The Case of the Politician's Wife

Chapter 06

6.1

"Artie, the president wants to see you in his office," the deputy chief of staff told him.

Hinson turned quickly toward her. "What? You must be kidding. He just got back from the hospital. What is he doing in the oval office? He should be resting."

"Tell that to the president," Marsha said as she left her boss and headed back to her office.

Hinson headed toward the oval office. All along the way, people stopped him to ask about the president. He did his best to assure them the president was going to be fine while trying to keep moving. President Whitmore did not like being kept waiting. When he arrived at the presidential secretary's desk, outside the oval office, he stopped and said, "Hi, Delores. The president asked to see me."

"He is expecting you." She picked up the phone and pressed the intercom to the president's office. "Mr. President, Mr. Hinson has arrived." She listened for a moment and then turned to Hinson. "You may go right in."

Hinson opened the door to the oval office and entered. Concerned about his boss, he walked directly over to him and asked, "Sir, shouldn't you be taking it easy?"

"I am fine, Artie." He stood up and faced his chief of staff. "I owe you my life. Your quick action probably saved me from certain death." He placed his hand on Hinson's shoulder. "No words can express the gratitude I feel. Thank you, Artie." He offered his hand. Hinson took it and shook the president's hand.

"I am just so thankful you are all right, Mr. President."

"Sit down, Artie. I want to talk to you." After Hinson sat down in front of Whitmore's desk, he went around and leaned against the table behind the desk. The table was used to hold the sentimental pictures of the sitting president. "The results came back on the contents of my stomach. I was poisoned, Artie."

"My god!" Hinson exclaimed. "Do they have any idea how?"

"Not yet. The secret service and the FBI are investigating. By the way, did you get the results of the autopsy on Muffin?" Hinson turned pale. "What is it, Artie?"

"Sir, the cat was poisoned." Both men sat quietly for a moment.

"What kind of poison was it?"

Hinson reached into his pocket and handed the president a piece of paper. "I can't pronounce it so I wrote it down."

Whitmore in turn reached into his pocket and pulled out his own piece of paper. He compared the two. "The same poison was use on Muffin as was used on me."

Hinson's eyes widen. "Someone is trying to kill you. That makes twice."

"No, the water was intended for Faye so she could take her medication."

"But would the killer have known that?"

Whitmore thought for a moment. "Come to think of it, no. I just called down and requested the sleeping pills and a glass of water. I did not state that they were for Faye."

"You have to tell the secret service about the cat."

"No, I don't think so."

"What? Sir, someone is trying to kill you. The secret service needs all the facts if they are to find out whom."

"The poison got past the secret service, Artie. How can I be sure that one of them isn't responsible?"

"Come on Mr. President, we are talking the secret service. They are your protectors. You don't have to fear them."

"I am not so sure. This is my life we are talking about. I just don't trust the secret service. At least I don't know which ones to trust and which ones not to. I want someone to investigate this that I can trust. Someone, I know will definitely be looking out for me."

"Ironside. He's the right man for the job." Hinson suggested.

Whitmore looked at his aide. "I thought you did not like Ironside."

"I don't'. We have a history but that doesn't mean I can't admit that the man is a brilliant detective."

"You seem to think he was just guessing the last time his name was brought up."

"Ok, so I am a bit touchy where Ironside is concerned. He sent me up, Mr. President."

"Artie, have you ever considered that the man was just doing his job? Has the thought ever entered your mind that you deserved it?"

Hinson looked away from the president. His voice became very quiet; almost to the point, the president could not hear him. "I have spent so many years hating him for what I felt he did to me, that my judgment of him has been clouded. Now I do not know how to not hate him."

"Don't you think it is time you try?"

"Sir, you have no idea how hard it was for me to suggest him for the investigation. But believe it or not, the minute you said the same poison was used on you and Muffin, the first person that popped into my mind was Ironside. I lived in San Francisco for years, just as you did. I read the papers. I watch him rack up solving one case after another until he has become a legend in criminal detection. I kept telling myself he was lucky, that he was just guessing but I knew better. He is a very unusual man. He keeps people at a distance. I actually wonder how his own staff could know him, yet it is well known how much they love and respect him. They would do anything for him….to please him. He seems like a grouchy bastard but the truth is he is a very caring man who protects San Francisco like a lioness protecting its cub. He even offered to help me when I got out of prison. I had so much hate for him by then I did not even consider it. But, I have to give him most of the credit for me staying out of trouble after that. I simply did not ever want to tangle with him again. He a brilliant detective. You cannot outsmart him." Hinson smiled. "There I said it."

