"Does this make any sense to you? Hoynes agreed to smack down the oil companies instead of the Energy Secretary doing it."
"For starters, no one listens to the Energy Secretary. Sounds like Hoynes wants to show the voters he's not all about oil interests."
"Yeah but what good will that do him?"
"I don't know but if Toby obsesses over it in Anguilla, Mandy will give him one warning then leave."
"I still can't believe he asked you if he could take Mandy there for a week."
"Mandy told me he sort of mentioned it the night of our wedding and she held him to it. Mandy has invested in Toby and she doesn't wait for dividends she goes after them.."
"You know that may be the best way to handle Toby. If she waited around for him she'd be waiting for ever. Is that a cake I see on the counter?"
"Yes, I just finished your death by chocolate cake."
"I don't see anything else, is it dinner?"
"With a side of cookie dough ice cream and cherries it will be."
"Don't forget the whip cream."
"Oh I thought we could use that later." Mara replied with a look she knew Sam couldn't misinterpret if he tried.
"God, I love coming home to you."
"I aim to please, now pour us two big glasses of milk and get the maraschino cherries out of the pantry."
Mara cut two large pieces of cake and placed them on a dinner plate with a double scoop of ice cream. She'd been looking forward to cake for dinner all day long and left work early so that it would be fresh and still slightly warm when Sam arrived. He handed her a glass of milk and dove into the cake. The only sounds that could be heard were low moans of approval as the decedent cake was savored. Sam cut a second slice but only managed to finish half of it before he was just too full.
"Amateur." Mara muttered before quickly polishing off the rest of the piece.
Sam's eyes widened as she dropped another scoop of ice cream on her plate and ate it. Mara had eaten a very light lunch knowing what would be for dinner. The next morning Sam grinned when he noticed a tiny dollop of whip cream behind her ear that he had missed. Mara had a dozen or so piles of security briefs around her on the bed and Sam decided to go in to work for a few hours.
The week went by fairly quickly and Sam found himself thinking about Willimasburgh Monday morning when Toby dropped his briefcase in his office and left again.
"Hey, how was Anguilla?' Sam asked hustling up to his boss' side.
"Too damn quite, but I can't say that I didn't enjoy the fact that Mandy believes in nude sun bathing."
Sam chuckled, "Mara too."
"I've got to talk to Leo, I'll see you later." Toby said effectively dismissing Sam.
"Hey Toby, you look like you didn't even spend a week in a tropical paradise."
"Margaret, paradise is over rated and sand gets everywhere. I need to see him."
"Go in."
"Leo..."
"Morning Toby, how was Anguilla?"
"Too much damn sand and nothing to do. Mara doesn't even have a TV. It gave me lots of time to think though and did you know that Hoynes gave a speech at a semiconductor plant. The title of the speech was, "Clean air industry in the high-tech Corridor of the Industrial Northeast."
"Where?"
"Where else, Nashua, New Hampshire." Toby replied staring at Leo.
"Toby, nobody, and particularly not Hoynes would be naïve enough... what I mean to say is if he's going to New Hampshire for the reason you're thinking he would mask it with something. It wouldn't be an official trip. He'd make up a benign excuse to be up there."
"I thought of that already."
"Well then why are you so concerned about the speech?"
"I'm concerned because it came in the middle of a three-day camping trip to Killington. Why does Hoynes think the President isn't going to run again? What the hell is going on, Leo?"
"Toby I have a meeting now, go back to your office and I'll talk to you later."
"Leo?"
"Now Toby."
Jed and Leo had decided they had to come clean with Toby. They waited until the end of the day once the rest of the senior staff had gone home, so Toby didn't have to make small talk to anyone. If Toby's reaction was any indication, Jed wondered if he'd still have a senior staff in a week or two.
Sam heard Toby bellowing about a leak to CJ and stayed clear of both of them all day Tuesday. He spent most of the day hiding away in the back corner of the mess, playing solitaire in-between sections until an idea popped in his head. Donna stopped by to fill him in on her confession to CJ which made him laugh and then wonder how CJ was going to enact her revenge on her. CJ stopped by just before going home to ask Sam if he knew anything about big potatoes. Sam had no clue what she was talking about and invited her over for dinner. CJ surprised herself by agreeing. She didn't want to think about what Toby was hiding since she couldn't' shake the feeling that they were about to get hit by the mother of all scandals.
