Chapter 518

Gwen saw the merit in Kate’s suggestion and reluctantly agreed. There would be difficult questions, as well as possible accusations. She and the Civil Air Patrol held a joint news conference less than an hour later. It began with the CAP representative describing what had been done, and what was being done to locate the survivors of the crash.

Then Gwen gave a brief statement. “Steve has a likely compound fracture of his left leg. Linda Stenson has a badly lacerated arm. They’re both running temperatures, possibly because of infection. Saint and Pamela were bruised, but both appear to be in good health. The pilot had died in his seat prior to the crash. The engine sputtered once and then stopped, causing the aircraft to plummet into the western down slope of a mountain within sight of two mountain peaks above the tree line. That’s pretty much what I know at this point.”

“Madam President,” began Amber Stahl. “First, let me express my hope your family and friends are found