Pittsburgh. Intensive Care Unit.
Leo lay on the hospital bed, his left arm wrapped in thick gauze and immobilized at his side.
The effects of the anesthetic had completely worn off. Pain washed over him in waves, and every heartbeat brought a sharp, tearing sensation from his wound.
But he didn't press the call button for painkillers.
He was thinking.
The pain kept him sharp, allowing him to seize the fleeting opportunity in this world of lies and schemes.
Right now, he was the focus of All of America.
The photograph of his blood-soaked shirt was still on the front page of every major news outlet, and his approval ratings had skyrocketed to their peak.
This was when he was at his strongest.
It was also when he was in the most danger.
He had to make his move now.
With great effort, Leo used his right hand to pull his phone from under the pillow and directly dialed David Stern's private number.
The phone was answered after just one ring.
"Leo?"
