Chapter 44Tall, business-like, his face set in an expression of gravity and purpose, Speaker Lovelake strode from the podium in front of the White House where he had been making his first statement as Interim President of the United States. He had spoken of his shock at the tragic death of President Sukova, of his commitment to honouring the office into which he had been so suddenly propelled, of his sense of destiny at the responsibilities now thrust upon him, of his determination to investigate the appalling disclosures made by President Sukova in his extraordinary broadcast that morning. He spoke at length about the need for all Americans to search their souls for a better way to live than the depths to which his country had sunk in pursuit of its greedy and sinful ways. He promised to
