10 Loyalty
Clearing her throat, Vera Fiducia tapped on the open door and called out across the large vacant room, "Mr. President?"
Glancing out a large glass pane window, a smiling President Coriolanus Snow turned around. "Ah, Vera. Come in."
Vera stepped into the large echoing room recently stripped of all its carpet and furniture. "I brought the groundskeeper, Mr. Croft, as you requested." She turned and motioned to silvered haired man peeking in from the hallway.
When the man entered and moved next to Vera, President Snow warmly approached and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Croft. I've admired the landscaping here at the president's mansion for years. The summer garden is always a delight."
"Thank you, Mr. President. The honor is mine."
Glancing about the room, Vera studied the high ceiling and fine plaster engravings. "The building engineers told me that the modifications should take no longer than a month."
Coriolanus clasped his hands enthusiastically together. "The room is perfect, facing the sun as it does. Once they add the extra windows, we can have the shelving set up.
Briefly looking about the room, Mr. Croft turned to Vera with a confused look.
"This is the room I told you about," confirmed the secretary. "The President is converting this space into an indoor garden."
"Oh. I see." Mr. Croft's brow furled as he took a second glance about. "Um..."
Coriolanus turned to the groundskeeper. "Do you have a concern, Mr. Croft? Feel free to speak your mind."
The man placed his fidgeting hands behind his back. "Mr. President, even with the added windows, there won't be enough light to make this room into a plausible indoor garden."
"True," replied the president. Coriolanus gestured everyone to follow him to a set of floor plans taped to the wall. "This is why I'm having grow lights installed."
Squinting at the floor plans, Mr. Croft asked, "How many grow lights, sir?"
"Enough to cover the whole ceiling."
Mr. Croft's eyes widen as he turned to the president. "The whole ceiling?"
"Yes," chuckled Coriolanus. "Moreover, I'm having the whole room sealed so that we can control the humidity."
"Oh my." Mr. Croft turned back to the floor plans taped on the wall. "What do you plan on growing, Mr. President?"
"Roses."
Mr. Croft looked to the president. "How many?"
"All of them," replied Coriolanus.
"All of them, sir?"
"Yes. As many as this room will hold. I want at least one of every variety." Coriolanus stepped to the nearest window. "I also want to dedicate part of the outdoor garden to roses."
Stepping up to the window, Mr. Croft looked down at the snow-covered fountain that stood center in the garden. "Have you decided which part, Mr. President?"
"The area south of the water fountain. That way, we can let the hedges on the north side grow a little taller."
Staring out the window, the silvered-haired man began gnawing his lip.
"Is there something wrong?" asked Coriolanus.
"That's a lot of work, especially if you want a large number of roses. Even with my part-time summer staff, I must confess that I cannot handle that much additional work, Mr. President."
Coriolanus patted the man on the shoulder. "Don't fret Mr. Croft. I will be assisting with the roses."
The old man eyed the president. "Um..."
"And I give you approval to hire as many full time people as needed."
Mr. Croft's aged spine straightened. "Really?"
"Yes. How many gardeners do you think we need?"
The experienced gardener took a moment to calculate the work in his head. "Um, one, but if you want to fill this room with roses, I'd say two since roses require more work."
"Two it is." Coriolanus turned to his secretary. "Vera, can you begin the hiring process immediately?"
"Yes, sir. I'll start it right away."
The old gardener subtly raised his hand. "Mr. President?"
"Yes."
"My nephew is a gardener in search of extra work; could he—"
"He's hired," interrupted the president. "If you trust him, I trust him. You can hire whomever you want, Mr. Croft."
"Thank you, Mr. President." Glimpsing out the window, the gardener smiled. "The mansion's grounds have needed a change for quite a long time. I look forward to this project."
Pleased with the groundskeeper's reaction, the president smiled with relief. "I will do most of the rose pruning. I find tending to a garden to be relaxing, and the work helps me think; however, if I shall fall behind with my pruning, I may ask you to assist."
Fidgeting, the gardener nodded as he clasped his hands together. "Yes, sir."
Coriolanus took notice of the old man's nervousness. "Don't fret Mr. Croft. If something should go wrong with the roses, I won't become upset. After my daughter and Vera, you're my next favorite person in Panem. I hope to learn from your experience."
"Yes, sir. I was wondering; may I makeover the remaining grounds not dedicated to roses?" asked Mr. Croft.
"Of course," replied the President. "You have free rein over the remaining grounds. This place ultimately belongs to the citizens of Panem. They deserve the best, so let your imagination run wild. I have even been considering opening the grounds to the public one or two days a week, allowing everyone to enjoy the summer garden."
"That would be lovely," commented Vera.
Coriolanus pointed to the white rose in his lapel. "When we get the indoor garden up and running, we will begin with this rose."
Mr. Croft squinted at the flower. "If I'm not mistaken, that's The Devil's Rose. Very rare."
"Yes. This was my late wife's favorite rose."
"Very sharp thorns on that one," said Mr. Croft.
