Grace was beside herself. From the moment she’d woken up from her faint, she’d been an uncomfortable mix of frantic energy and desperation, needing to find her son and having no idea where to begin.

She was pacing the house, the grounds, going from one group of policemen to another, hoping to hear of a plan or something she could do to help in the search and repeatedly coming up empty.

Her hand trailed along the paneled wall of the hallway that led to her father’s room. His deep, booming voice could be heard before she reached the doorway.

“They have no need to issue demands. The threat has already been made. Drop out of the race or Nico will be killed.”

“If he’s still alive,” came Matteo’s voice.

She stormed into the room. “Don’t say that! My baby is alive. He’s going to come back to me.”

Matteo stood and put his arms on her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were there.”

“At least give my son the courtesy of assuming he’s alive and in need of rescuing before you simply write him off forever.”

“I’m not writing anyone off,” he said. “I believe he’s alive, and I will do everything in my power to get him back to you.”

“That responsibility is mine,” said Vasile. “I’ve had my secretary call a press conference for one o’clock, where I will officially drop out of the run for president.”

“But Father—”

“It’s the only thing they want. The only thing that can bring my grandson home to his mother. And to me.” Her father’s voice cracked, the most emotion she’d seen him express in years.

“What happens to the country when Trane wins the presidency?” she asked.

“We pray for them. Our family has made enough sacrifices in the name of patriotism. Now it’s time to protect our own.”

Grace nodded, her face crumpling into tears. Her father was giving up his ideals, everything he’d worked so hard for. She knew how much that meant to him, the price he was being asked to pay. “How can we be sure they’ll bring him back?”

Matteo walked to her and opened his arms. She fell into them. “We can only hope,” he said. “HERO Force is on their way in. They’ll be here within the hour. Together we’ll do everything we can to bring Nico home.”

“I want to help. I need to do something.”

A knock on the door and it opened, Talia standing there. “Sir, they’re ready for you now.”

Vasile nodded solemnly and led the way out of the room, Matteo and Grace following him, taking their seats to the side of the press corps. “This is a sad day for history,” she whispered as her father took to the podium, cameras flashing and recording.

“Ladies and gentlemen, fellow countrymen,” he began. “It is with great sorrow that I tell you I am resigning from this campaign.” A collective exclamation buzzed through the room. “I will not be running for the presidency in this term or any other. I have enjoyed my time leading Lutsia, but it is time for me to step aside.”

The camera flashes went crazy as reporters vied to have their questions answered. “Mr. President, can you tell us what’s prompted this sudden change of direction?”

“I have decided to put the needs of my family before those of my countrymen. I sincerely hope the hardworking people of Lutsia understand.”

“Mr. President, who will be left to lead the charge against Victor Trane in the coming election? Has your party nominated another candidate?”

“It’s too early to say who my party will delegate to run in the election. We have not yet made any plans for my replacement.”

Grace whispered in Matteo’s ear, “He’s leaning forward. Is he okay? Why’s he doing that?”

“And he’s white as a sheet.” He took her hand. “Come on. Let’s go.”

“What’s happening?”

Before he could answer her, Vasile fell to one side, just barely catching himself on the podium. The room filled with concerned noises as Grace and Matteo made their way to the front.

Vasile fell over, landing on the floor with a heavy thud.

“Daddy!” Grace screamed.

“Back up! Give him some space,” said Matteo. “Get a medic in here, now.” Matteo searched Vasile’s pockets frantically, desperate to find the vile that could save his father-in-law’s life.

“What’s happening?” asked Grace. “What are you looking for?”

“Nitroglycerin.”

She didn’t speak again. He found the pills, quickly opening them and placing one beneath the president’s tongue. He looked different this time than he had during the other attack Matteo had witnessed, his color paler, his features still.

Matteo feared he was dead. “Is there an AED in the building?”

“What?” asked Grace.

“A defibrillator to shock his heart.”

One of the reporters called out, “In the cafeteria.”

“Quick, run and grab it,” said Matteo.

“Mr. Cruz, were you aware your father-in-law had a heart condition?”

Matteo’s head snapped up. “You should go. Get out of here. We need to make room for the medics.”

The reporters didn’t budge.

Matteo stood and pushed at cameras and microphones. “Get out of here, now. His life depends on it, you fools. Back up, dammit.” He was pushing at the reporters now, aware of the lights in his face and the footage that was recording.

None of that mattered now. All that mattered was that Vasile survived. Grace had already lost her child. He couldn’t stand for her to lose anyone else.

He had to get out there himself, had to try to find Nico.

He pushed the last reporter out the door and closed it tightly behind him. His eyes found General Talia’s. “I need access to weapons. Lots of them. And transportation. HERO Force is landing in fifteen minutes and I’m going to find my son.”