The President's Daughter: A Thriller

Two weeks after his daughter Mel’s apparent murder, Keating lives in isolated grief at his home in Lake Marie, New Hampshire. He observes the doubled Secret Service presence. Samantha has returned to a dig in Maine, and their phone calls are strained. Keating receives visits from his chief of staff, Madeline Perry, and his house cleaner, Yvette Cloutier. He refuses an FBI request to search Mel’s bedroom, as he is sleeping there himself.

Keating’s new routine consists of drinking, exercise, and secret weapons training. He records and sends a video message to Samantha. Agent David Stahl, head of his security detail, joins him on the porch. Keating declines a poker game and instead asks Stahl and the original five agents to serve as escorts for Mel’s body if it is recovered. He then declares his vow to hunt down and kill the terrorist Al-Asheed himself.

Immediately after making his vow, Keating explains his plan to Agent Stahl. He intends to exact vengeance on everyone involved in Mel’s death, and he will act without official sanction. Stahl, insisting that his own career is over, seeks justice and declares that he will join the mission.

Keating accepts Stahl’s help and outlines his needs, including burner phones, credit cards, and specialized equipment.