I hope you enjoy this.
Chapter Four:
Miranda was reviewing her notes one last time with Geena and Fleming.
"I hear meeting your second foreign leader gets easier," Fleming said.
"That doesn't help me now," Miranda said with a touch of irritation.
She put her notes aside.
"Do you think the gift is okay? I know she collects fine needlework and I had this commissioned as soon as we put her on the schedule."
"A needlework version of the flag is a fine gift," Gina said.
Miranda checked her watch.
"Time to get going."
…
The British Prime Minister looked younger than she actually was. She had a warm smile. They shook hands and Miranda felt an instant connection. They sat for photos in the oval office.
"I look forward to building a strong relationship with you as our predecessors have," she said.
"I do too," Miranda said. "Each generation of leadership has solidified our connection. I intend to continue that tradition."
They posed for more photos. It seemed endless and annoying. The Prime Minister glanced in her direction. She knew how she felt. It made renew her smile and the cameras captured it all.
Once the cameras and press left, Miranda took a seat behind her desk and the Prime Minister also took a seat.
"So how are things?" she asked.
"They're excellent, Ma'am. Thank you for asking."
"How are they really Ma'am?" she prompted.
"I wasn't expecting that security drill," she admitted.
"I keep hearing it wasn't a drill," she said.
Miranda grinned. "To quote an old TV show, 'That's my story and I'm sticking to it.'"
She smiled. "I can respect that."
"Now why don't we get the gift exchange out of the way before the press arrive again?"
"That sounds fine by me," Miranda said and pulled out her box.
The Prime Minister did the same. It was larger than hers.
"On the count of three?" she offered.
Miranda nodded.
"One…two…three."
The Prime Minister smiled.
"It's lovely Ma'am. I'll be sure to add it to my collection."
Miranda wasn't smiling. She was staring at it in shock.
"Is this some kind of joke?" she said slowly.
"I thought you liked chess sets," she said, sounding surprised.
Miranda shakily pulled out an orange prison jumpsuit.
The Prime Minister looked horrified.
"No," she said. "That is not the gift I planned for you. Please Ma'am, on my father's grave, I have never seen that garb before in my life."
Miranda looked into the woman's eyes again. She was on the verge of tears.
She put the jumpsuit back in the box.
"I believe you." She said. "We have a security breach."
"I'll have my agents search where I have been for the chess set," the Prime Minister said.
Miranda picked up a phone. "I'll have the secret service review security footage. I want this done discreetly."
"Thank you for believing me," she said.
She smiled weakly.
"You're welcome."
…
Miranda knew she couldn't keep the story about the jumpsuit from Reid. The Prime Minister looked too embarrassed for it to not show at the dinner planned for the evening.
She gave him the serial number on the suit.
"That was my number," he said shakily. "Whoever did this, did their homework."
Miranda hugged him. "We're going to get to the bottom of this, I promise."
"The sight of those things, brings back bad memories," he said.
"I know," she said. "We'll get through this like we've gotten through everything else: Together."
He rested his forehead against her's and closed his eyes.
"We should get going," he said.
"I know," she said closing hers.
They slowly let go.
"You look lovely," he said.
She was wearing a simple blue dress with pearls. It wasn't a state dinner so she didn't have to wear anything too fancy.
"You always clean up well," she said with a smile.
He didn't smile back. "You didn't see me in prison though."
Miranda grabbed his hand. "Let's get going."
…
The conversation stayed light. Reid and the Prime Minister discovered they shared a fondness for the science fiction show Doctor Who and speculated as to who might be the next companion. Miranda and the Prime Minister also lightly discussed politics. Nothing serious was said but it showed they shared the same views on most issues abroad. It was a pleasant meal
Miranda also admired how she remained composed through it all. The chess set had been found just before dinner in a dumpster behind a pizzeria, two miles from the White House. After dinner, the Secret Service had confirmed it was a standard-issue prison uniform that was mass-produced so any hope of finding a lead there was minimal. The press had yet to catch the scent of a story which was a relief.
The Prime Minister apologized again before going to her sleeping quarters.
"It is not your fault," Miranda said firmly. "Someone is playing mind games with both of us."
"Thank you," she said. "That means the world to me."
Fleming was waiting outside the residence.
"How many 'mind games' are you going to let this person play before you get proactive?"
"How do you know about the latest one?" she asked.
"I have my sources."
"I thought the PM looked like the picture of calm."
"She did, but you didn't and I know you better," she said. "What was the latest stunt that involved the PM?"
"Whitney, it is almost midnight," Miranda said tiredly. "We'll discuss this in the morning."
"Think about what steps you should take to get ahead of this guy and don't forget what I told while we were on the campaign: You're not responsible for Spencer."
"Yes, Ma'am," she said climbing the stairs.
"I'm serious," she called up.
"I'm seriously tired," she called down.
Miranda kicked off her shoes. She looked around for Reid and found him watching Alex sleep.
"There is no scientific explanation as to why children look younger when they sleep," he said. "I think it is parental perception."
"He can't get into trouble while he sleeps," Miranda said with a smile.
"He's perfect awake or asleep," he said softly and then looked at her.
"I don't want to lose any of you," he said.
Miranda hugged his side.
"And you never will," she said.
"I hope not."