Whitmore smiled back at him. "See, you are already letting go of the hate."

"Sir, there is just one thing. I could become his number one suspect. There is something you do not know about me. When I was a kid….."

"….you spent time in the juvenile detention center for trying to poison your mother?"

Hinson tried to dismiss the president's revelation but his shocked expression betrayed his feelings. "How did you know? The judge had it stricken from my record."

"My boy, there is nothing a president of the United States can't find out. And, you are right, Bob Ironside will find that out and no matter how many times I tell him you could not possibly be involved in poisoning me, he is still going to give you the third degree and check you out from top to bottom with a fine tooth comb. But since you are not guilty of anything, you have nothing to worry about."

Hinson smiled. "I can take it."

"I know you can."

"How do we justify bringing Ironside to Washington?"

"Oh that part is easy. I will appoint him to a special position in the Justice Department. Now why don't you go back to your duties and I'll call Bob."

"Sir….if…if it is alright with you, I would like to call him," Hinson said.

"Alright, but do it as soon as possible. I want him here in Washington, as he would say…."

"Yesterday. Yes, I know how his works too." Hinson got up and headed to the door. He stopped and turned back to the president. "Thank you sir."

"You are welcome, Artie."

6.2

Sgt. Ed Brown knocked on the door marked with the name of Lieutenant Bradley Gorman. "Come in," came the voice from inside.

Ed walked into the office. "Lieutenant, Chief Ironside has asked me to speak with you."

"Of course, Sergeant. What can I do for you and Chief Ironside."

"You use to work in the juvenile detention center."

"Don't remind me. I hated that job."

"A young man was in the center at the time you were working there."

"Artie Hinson?"

Surprised, Ed stammered, "How….did…you know who I was here to see you about?"

"It's all over the department that the chief is checking into Hinson's background," Gorman answered. He leaned back and put his feet up on his desk.

"Yes, well can you tell me more about him?"

"He tried to poison his mother. That was the reason he was in juvie. It had gotten to the point where she just could not handle him."

"Do you remember what kind of poison he used?"

"Sure, a household rat killer, D-Con. Not really very subtle. Pellets are easily spotted but then he was just a kid."

"I read in his file that his father left him and his mother when he was two years old. It did not have anything in the file about whether he saw his father after that."

Gorman shook his head, "No, in fact no one knows where his father is to this day. His mother raised him. It had a bad effect on him. He blamed his mother for his father leaving. As he got a bit older, he started blaming her in unusual ways, such as the rat poisoning. Another time he set her dress on fire. Anyway he ended up in juvie and later a home for troubled boys."

"How did he behave in juvie?" Ed asked.

"Well, he was obsessed with political officials, mostly presidents."

"In what way?"

"Well, it is hard to explain. He would watch every political movie he could. He particularly liked it when presidents or other political figures were killed or kidnapped in the movie. Yet the weird part is, he followed the president's administration constantly. He watched and read everything he could about him."

"Did he ever express a desire to do harm to him?" Ed asked.

"No, in fact he seemed to admire him. He kept saying he would grow up and work for a president someday."

"Did his time in juvenile detention do him any good?"

"You should know the answer to that. Your boss arrested him and sent him up. My understanding is that he has been clean ever since. He obviously did pursue a career in politics. After all, he is working for the president of the United States."

"Lieutenant, is there any other record of him trying to poison or harm anyone other than his mother?"

"Not that I am aware of. He really had it in for his mother for driving the old man away."

"Anything else you can tell me?

"Just this. I ran into about four years ago. He actually thanked me for trying to help him while in the detention center. The only hostility I could detect in him was for your boss. Otherwise, it was a pleasant conversation. I remember thinking that finally someone came out of there and made something of himself."

Ed stood up. "Thanks for your help, Lieutenant. The chief will appreciate the it."

"Anytime, Sergeant. Give my regards to your boss."

"Will do," Ed said and left Gorman's office.

6.3

Perry Mason listened as the phone rang on the receiving end of his call. A woman with a pleasant voice answered. "Bower and Johnson, Attorneys at Law, Laurel Warren speaking"

"Ms. Warren, would it be possible to speak to Wayne Bower?"

"I am sorry sir but Mr. Bower is very busy. Would you like to make an appointment to see him?"

"Actually I am calling from California."

