Chapter 437

“Steve and I want to thank you for your service to your country and to us,” began Gwen. “You both showed exceptional skill and courage. We appreciate everything you and your fellow agents do to keep me and my family safe.”

“Madam President, we both feel kind of bad that your husband had to pull our butts out of the fire, so to speak. He reacted faster than any of the rest of us. The only reason there weren’t more casualties is because of your husband’s skill and instincts,” replied the older of the two men.

“Steve was pretty incredible, but he’s been trained for that sort of thing since he was a teenager. Don’t try to compare your skill set to his: there’s only one Steve Hammer. You both willingly engaged those terrorists intent on killing the Chancellor and me. You demonstrated your courage and training in a very dire situation. My family is in your debt. Thank you both.”

Later, as Steve and Gwen were preparing for the state dinner, their friends in Washington wer