Chapter 1: Designated Godfather

Emily Shore watched her husband, Aaron Shore - President of the United States - meeting with his Cabinet. The group was debating passionately, all while trying to ignore little Tommy Shore crawling around under the Resolute Desk, as John F. Kennedy Jr. had once done.

"An air strike would be the best course of action against Al Saccar, Mr. President," the Secretary of Defense advised.

"When Al-Qaeda attempted to murder former President George H.W. Bush, President Clinton retaliated with the launch of Tomahawk missiles," the Secretary of Homeland Security offered. "The risk of innocent loss of life is less than if we were to use a carpet bombing."

President Shore pinched the bridge of his nose, a migraine quickly setting in. He spotted his wife through his fingers, and she sent him the most supportive smile she could. Heart swelling with love, the President gained renewed strength and slapped the table to silence the arguing.

"Enough. Kayla," he directed his Special Advisor. "Place a call to the New York Secret Service Office. I need Phoenix. I need 48."

Thomas Adam Kirkman, former President of the United States, stirred his mug of coffee as he glanced out at the sunrise cresting in the distance of his Albany mansion. Being a former President, he was entitled to an office and lifetime Secret Service protection; the Kirkman Presidential Library and Museum was nearing completion of its construction at Cornell University, Tom's alma mater.

"Mr. President." Tom turned to see Agent Mike Ritter, head of his Secret Service detail, a phone in his hand. Upon leaving the White House, Ritter had been offered the assignment of US Secret Service Director, but had declined. ("There is only one assignment I want and he's standing right over there," Ritter had said of the former President). "Hawk is on his way here."

Kirkman blinked. "49?" Ritter nodded. "Thank you, Mike. Please prepare the gates for The Beast." That was the lingo for the presidential motorcade.

"Yes, sir." Ritter saluted and turned to leave; Kirkman followed him out. Mike was clipping orders into a walkie-talkie, as Kirkman strolled out onto the porch and leaned against a pillar, observing Secret Service Agents waving the Beast inside. The limousine pulled right up to the door, and out stepped the President, the First Lady and the First Son.

"Aaron!" Kirkman smiled warmly. "Welcome, Mr. President."

"It's good to see you, Mr. President," Aaron gave Tom a firm handshake.

Emily was right behind him, sighing heavily as she melted into Tom's arms. She loved her former boss like a father. Drawing back, she softly touched his face, peering at him with slight distress.

"Look how old you have become!" There were sharp lines in his face and his hair was a pepper-gray.

"It was the presidency that aged me, Emily, you just didn't notice. As it ages all men - except for Donald Trump, who never worked in the Oval a day of his term!"

Laughing, the First Lady pulled him into another hug. Then she picked up her little boy - Thomas Kirkman Shore. "Tommy, this is my very good friend, President Kirkman. Can you say hello?"

"Hello, Mr. President," the boy chirped.

"Let's all go inside," Kirkman waved the group into the house.

"So... how is Leo?" Emily asked.

"He is working in a music store in Alexandria," Kirkman reported. "He's their Digital Communications Director."

"They must be lucky, to have employed the son of a former President."

"Leo prepared hard for the interview; he wanted to earn the job on his own merits."

"And Penny?"

"15 years old and a hellion. But she is determined to get into NYU."

"Mr. President:" Aaron piped up. "There is an urgent matter I must discuss with you. It's about Al Saccar, holed up in that compound in Afghanistan."

"Of course, we can talk in my study; it is secure..." Kirkman began.

"Actually, Aaron, may I steal the President for just one moment? It's important," Emily asked.

"Of course, honey," Aaron nodded.

Kirkman and Emily slipped into the study. Kirkman eased into his armchair, observing the First Lady as she seated opposite him across the desk.

"So... Em: what is it that is more pressing than a matter of national security?" Kirkman smiled teasingly, letting her know that his words were not phrased to mean he did not take her request for an audience seriously.

Emily met his eye. "It's about Tommy."

Kirkman frowned. "Is he all right?"

"Oh, yes, he's fine." Emily took a deep breath. "Aaron and I have been crafting things related to him in our will." She took another breath to steady herself. "Mr. President... our government has gone through forceful transitions of power a disconcerting number of times in recent years. The death of President Richmond, the death of Vice President McLeish. If something happens to Aaron and I..."

Understanding dawned in Kirkman's eyes; he had always been quick to get to the point. "Emily..."

"If something happens to us," Emily cut across him. "We want you to take care of Tommy." She raised her eyes to his. "Will you do us that honor, in the event of the unthinkable?"

Kirkman stared at her hard. "You have my word as a man... and as a President."

Smiling, Emily stood and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."