"I am sorry sir. It is not possible to speak with him now. If you would like to leave a number and the nature of the legal matter you need help with, I will be happy to see that he gets it."

"I would appreciate if he would call me back at his earliest convenience. My name is Perry Mason."

"The Perry Mason, the criminal defense attorney?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Just a moment sir." She put Mason on hold and pressed the intercom button.

"Miss Warren, I thought I told you I did not want to be disturbed."

"Yes Mr. Bower but I thought you might like to take this call. Perry Mason is on the phone for you."

"Perry Mason! The defense attorney from California?"

"Yes, sir. Since he is famous and all, I thought you might want to talk to him."

"Yes, yes by all means, put him through."

Laurel Warren pressed the line on which Mason was holding. "Mr. Mason, Mr. Bower will speak with you now."

"Mr. Mason, this is indeed an honor?" Bower said.

"I don't know whether you remember or not, but we were in several law classes in law school," Mason said.

"Are you kidding? I brag about that every chance I get. What can I do for you?"

"I am looking for information. I am trying to help the president with a matter concerning his wife," Mason said.

"Oh yes, I am not surprised he is seeking legal help. I don't know how he has been able to keep the affair under the radar of the press."

"I know how annoying the press can be," Mason said, "but I can't imagine what it is like for the president. I would like to get in touch with the other party."

"You will need me for that, Mr. Mason. You cannot reach him at his congressional office. He does not spend much time in his office or at the capitol building for that matter. However, I will warn you I have advised him not to speak with the president's attorneys unless in my presence. Would you like to make an appoint to meet with Ivan and myself."

"Not at this time, Mr. Bower. I will get in touch with you when I do. I just wanted to know where and when I could find him. I will call you if I need you."

Bower was completely baffled. "You don't want to meet with him?"

"Not at this time but I appreciate your help. Good day, Mr. Bower." Perry hung up the phone.

Della stood in the doorway, listening to Perry's conversation. "Just what are you up to, counselor?"

"That was Wayne Bower, a lawyer in Washington," Perry said.

"So….who is he?"

"He's the lowest of all attorneys. He handles sleaze, sues people. Sort of a legal blackmail."

"Why in the world would you want to talk to him, Perry?"

"Bob said he believed whatever was bothering President Whitmore had to do with his wife."

"Yes, so?" Della was not sure where Perry was going with it.

"If the Whitmores were having marital problems, I thought there might be an affair in the background. And if his wife was having an affair, the president would want to keep it quiet and out of the papers."

"So you decide to go fishing. Is that about the size of it?" Della asked as she sat down beside her lawyer.

Mason smiled. "Bower handles all the sleaze cases he can get his hands on. There are very profitable. Politicians will pay through the nose to keep their dirty laundry in the closet."

"So what did you find out?"

"It seems Mrs. Whitmore has been having an affair or at least Bower is going to accuse her of it."

"With whom?"

"A congressman name Ivan," Perry said. He reached for the phone.

"Ivan who?" Della asked.

"That is what I am about to find out." He dialed the phone and waited. "Gertie, I need you to do me a favor. Find out how many congressional representatives in Washington have the first name of Ivan and call me back with those names…..that's right Gertie, at the cabin. I talk to you later."

"Are you hungry? You skipped breakfast," Della said.

"If I recall, you did not let me get up early enough to eat breakfast," Perry smiled as he reached for her. The phone rang. Perry regretfully turned his attention away from Della and picked up the phone. "Hello…only one? What's his last name?...Thank you Gertie. Has anything come up we need to know about?...alright, thanks again. Goodbye, Gertie."

"So who is the mystery congressman?" Della asked.

"Ivan Cunningham. Blast it. I need Paul. We have to find out if the affair is true and just how President Whitmore is being blackmailed."

"It would certainly explain why Robert was able to pick up on something wrong in his voice. By the way Perry, how did you get any information out of Bower?"

"He thinks I am representing Whitmore."

"And why did he think that. You did not tell him you were his lawyer?"

"Of course not. I simply said I was trying to help the president with a problem with his wife," Perry smile slightly.

"What are you going to do with this information?"

"Find out more as soon as Paul is released or those other two men arrive in Washington.

"Well since you can't do anything until then, is there a chance I might have your undivided attention." She moved closer and leaned into him. He put his arm around her. "We are on vacation, you know?"

Perry slowly lowered his lips to hers in a kiss. "I am sorry this business Bob has me involved in has spoiled our vacation but I have to help him?"

