Washington

Craig left the Oval Office after briefing President Treadwell, who thanked Craig for a job well done.

As Craig passed the secretary’s desk in the reception area, he saw a copy of the International Herald. Craig picked it up.

The lead article in the upper right hand corner was entitled “Leadership Change in China” with the byline of Elizabeth Crowder.

Craig read, “President Zhou of China died yesterday of a sudden heart attack moments after he arrived in Moscow for a secret meeting with Russian President Kuznov. Efforts to revive Zhou were unsuccessful.

“In order to achieve a speedy transition, the Chinese Central Committee met three hours later. They named Mei Ling to be Zhou’s successor.”

From the White House, Craig drove to the cemetery in Virginia. He stood for ten minutes in silence at Francesca’s grave. Then he said, “At last, I’ve avenged your death.”

He would never forget his beautiful, talented daughter. But for Craig, it was time to move on.