Mara was out on the deck grilling chicken and vegetables when CJ poked her head out to inform Mara she was staying for dinner and going to raid the wardrobe room for something to change into.
"Hi honey I'm home. What's for dinner ?"
"Felt sorry for CJ?"
"Yeah, Toby drove her all day looking for a leak and she asked me about big potatoes. Sounded like she was in desperate need of some real food and a relaxing evening."
"I'm sure she's very grateful. We are having an experiment with chicken and grilled veggies. I made a big pitcher of Margaritas, go pour us each one."
CJ came downstairs wearing a flirty little sun dress and immediately picked up the drink sitting on the table.
"Can I do anything?"
"Yeah go relax on a chaise until dinner time. So Toby sent you on a wild goose chase?"
"Yeah, I think he was the one who leaked the story. He's up to something but I don't think I want to know what he's up to. What ever you are grilling smells amazing."
"I was in the mood for Margarita's and figured it might make a great marinade. I hope I'm right. Here taste this, what do you think?"
Mara cut off a tiny piece of chicken, blew on it several times and brought it up to CJ's lips. She moved it around her mouth and then chewed on it for a few seconds.
"Very good but a little bit sweet."
"I thought that might happen toss me a few limes from the table."
Mara gently rolled each lime on the table to loosen the juices before she cut into them and squeezed every last drop all over the chicken. She had to step back from the steam created by the juice hitting the charcoal. She tasted the chicken a minute later and was pleased with her adjustment.
They talked about Anguilla, Toby's reaction to sand, played the desert island game and got Sam to give them both a pedicure in exchange for a neck and foot massage. When Mara brought the conversation around to CJ's pathetic love life, rather than fleeing, CJ challenged Mara to find her a decent guy she'd actually want to go on a second date with. Sam rolled his eyes knowing that Mara was the happiest when presented with a challenge.
"Ceeg, I'll find you a guy so good you'll even get sex. Do you remember what sex is?"
"I'll get you my pretty and your little boy toy too."
"Hey, I'm not part of this, keep me out of the payback."
"You aren't going to help me?" Mara complained.
"Umm, do you forget I work with CJ on a daily basis? No way, now how, Nah uh.."
"Fine, then I shall drink from the keg of glory, alone."
"Whatever Josh." CJ quipped.
Sam ended up doing a spit take with his Margarita and quickly cleaned up the mess to stop the death glare Mara was giving him.
**********************
"When's Abbey getting back?" Leo asked Jed over steak in the residence.
"Saturday morning, so when do we do this?"
"We talk to Babish in the morning and go from there. She's not still..."
"Oh yeah, I don't even have her vote. The rage and freeze out are gone but the anger and hurt is still there. If my wife won't even vote for me, what the hell makes you think the people of this country will?"
"Sir.."
"God damn it Leo! Do you think we are in the Oval or have your forgotten my name? One way or another this country is going to find out I committed a sin of omission. Maybe I should just take my one term and call it a day."
"That is the stupidest thing I've heard all day you jackass! Now pass me the salt."
Jed and Leo continued to argue over dinner and straight through dessert, until Leo finally gave up and went home. He didn't enjoy fighting with Jed but he thought it might have helped his mindset. There was no way they were going to get through the bombshell if Jed wasn't willing to fight.
After speaking to Oliver Babbish on Wednesday morning, Josh was called in at 3 am Friday morning to be told the news. He wasn't as vocally angry as Toby and inquired about the President's health but it was evident that Josh felt deceived and was not happy about it. Sam was in Philadelphia for most of the day and never returned to the White House. After telling CJ at 8 pm, it was decided over Josh and CJ's objections that there was no need to ruin Sam's weekend away.
"Toby do you know how pissed Sam is going to be, when he finds out he is the last to know yet again?" Josh asked after closing Toby's office door.