Della took hold of his hand and intertwined her fingers with his. "I will take whatever time we can steal between cases…..or during them for that matter."

Perry smiled at her. "Well the case isn't keeping us working at this very minute. What would you like to do?" He asked, his blue eyes dancing with mischief.

"I suggest we call Captain Del Witherspoon and find out everything we can on Ivan Cunningham."

"Why Della, that is the most romantic thing you have said today."

"The day is young counselor. Grab the phone."

6.4

Vice president Colin Werner looked out the window of his limo. He had no problem having to resort to these tactics. He simply could not allow Whitmore to drag the country into another war. The man should never have been elected president in the first place. He only rode into Washington because he helped bring down the corrupt governor of California.

Delmont should have taken out Ironside and Mason. Anyone who did not take those men seriously was making a fatal mistake. At the very least, the governor should have paid Ironside and Mason off. Everyone had a price. The governor just had not found Ironside's. As far as Mason...well he was a sleazy criminal attorney. He should be easy to buy off. After all, all one had to do was look at the fees he charged. That alone was proof he could be bought.

Governor Dillon Delmont had a good drug operation going. He had framed Scott Whitmore and Dennis Randall for the murders he had found it necessary to commit. Yet he had allowed Mason to destroy the cases in court. He should have either bought him off or killed him. As for Ironside, if it was true that he could not be bought, and he did not believe it, then he should have been killed immediately.

The vehicle stopped at a stop light. Werner thought about what this would do to Whitmore's Administration. He was sure the president would do just about anything to stop the information from becoming public. Werner did not care whether or not Whitmore changed his policies, Werner's goal was to destroy Whitmore and make it impossible for him to be re-elected. For that manner, he wanted to be sure he could not even get the republican nomination. The Vice president had presidential aspirations of his own and Whitmore was standing in the way, but not for long.

The limo pulled up in front of Senator Joel Brinker's home. "Stay here. I do not know how long I will be." Werner got out of the limo and hurried up the steps to Brinkers front door. With the limos that were parked in front of the house, Werner was sure he was the last to arrive. He took one last glance at his driver in front of house and rang the doorbell.

Senator Joel Brinker opened the door. He offered his hand to the vice president and said. "Everyone is here. They are waiting for you to take the lead."

Werner walked into the foyer. This house was proof that a life in politics paid handsomely. The foyer was larger than most people's entire homes. Brinker had entered the political arena as a mediocre lawyer. After being elected to the Senate, he had his fingers in so many pies he had become a millionaire. Kickbacks, blackmail and payoffs had turned the senior senator into one of the most powerful in Washington.

All the men stood up when the vice president enter the room. That was a coursey usually only extended the president. All of the men in the room considered the current occupant unworthy such respect. That was one of the reasons they were meeting in secret.

Speaker William Adams, a House of Representatives republican who had also run for the party nomination sat in a chair beside the fireplace. He did not particularly like the vice president. In fact, he downright hated him. The republican primary had been a knock down drag out fight for the nomination and many things were said that opened wounds that probably would never heal. The only saving grace for the vice president was that Adams hated the president even more.

The president had told him that he did not qualify for president; therefore, he did not qualify for vice-president either. Adams wanted that position. It would have set him up for the nomination after Whitmore's eight years in the White House. He stood up as Werner entered the room.

Congressman Ivan Cunningham, the Republican Party bad boy was already on his forth glass of scotch. He could not stand any of these hypocrites. He tolerated them for one reason….he wanted that job as a lobbyist in a top firm. A yea or a nay from anyone of the men in this room would end his plans. And since there was a lot of money they did not know about, he had no intention of letting them stand in his way.

Senate minority leader, Terrance Walters wanted the majority leader's position and the only way to get it was for his party to control the senate. They had to defeat enough republicans in the next election for his party to take over the senate. So, if that meant smearing the president, he was more than willing to lead the charge.

Senator Brinker poured drinks for everyone and each man took his place at the table, which Brinker had set up for the meeting. Vice-president Colin Werner addressed his co-conspirators. "Gentleman we are all here for the purpose of making sure the president doesn't get this country into another war."

Slurring his speech, Ivan Cunningham snorted and said, "No one here cares if we get into another war. It would give you democrats something else to beat the president over the head with. Why don't we all be honest here? Everyone in this room hates the president and wants him disgraced and run out of town so can we get past the political correct bull and get to the heart of the matter." His elbow slipped off the edge of the table.

