She begins a relationship with Louis Desforges, a widowed French physician that saves her from attempts to kidnap and poison her, until he gets killed by Slade.

Interspersed with that narration, the novel shows gatherings of members of the Patriots for Freedom, a secret society of powerful men that orchestrate political events trying to divide the Eastern and Western Blocs.

The members of the Patriots are arrested and their chairman (revealed to be the Vice President of the United States) is killed by Angel after refusing to pay for the failed assassination.

Once this threat is neutralized, Mary attempts to resign her post, believing that her success was created to be used as a political tool, but the president convinces her to remain in the position under the protection of Slade.

In the final scene, another cell of the Patriots for Freedom composed only of women (presumably led by the dead Veep's widow) is shown deliberating about their next course of action.