The president paused to look at the rose in his lapel before replying in a low tone, "Yes. And they tend to cut...deeply." Realizing his absent-mindedness, Coriolanus raised his head, taking a deep breath. "Um...after my wife's passing, I took up her gardening to fill the void. I never would have guessed that I'd enjoy it so much. And being a complete novice, I foolishly focused on roses and ended up ruining my jacket lapels before realizing that the thorns could be trimmed. Such a simple task, but I didn't learn until the mistake was made. Such is life." He gently brushed his finger over one of the soft white petals. "When one becomes distracted by beauty, one will succumb to its thorns."
The room fell silent as Coriolanus became lost in thought.
Vera cleared her throat. "Mr. President, the contractors asked if you would like to have this room secured."
Coriolanus shook his head. "Locks won't be necessary. They're just flowers."
"Very good, sir." Vera began tapping a note into her smartphone. "I'll let the contractors know."
With a knock on the doorframe, Ashur Magnus, the aide to the former president, appeared in the open door.
The president gestured the aide to enter.
"Mr. President, you asked to see me?"
"Yes, Mr. Magnus I did." The president turned to the gardener with an extended hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Croft, and I look forward to working with you."
"Thank you, Mr. President. As do I." With a parting nod to everyone in the room, the gardener excused himself.
Once the old man departed, Ashur turned to the president. "I want to thank you for inviting me to attend your inauguration this morning. It was an honor, Mr. President."
"Thank you for attending. We've worked together so much over the years that it only seemed fitting that you be there."
Unable to hide his melancholy, Ashur shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'm almost done packing up my office. I should be out by lunch."
With a growing smile, the president clasped his hands behind his back. "Vera, have you filled his position?"
Vera's eyes narrowed. "No, sir. I don't start interviewing potential aides until later this week."
"Good," said Coriolanus. "I would like to offer Mr. Magnus his old job."
Wide eyed, Ashur shifted his eyes to Vera and then to the president. "Sir?"
"Yes, Mr. Magnus. I'm offering you your old job. You served the previous president diligently, and I'm hoping that you could serve me with the same fervor?"
"I could, I mean, I will, Mr. President."
"You have always been blunt with me, and I want you to continue doing so. The last thing I need is a yes man."
Ashur nodded. "I will always be honest and use the utmost discretion."
"Good," replied the president with an outstretched hand. "Welcome to my cabinet."
"Thank you, sir." Asher shook Coriolanus's hand earnestly.
With a raised chin, the president said, "I'll see you at tomorrow's briefing."
"Yes, sir."
Turning to Ashur, Vera forced a smile. "You've got some unpacking to do. Stop by my office this afternoon, and we'll complete the paperwork."
"Will do." Before stepping away, Ashur tapped Vera on the shoulder, much to her chagrin.
Once they were alone, Vera's smile faded as she eyed the president.
"What?" asked Coriolanus, fighting back his smile.
"Why him?" asked Vera. "He has no loyalty towards you."
"True, but he is loyal towards the office of the presidency. That has a value on its own. He's the kind of person who wants to be standing next to greatness. It will be comforting to know he won't be gunning for my job at the next election. He may even be a good source for secrets."
Vera continued to frown. "Or the other way around."
"If you want, I can write a presidential decree declaring that he has to be especially nice and gentlemanly in your presence."
"That won't work. He's a scorpion."
"He's also the gullible frog. He's both creatures rolled up into one," said Coriolanus, tilting his head in thought.
Studying her boss, Vera crossed her arms. "You've been smiling too much. You'll start making people suspicious."
The president shrugged. "Of what?"
"You tell me," replied Vera with a suspicious smile of her own. "Would you like a fresh cup of coffee?"
"Yes, of course." The president offered his arm to Vera and began escorting her towards the door. Crossing the vast open room, he studied the high ceilings. "My wife would have loved this."
"She would have," said Vera. "You could name the new outdoor garden after her."
Coriolanus thought over the suggestion. "No. Don't get me wrong, but I want the name to be connected to happier times. I'm considering naming it Wonderland Gardens. I want there to be plenty of places for picnics and reading. Hopefully, Livia will enjoy reading in the summer garden when it's complete."
"I'm sure she will."
Arm in arm, the president walked with Vera down the wide elaborate corridors towards their offices. "I've been so busy. Do you know if Livia likes her new room?"
"She's ecstatic," said Vera with an avid smile. "What 14-year-old wouldn't be if they moved into the president's mansion?"
"I don't know. I'm finding the move a bit overwhelming. I miss our simple apartment." The president sighed. "I guess I'm old and sentimental."
Vera lightly slapped the president's hand. "Hush, you're only 47; you'll make me feel old talking that way."
"Sorry," said Coriolanus with a coy grin. "I just hope Livia doesn't become spoiled living here."
"You've done a fine job raising her," said Vera. "You've raised a considerate and kind young lady.
The president shrugged. "I tried my best. Most of the credit goes to her nanny, Miss Thales."
"Don't make me slap you again. You're a great father. You've made time for her every single day."
"I try," said Coriolanus, patting Vera's hand. "Does Miss Thales like her quarters?"
"Yes," replied Vera. "She says that the room is plenty big enough."
"She only took that small room because it's next to the library. You know, I thought that she was going to cry when she saw all those paper books."