"Ivan, knock it off," Brinker scolded with a menacing looks. Cunningham went back to his glass of scotch.

"Mr. Speaker, please give us your report," Werner said.

"Ivan led the first lady to the house belonging to Tommy Ford. For those of you who don't know who that is, he is on the first ladies staff. Fitting don't you think?" William Adams chucked. Everyone in the room laughed. "We had men there with a very sophisticated video system that would make any porno director envious. Ivan did his part by forcing Faye Whitmore to meet him there and used his….shall we say charm to get her into the house.

"In other words, he blackmailed her, Senate Minority Leader, Terrence Walters laughed. "Ivan did not receive any money for his part, but he did receive a bonus," he said with a smirk on his face. The room broke out in laughter.

"Please go on Bill," the vice-president said. God, how he detested these morons.

William Adams continued, "Well, gentleman, let's just say that they did a very professional job."

"When will our little home movies reach the president," Senator Brinker asked.

"Later today. I have a feeling the president and the little woman are going to have a lovers quarrel," Adams said. Again, laughter broke out.

"When will the terms be dictated to the president?" Vice-President Werner inquired.

"A note will be sent with the pictures and the video," Brinker told the vice-president. It will dictate the terms to him."

"Can someone please tell me why this meeting was necessary? We are taking chances meeting right out in the open," Senator Walters said. "We all could have been informed at the capitol.

"We are hardly in the open, Ted. "Besides, none of us needs to be overheard discussing this at the capitol," Senator Brinker said.

"There is nothing to worry about," Vice-President Werner said. "If anyone gets wind of this meeting and they probably will, we will simply call it a meeting of the leadership over the military situation in Iran."

"I still have the same question," the senate minority leader complained. "We all knew this was the plan set forth. All that needed to be said was…..it was done."

"There has been a complication," Brinker said.

Werner did not like the sound of this. "Such as?"

"A private detective named Paul Drake showed up here in D.C." Brinker said.

"Who in the hell is Paul Drake and what does he have to do with us?" Werner asked.

Brinker looked directly at the vice-president and answered, "He does a lot of work for the Los Angeles criminal attorney, Perry Mason."

"Mason?" Werner almost shouted.

"Who in the hell is Perry Mason," Cunningham slurred.

"What cave have you been hiding in?" Brinker sneered with a scowl on his face. "He is only the most famous and successful attorney in this country."

"He also happens to be the brother of one of Whitmore's closest friends," Werner said with obvious worry.

"And who would that be?" Cunningham slurred.

"I can answer that," Senator Terrance Walter snapped. "Robert T. Ironside."

"And just who in the hell is this Ironside," Ivan Cunningham said, looking through glassy eyes.

Colin Werner rolled his eyes. "Shut up Ivan!" He turned to the others and asked, "How do we know that Drake is here working for Mason and what evidence is there that it has anything to do with the president?"

"Unfortunately, a couple of Jasper's men got itchy trigger fingers. As soon as Drake arrived, they took pot shots at him. Drake ran off the road into a tree. He is in the hospital."

"Are you telling me these idiots went after Drake before they even found out what he was here in Washington for? They did not even find out if he was working for Mason on behalf of the president?" Werner roared.

"Don't yell, I have a headache," Congressman Cunningham complained.

Werner reached over and knock the glass out of the congressman's hand. "Now shut the hell up."

"Just how close is the president to Ironside?" Speaker Adams asked.

"He helped Ironside and Mason bring down Governor Delmont," Werner answered. "Ironside and Mason took down the entire drug trafficking ring on the west coast. Mason defended, very successfully I might add, Whitmore's son, Scott from a murder charge. Ironside worked with Mason on that case and they teamed up again to clear Commissioner Dennis Randall on the murder of a drug dealer related to that trafficking ring. That is when they brought down Dillon."

"Good god," Ivan Cunningham said quietly, sobering quickly. "If they are involved we are all in trouble. I remember that those cases now. Ironside and Mason are not men you want to tangle with."

"This is a disaster," Terrance Walters said.

"Now everyone stop panicking," Brinker said. "Jasper has the other two guys being followed."

Werner turned sharply toward Brinker. "What other two guys?"

"Two more private eyes landed in D.C. two hours ago," Brinker said.

"From Drake's office?" Speaker Adams asked.

"Yes," Brinker answered.

"How did we find out about Drake in the first place?" Werner asked.

