredibly difficult circumstances. I saw the video of the attack and you both responded quickly and very effectively. President Hanson was quite proud of you both. Now for the bad news. Two days ago, North Korea captured five Americans that had been sailing well off their coast until a bad storm disabled their boat. It caused them to drift into North Korean waters where they were picked up by their navy. We’ve demanded their release, but you know how unpredictable Jong can be. He won’t even discuss freeing them.”

“I have a bad feeling about where this is going,” interrupted Gwen hotly. “Steve will not be traded for any person or group, for any reason! It’s unethical and immoral to even ask him. He will not be used as chattel in some trade with the Koreans!”

“I couldn’t agree more,” responded Senator Chatham. “That will not be happening. I promise you that.