Chapter 408

Steve felt her tears on his bare chest as he clutched her trembling body. Then she simply collapsed. Steve deftly caught her and swung her up into his arms. Gwen was now sobbing loudly as she buried her face in her husband’s grimy embrace.

As Steve held his wife, a Secret Service agent stepped in close enough to get Steve’s attention. “Sir, we have a U.S. Navy helicopter nearby, as well as a Navy doctor. Would you and your family please climb aboard? We need to care for the President, your son, and you. The President’s parents will go with you. Please let them lead you to the chopper now.”

Paula and Ted nodded to Steve and then began the long walk back down the street and to the open field that held the waiting helicopter. Ted carried Vickie on his hip as he escorted Paula. Saint walked behind his grandparents with the little blonde girl and her parents, who Gwen had insisted join them.

Steve was right behind them, carrying Gwen as if she weighed very little. Gwen