"We have a contact in San Francisco. He called and warned Jasper's guys." Brinker said.

Werner stared at Brinker. "A contact in San Francisco?"

"Good god," Senator Walters said. "If a contact found out about Drake from San Francisco….."

"Than that means Ironside and Mason are probably in contact…." Werner started "and…."

"Drake was hired and sent to Washington by Mason…." Senator Walters finished.

"Which means Whitmore is bringing in the big guns," Werner added.

"Maybe we should forget the whole thing and back off," Congressman Cunningham suggested. "Does anyone here really want to tangle with Ironside and Mason?"

"Everyone, just stop panicking," Senator Brinker said. "I told you Jasper has Drake's men under surveillance."

"We don't even know who Jasper is," Speaker Adams pointed out.

"So we call the whole thing off?" Cunningham asked.

Vice-president Werner looked out the window. "We can't call it off. There is no way to reach Jasper before that video is delivered." He stood up. "We go on as planned. Joel, you make sure Drake's men are watched and include Drake. He won't be in that hospital forever. Have our contact in San Francisco find out what Ironside is up to. Remember, if Whitmore brings Ironside to Washington, he will bring a very efficient staff with him."

"Wouldn't the police commissioner have to approve Ironside coming to Washington?" Cunningham asked.

Werner looked at Cunningham with distain. "Whitmore helped Ironside and Mason clear Commissioner Dennis Randall," he said sarcastically, "of murder. Do you think he would refuse a request from Whitmore to bring Ironside to Washington?"

Cunningham sank in his chair. "This is the mother of all screw-ups."

"Everyone just do your jobs and stay calm. Joel, do as I said on Ironside and Drake. One other thing, get someone in Los Angeles and start checking out Mason's activities," Werner ordered. Brinker chuckled. Werner gave him a look that shut Brinker up immediately, "And what is so damn funny?"

"Well, I already checked on Mason. He is not in Los Angeles?" Brinker said.

"Where is he then?" Werner demanded.

Brinker smiled. "He is up at Randall's cabin north of San Francisco with his secretary."

"If his secretary is with him, he must be working on something to do with Whitmore. He depends on her for a lot I understand. Furthermore, that puts him closer to Ironside."

"Yea, he does depend on his secretary for a lot…..a lot of monkey business," Brinker laughed.

"What are you talking about?" Werner growled.

"It has long been rumored that Mason and his secretary are...shall we say sequestered outside of the courtroom as well," Brinker smirked.

"Find out what they are doing up there." Werner ordered.

Cunningham laughed heartily. "It doesn't take a detective to know what he is doing up there with the secretary."

Werner wanted to smash his fist in Cunningham's face. "Just do it Joel. And the rest of you keep your cools. Is that clear?"

Everyone nodded in the affirmative. The meeting broke and the group of some of Washington's most powerful men left Brinker's home.

6.5

"Mr. Hinson a package has arrived from the capitol building," the deputy chief of staff said."

"A package?" he questioned, puzzled.

"Yes, sir." It is on my desk. Hinson walked over to her desk, pick up the package and headed for the oval office.

When he arrived, he waved at Delores who told him the president was alone and wanted to see him. Hinson knocked on the door and entered. "Mr. President, you wanted to see me?"

"I was just informed that Werner met with Brinker, Adams, Walters and Cunningham at Brinker's home."

"It sounds like they are going to try and block your Iran policy, Mr. President."

"That is what I was thinking too. Maybe I better meet with them and try to get them all on board. Arrange a meeting with them. Werner has been nothing but trouble from the start. I don't know whatever possessed me to choose him for a running mate. I should have ignored everyone and chose John like I wanted to"

"Yes sir, I tried to tell you to choose Senator Mitchell. I'll take care of the meeting right away," Hinson answered.

Whitmore noticed the package Hinson was carrying. "What's that or is it any of my business?"

"Oh, this came over from the capitol. Marsha gave it to me. She said it is for you."

"Who sent it?"

"I don't know. It is not marked at all," Hinson said.

"Has it been run through the proper channels?"

"Yes sir." Hinson handed it to the president. "It has the stamp on it. It was cleared by the secret service.

Whitmore tore open the one end and pulled out its contents. He reached behind him and set the video down on his desk. He looked at the three pictures that were included and turned pale. He stumbled backwards against the desk and sat down.

"Mr. President! Are you all right?" Hinson shouted.

"Oh my god….oh my god….dear god in heaven!