"If he had come back to the office, he'd know. Have you not noticed Sam is distancing himself lately? I'm not saying his commitment to us has changed but his priorities sure the hell have. Leo and I both might still be married if we had changed our priorities. Look at the President and First Lady, this place is not conducive to relationships. If you want once you have to distance yourself, to some degree. It was Sam's choice to take Mara away for a romantic weekend and not even check in. If he calls I'll tell him, but he won't."
"Toby, this is the reason why we've got pagers."
"Josh, the decision has been made, now leave me alone so I can go talk to CJ."
************************************
Mara picked Sam up at Dulles just after 4 p.m. and they headed straight for Colonial Willamsburg.
"I should have asked Jed to borrow Marine One." Mara commented as they sat in rush hour traffic on the I-64.
"Oh yeah, we wouldn't have drawn any attention at all, that way." Sam retorted snidely.
"I hate traffic!"
"Don't worry we'll make it in time for the lantern tour and I made reservations for a late dinner in the Regency room. I figured being able to just go up to our room after dinner would be a good thing."
"Leslie told me we need to have high tea and she wants me to bring her back something pretty from the Mary Dickinson Shop."
"I think the tea is in Terrace room of our Inn. Every US President in recent memory has stayed at the Williamsburg Inn."
"I've seen Abbey's pictures. It's very charming. I'm looking forward to this weekend if we ever get there."
Sam looked out the window until he noticed a sign. "We'll be there in about 40 minutes. Now what did you say about Ginger on the phone?"
"I found someone to set her up with. His name is Ryan Gauthier and he works in business development. He's 30, has an MBA from U of T and he is quite cute."
"Does he have any idea you're about to set him up?"
"Yeah, I asked him if he was interested in escorting a beautiful woman out to dinner. He said sure if it was me. I laughed and told him I was taken. I showed him a picture of Ginger from Christmas and he thought she was very pretty. I warned him that if he hurt Ginger I'd rip his heart out and feed it to him and he still wants to meet her."
"Tell me you did a background check."
"I'm having one done over the weekend."
"Ok, as long as I get final approval."
"You are way too overprotective there Sammy."
"No one messes with my Ginger."
"Whoa, you sound like Josh, it's kinda sweet though. I've always adored how you look out for the female population of the White House."
"If this works out it will be ironic. Ginger made me promise she'll always have a job with me and mentioned that relocation to Canada would be fine for her. She was looking for a hot Canuck to keep her warm."
"Somehow I don't think she phrased it quite that way Samuel."
"Blah blah fishcakes." Sam responded with a grin.
"I'm going to remember this next time you call me juvenile. Toss me a bag of Good and Plenty."
"Now I only bought you 8 bags so you are going to have to pace yourself."
Sam opened the bag and poured a handful out before passing it to Mara, who true to form wasn't thrilled that she had to share her Good and Plenty. She gave him her patented did I say you could have some? look, followed by her you've got some nerve look.
"You and what Army?" Sam muttered with a grin.
Mara chose to ignore Sam and popped another handful of Good and Plenty into her mouth. By the time she was polishing off the second bag they had reached the sign welcoming travelers to Colonial Williamsburg. After tossing their luggage in their suite they started exploring Colonial Williamsburg and stopped to enjoy an ice cream before meeting in front of the Capital to start their private lantern tour.
They spent the next day exploring the rest of Williamsburg, stopping to shop and indulge in wonderful food several times. They both ordered different chocolate desserts at the Trellis Restaurant sharing them. Mara ordered two chocolate shells filled with dark chocolate mousse to eat later. After dinner they went for a long walk before retiring early to their suite. Sam smiled when he came out of the bathroom and found Mara curled up in a comfy chair wearing her Tigger boxer shorts and a very large Bartlet For America T shirt.
"You stole my shirt."
"Excuse me? This shirt is mine, Margaret sent me two as soon as they were made. I use to wear them all the time, but Cheryl did all my packing and put them in a summer box instead of Sleep wear. I just found them the other day."
"Oh, what are you reading?"
"A book on Historical Interpretation, I picked up in the College of William and Mary bookstore. It's a very pretty campus, no wonder Thomas Jefferson enjoyed his time here so much."