Vera nodded. "I've noticed that Livia has developed an affection for paper books."
"A rub off from her nanny."
"Not completely. I remember you buying her paper books for all her special occasions. You've influenced her just as much, if not more." At a junction, Vera pulled on the Coriolanus's arm to turn the unfamiliar president down the correct corridor.
"Ah, thank you. This mansion is bigger than it looks."
When the pair turned another corner, a Peacekeeper was seen approaching in their direction. The tall man, in his thirties, stepped aside to stand at attention with his back against the wall. As the president and his secretary neared, the guard tugged on the bottom of his crisp uniform, straightening it.
Vera recognized the Peacekeeper to be the mansion's head of security. "Ah, George. You've saved me some trouble."
"Miss?"
"Ashur Magnus will be staying on as the President's aid. Can you make sure that he keeps his security credentials?"
"Yes, miss," replied the Guard. "I'll make sure his credentials are not revoked."
The president noticed the tense muscles in the guard's square jaw. "You seem tensed, George."
"I just want to do my best, Mr. President."
"If I remember correctly, this is your first year as head of security here in the mansion."
"Yes, Mr. President."
Vera released the president's arm and stepped towards the nervous Peacekeeper, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "George here is the youngest officer to ever head security in the president's mansion."
The president's brow arched. "Impressive. How old are you?"
"Thirty seven, Mr. President."
"Have you always served in Capitol security?"
"No, sir. I served twenty years in District 6. When I reenlisted, I earned the right to return to the Capitol, my home."
"You're a Capitol citizen?" asked the president.
"Yes, sir. My father and grandfather were lifelong Peacekeepers. I wanted to follow in their tradition."
Impressed, Coriolanus nodded his approval. "Very good. How did you find District 6? Do you miss it?"
George bit his lip in thought. "District 6 had its ups and downs over the twenty years. I don't miss the winters.
The president offered his hand to the Peacekeeper. "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you again George. I can call you George, can't I?"
Shaking the president's hand, the guard broke a faint smile. "Yes, Mr. President."
Vera retook the president's arm into her own. "George what is your last name again?"
"Koukoulopoulos, miss."
The president guffawed. "I'll stick with George." Stepping away, the President hesitated and began pointing to a spot on the Peacekeeper's uniform. When George looked down at it, Coriolanus flicked the guard's nose and smiled. "Try to relax."
"I will, Mr. President," said the blushing Peacekeeper.
"Good. Don't force me to make it an official order," retorted the president with a smirk. "I'm not the type of man who needs to be feared."
Widening his stance, George struggled to relax. "Thank you, sir."
Abandoning the nervous Peacekeeper to his duties, the president eventually found himself back in his office as Vera began preparing a pot of her famous coffee in her adjoining office.
Within minutes, Vera brought the president a fresh cup of coffee and a sheet of paper, setting both upon his desk. "I have your schedule. I've kept your agenda light for the first couple days so you can become acquainted to the mansion and daily briefings."
Coriolanus sipped his coffee and smiled. "Thank you, Vera."
Vera took a seat in one of the guest's chair, but remained silent.
Taking a second sip of coffee, Coriolanus noticed his secretary's concerned look. "What?"
"Something's bugging you?"
Sitting back into his chair, Coriolanus silently admired his secretary's observational skills. With a relenting sigh, he asked, "Should I dye my hair?"
Vera eyed him. "What brought this on?"
"The Peacekeepers all look so young. They look like children. Even George."
Crossing her legs, Vera cupped her hands over a knee. "You are as handsome as ever."
Gesturing to his face, Coriolanus frowned. "But the gray hairs."
"They're not gray," commented Vera. "They're white, and they only pepper your scalp and beard. I like it. It says that you have experience."
Coriolanus sighed. "I suppose my head will be completely white by the time I finish my first term. What will that say?"
Vera smiled at the vain man. "That you're wise beyond your years."
"If you say it, it must be true. If I've learned anything over the past decade, it's to never doubt you." Coriolanus sipped his coffee. "How are your assistant secretaries working out?"
"Good. We've worked together in the past, so it's like old times for all of us."
"Good," replied Snow. "Did you give yourself a raise? Something worthy for the personal assistant to the president."
"I did. Thank you, sir."
"Do I want to know how much?"
Vera shook her head, smiling.
The president chuckled. "Whatever it is, it's not enough."
"You're too kind." Vera pulled out her smartphone and glanced at the screen. Lunch will be ready in about an hour. I asked the chef to prepare your favorite dish for dinner, which will be served in the dining room. Your daughter and Miss Thales will be joining you. I've also arranged a sumptuous dessert to celebrate your first day."
"Won't you be joining us?"
Vera stood from the guest chair. "No. To celebrate our first day, we secretaries are going out for drinks."
"Ah. Very good," commented President Snow. "I hope all of you have fun."
"We will." The secretary turned to leave.
Coriolanus raised his hand. "Vera?"
"Yes?" Miss Fiducia paused in the doorway.
"What is my favorite dish?"
"Steak of course." With an impish smile, Vera slipped back into her office.
Steak? he thought, sipping his coffee. Good to know.
