It started with a gasp in the White House press room. It was if the whole country knew at once. The President continued:
"I know we have had our differences in the past, but I have always loved you. I'm sorry Carla, I can't give in; it would only make the situation worse in the long run."
President Jackson started crying. Vice-President came to his side and whispered something in his ear. The president walked to his aid. Vice President Baldwin continued the speech:
" America has a long standing policy: America does not negotiate with terrorists! We have made a commitment to the people of Iraq and we will not be bullied into leaving our job uncompleted. We ask all Americans, and indeed all human beings throughout the world to pray for the safe return of Carla to her family. Thank you, that is all."
"Get us on again! Now!" the terrorist shouted.
A few minutes later and he appeared on every television in America , including those in the White House.
"Mr President, people of America . We have all heard the president's response. He would sacrifice the life of his daughter to save the country. What an act of heroism! It's a shame about his daughter though. She didn't have a choice in the matter. Any last words?" Carla Jackson was sobbing. "Speak!" the terrorist yelled as he thrust his gun against her head.
Carla controlled her sobbing. "I hate you dad."
"You have made your choice Mr President, now I fulfil my end."
The black-clad mercenary took a step back from Carla and without hesitation fired two shots into her chest.
Carla Hillary Jackson, the President's daughter, was dead.
Four months later.
Andrew Jackson was in the oval office, recently re-elected, meditating on the past few months. Carla's death had hit him hard. Veronica had filed for divorce less than a week afterwards.
But there had been a silver lining, for the country at least. The kidnapping of Allied civilians in Iraq had ceased. It was thought that those responsible had concluded that if the President won't back down to save his daughter, what is beheading a truck driver going to do? It hadn't stopped the attacks on military personnel however, in fact, these had increased. Suicide bombings against American troops had doubled! But Andrew Jackson was confident that these could be handled.
He also thought back to the November elections. They had been held only 2 months after the incident, and Andrew had won by a landslide. It was also the largest percentage of citizens to ever turn out to vote.
The President's phone rang.
"Yeah." He answered.
"Hi daddy!"
"Hey honey! How's four months in Australia treated you? Well I hope."
"Fantastic dad. I'm having the time of my life. It is such a treat to be able to go anywhere without being someone! I can live a normal life."
"Albeit a normal life with a few million dollars! That should keep you comfortable for a while."
"Yeah I'll be fine; after all, I have Frank still protecting me. Have you told mum yet?"
"I told her yesterday, and I have arranged her flight. She'll arrive via Pine Gap same as you."
"You told me she knew before hand."
"I know, I'm sorry. But I needed her reaction to be genuine. But she's happy you're alive and is looking forward to seeing you soon. But I don't thing she'll ever forgive me!"
"I've been watching the news; your plan seemed to have worked. There hasn't been an American hostage taken since!"
"Yes, we both have what we want; you got your life out of the spotlight, and I got my troops into Iraq and stopped innocent Americans getting beheaded at the same time. But I will miss you Carla."
"Me too Dad, but I'll see you in four years and I'll keep in touch til then. I love you."
"I love you too."
President Jackson hung up the phone.
"How many people know?"
"Only a few of my most trusted friends." The president replied. "Now, where would you like your money?"
A few minutes later and Michael Grissom walked out of the oval office, with a further $10,000,000 to his name.