"You know I've always thought Monticello was beautiful but I've never been a huge Jefferson fan."
"I always had a problem with the fact that he was such a paradox. How could a man who thought freedom and liberty were paramount own slaves? Don't try to tell me that he tried to get emancipation into the declaration either, he could have done something when he was President."
"I agree with you, that's why I'm not a fan. So what's the book about?"
"Research into all facets of Colonial times to help interpreters present history."
"Ah, I'm in the mood for a drink, you want a Bailey's to go with dessert?"
"Sounds divine, don't be gone too long."
"I won't, I don't trust you with my chocolate. I can't believe you ate both slices of fudge."
"Sam, for the twentieth time I'll buy you some more in the morning. I can't resist that stuff. One rich creamy bite and I can't stop. A little pinch here, a little pinch there and suddenly there is none left and I'm licking my fingers. Now go get me a drink."
Mara laughed at Sam when he insisted on locking up his fudge in the trunk on the way home early Sunday evening. She had bought them each five slices and had eaten two of hers already. When Sam noticed her reaching her fingers in the bag he snatched it away from her.
"Mara, you are going to make yourself sick and ruin your dinner. I'm looking forward to some artery clogging super greasy pizza and a beer. We'll be at Sal's in ten minutes. If you feel compelled to engage your mouth for the next ten minutes, you can kiss me senseless."
"That would be a short trip." Mara quipped.
"Shut up and kiss me."
"You know Sal's is the closest I've had to Montreal Pizza. The dough in the middle just makes me misty."
"Now aren't you glad I didn't let you spoil your dinner?" Sam asked before taking another large bite.
Mara simply nodded her head and continued eating. There was a movie theater across the street and they decided to catch a 8 p.m. show. After the movie they returned to Sal's for a hot apple pie sundae before heading home. The first thing Mara and Sam noticed when they walked in to the house was the flashing red light on the answering machine.
"Sam who did you piss off in Philly?"
"No one, what makes you think the message is even for me?"
"No one leaves me urgent messages." Mara stated as she hit play.
"Sam, it's Leo, my office 6:30 tomorrow morning, sharp." There was a pause and Leo's conversation was recorded, "He's not in any trouble Margaret, mind your own business."
"6:30? That's cruel and unusual punishment if you ask me. Maybe it would be better if you were in trouble." Mara laughed.
"Well I guess I'm going to bed, you were yawning in the car so I take it you're joining me."
"Yeah, you better not wake me up at no 5:30 Mister."
Sam knew something was up when Toby wandered out of his office to let Sam now he'd be there after the meeting.
"Morning Sam." Leo said.
"6:30 Leo, who are we bombing?" Sam asked stifling a yawn.
"Sam, the President would like a word with you."
(What the hell, Toby's waiting in his office...I'll kill him if he's quitting.)
Leo ushered Sam through the door and sat down on the couch.
"Sam, sit." Jed ordered before sitting on the edge of the table.
"Sam, there is something I need to tell you. Eight years ago, a pain I had in my legs returned, as well as numbness. My vision would become blurry and I'd feel dizzy. You know Abbey, she sent me straight to an eye doctor who detected abnormal pupil responses and ordered an MRI. They found plaque on my brain and spine. I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis."
Sam heard the words but it took his brain a little longer to process the information and let it sink in. "Eight years ago? Sir has it, I mean are you...."
"I'm fine thank you Sam. Relapsing -remitting MS is not life threating...."
"I friend of mine in high school's Mom was diagnosed with secondary progressive, she died five years later. Can't relapsing-remitting turn into to secondary progressive?"
"It could."
"MS affects the central nervous system and symptoms run the garment from numbness and blurred vision to paralysis and blindness. Memory and cognitive functions can also be affected."
"Yeah."
I'm sorry Sir. Wait a second, eight years ago, why wasn't this disclosed during the campaign and why do you keep getting a clean bill of health?"
"I'm in remission, so it is undetectable in a regular physical."
"Oh, you still haven't answered my first question Sir."
