18. The Friendship Game

Elizabeth is concerned that President Tejeda, who is facing an anti-American opponent in a tight election in Honduras, may withdraw from a pending agreement to help combat gang and cartel violence in Central and South American countries. Tejeda requests that Honduras receive aid funds as soon as the agreement is signed, which Elizabeth rejects. A group of NGO workers in Honduras, including an American, are taken captive and $30 million ransom is demanded. Although a wealthy American is willing to pay the ransom, the group holding the hostages does not provide a means of accepting the money, which raises suspicions.

Intelligence gathering finally determines that the workers were taken hostage by Tejeda's own security force. Elizabeth gives a press conference in which she reveals that Tejeda was behind both the kidnapping and release of the captives. Elizabeth and Henry try to make new friends. Matt decides to attempt a long-distance relationship.