Chapter 34 – Elizabeth
Early June always brought a hint of humidity to Washington, Elizabeth stepped out of her office into the West Wing Colonnade, the warm air hitting her with a bit of comfort. It was still early in the morning. 7:30 to be exact. She had requested an early morning briefing so she could spend the rest of the morning with her family. But, that was not to be.
She just received the report Dmitri's condition hadn't changed and was not expected to at all. Right now, she was contemplating the conversation she needed to have with Stevie. She understood the betrayal, the bitterness and the anger. But, he was targeted and he was still her children's father. The last thing Elizabeth wanted was for them to grow up without a father.
"Madam President," Ephraim said from behind her.
She turned to face him without taking her hands out of her pockets.
"We have the report from the investigation into Talia Petrov. Everything was clear in her apartment and on her computer," he continued.
Elizabeth took her glasses off, "Well, that is good news. So, she had nothing to do with this. That's good."
"Not quite. We took her into protective custody. Our team at her apartment witnessed a man watching the apartment from a SUV. It would appear they are looking for her thinking…"
She cut him off, "Dmitri is still alive."
"I'm afraid so," he bowed his head.
"Prepare Talia for the Witness Protection Program. I will sign for her. Talk to her and see where she would like to go as long as it is nowhere near Russia. I want to see her this afternoon and give her the paperwork. That will be all. Thank you, Ephraim."
"Yes, Ma'am," he turned and walked away.
Almost immediately, she heard the pitter-patter of little feet. When she turned it was almost like two-year old Stephanie was running towards her.
"Well, look at you in your pretty new sneakers Gram bought you," she lifted Eliza into the air and then placed her on her hip. "Good Morning, sunshine." She placed a kiss on her head.
"Hi, Grammy!" Eliza smiled back at her. Wearing a t-shirt and shorts.
"What are you and Grandpa up to?" Elizabeth asked smiling at Henry.
"Playing with Hope!" Eliza squirmed her way down to pet the dog.
Henry leaned over towards Elizabeth and gave her a kiss, "How are we doing, Babe?" Hope was making circles around her. "We woke up, had some breakfast and went to play ball. We figured we'd come this way in case you had a moment."
"We're okay and I actually have a few moments to give. Let's step inside." As they did Elizabeth placed Eliza at her desk and gave her paper and crayons that she kept for her in the drawer.
"I've declassified the whole case. Susan should be speaking to Avdonin now requesting their assistance in finding the hackers. I will be holding a news conference in about an hour. Daisy is just writing that up." She said matter-of-factly as she played with Eliza's long wavy hair.
"Wow. Are you sure you want that?" Henry asked but knew he shouldn't have as soon as it came out of his mouth.
"Henry, they hacked our computer systems. Targeted our son-in-law, murdered him and all but destroyed our daughter's life right before her sister's wedding. They are tailing Talia. She's in protective custody and headed for the Witness Protection Program. There is no telling what would have happened if we hadn't caught on to them. I mean, thank God, I didn't pick somebody else for CIA Director
He put his hands on her arms to stop the pacing, "Babe, I meant today? Are you sure you want to do that today?"
She dropped her shoulders and leaned into him. "I would rather it be over with before the wedding. Then, we can at least try to enjoy ourselves. Stevie won't but, Henry, we need to try. Alison's engagement blew up with Will's disaster and now this on her wedding day."
Twenty minutes later, Henry and Elizabeth were having one of the hardest conversations with their children. It was not a family meeting any of them wanted to attend.
Jason spoke first, "So, wait. He's not going to live? They don't have a medicine to overturn the overdose that they can give him?"
Elizabeth spoke softly, her eyes on both girls, whose heads were down, "No, it wasn't the overdose that has killed him. It is the poisoning."
"So, now Eliza and the new baby, have no father?" he asked. Stevie looked at him and said "It's not like they ever really had one anyways."
"Okay, listen we are a family and we will be here for you and the kids. In that spirit, why don't the two of you go check in with Eliza and her new best friends, while we talk to Stevie."
Claudia and Liam had taken Eliza down to the swing set. Alison and Jason put their arms around Stevie and hugged her. Alison whispered to her, "it's okay if you want to do it before the wedding."
Stevie looked at her and said, "No, today is your day. It will be done tomorrow." She looked up at her parents and said, "No need for further discussion."
Elizabeth said to her, "Are you sure you don't want to go over?"
"No, no need to. If you really want to support me, none of you will either. I'm going to go get my daughter because we all have a wedding to get ready for." Stevie got up and walked out. Leaving the four of them there, Elizabeth put her head on Henry's shoulder and sighed, "Henry."
She took a deep breath before stepping into the press room, which was completely mobbed. Standing room only. Perhaps they thought she was going to give them wedding details. After all, it was the event of the season with everyone looking for a scoop.
"Good Morning, I am here this morning to report to all of you and the American people, that the CIA thwarted an attempt by a Russian hacking group to hack into the campaigns of several American lawmakers including myself. During their attempted hacking, this group targeted my son-in-law, Dmitri Petrov. He is currently hospitalized.
I have instructed the Attorney General to launch an independent investigation. Congressional leadership were briefed this morning. Any further questions shall be directed to the Attorney General."
Hands went up and flash bulbs went off. As she stepped off the podium, not taking questions.
"Madam President, will there still be a wedding at the White House today?" was yelled out from the galley.
She looked to Daisy, turned and went back to the podium.
"Yes, despite all of this we are looking forward to welcoming everyone here today for our daughter, Alison's wedding."
A female reporter asked, "What will you be wearing?"
Elizabeth smiled, "A dress from the Allie Collection. Designed and made by my daughter. In fact, Alison and her employees Marguerite LaCamera and Michelle Provno designed and made all the dresses for the wedding party. I believe you will get a photo of them later. We are grateful to Marguerite and Michelle for their hard work."
"Will Stephanie still be at the wedding?"
"Yes, she has insisted that this day remain her sister's day. For that, we are very proud of her strength. Thank you."