"I decided that since it wasn't a factor not to disclose it. I had made a deal with Abbey that in the unlikely event that I actually became President that it would only be for one term. "
"So that's why she's been so pissed at you and warned me that if I ever broke a promise to Mara she'd break every bone in my body."
"Yes."
"She had every right to be pissed at you. The voters had a right to know Sir, what if you suffered a relapse during a national crisis? We could have dealt with this and still won Sir. Now, we'll be lucky if they don't impeach you. Why are you telling me this now?"
"Toby figured it out last week and I knew it would only be a matter of time before it was out. CJ can control how the story gets out."
"Control it? Sir, with all due respect, all you can do is admit you lied and apologize profusely.
You need to do a short Presidential address. Something along the lines of. 'I have this illness, I concealed it, I apologize. Let me tell you about it. Let me displace any fears you have about my fitness to serve.'"
"We're working on it Sam. That will be all."
"Sam, Senior Staff in five minutes go wait in my office."
Sam rose and left the Oval office, going around the long way to Leo's office.
"Morning Sam, how was Wiliamsburg?" Margaret asked breaking off a piece of her muffin and handing it to him.
He popped the muffin into his mouth not even tasting it. "Fun, we ate a lot of chocolate in various forms. I brought you a slice of fudge but I bypassed the kitchen this morning. If Mara hasn't eaten it for breakfast I'll bring it to you tomorrow."
"Thanks Sam, I love that stuff, it's just so rich and creamy and sweet as hell. I'm going to grab a coffee, you want one? "
"Thanks."
He was only alone for a minute before CJ entered the room and sat on the corner of Margaret's desk.
"Spanky, you've got that shell shocked look. You just leave the Oval?"
"Uhuh, we're fucked CJ. The second this story breaks our approval will be in the low 20's and the election is in 16 months. When did you find out?"
"After the full lid Friday night. Josh found about at 4 am Friday morning."
"No one thought this was important enough news to page me about? Or was I just an after thought yet again?"
"For what it's worth Sam, Josh and I argued that you needed to know. I even had the number of the Wiliamsburgh Inn to give Leo. I think the President didn't want to ruin a romantic weekend since you won't be getting anymore of those for the foreseeable future."
"You argued with Leo?"
"Yeah, then Josh went a round or two with Toby. If you had been here I bet they would have told us both together."
"Of course cause we are the out of the loop twins. What ever happened to you being the first call?"
"I don't know, you tell me Laurie?"
"Are you ever going to get over that?"
"I don't think so Spanky."
"Who knows?"
"The family, Leo, the four of us, the doctor, Hoynes, Fitz and maybe the party chair. If Toby was 17, Josh was 18, I was 19 and that makes you 20."
"I guess I can represent myself in front of the Grand Jury."
"Grand Jury?"
"Come on CJ, there will be an inquiry akin to the Spanish Inquisition."
"Shit, I'm going to need a lawyer. I can't afford you. Know anyone competent and cheap?"
"Josh?"
"I said competent."
They both started laughing until Toby entered the room. Sam mumbled something about forgetting a file and walked away. He met Josh and Margaret in the hall and listened to Josh complain that it wasn't fair that the assistants got coffee for Sam but never him.
"Josh, Sam doesn't annoy us, unlike you, end of story." Margaret shot back before sitting down at her desk.
Leo opened his door and ushered the foursome in. They talked about everything except the MS and were told that the room they used for millenium plans in the basement would be MS headquarters with a secure password to gain admittance. After the meeting, Sam returned to his office without a word. He closed his door after telling Ginger he didn't want to be disturbed for at least an hour. Ten minutes later he heard the door open and glared at Toby.
"Last time I checked Ginger spoke in clear concise English. What part of 'He doesn't want to be disturbed,' don't you understand?"
"Sam..."
"Toby, get the hell out of my office."
When Toby didn't move Sam, walked past him, closed the door and twisted the outside lock.
"Ginger let him out in about ten minutes and tell him he better learn to listen to you."
"Sam?"
"Page me if you need me."
Sam found himself walking down Pennsylvania Avenue and decided he may as well pop in and see Mara. He smiled at Leslie who told him Mara would be back in a few minutes.
"Horrible about that oil tanker isn't it."
"Huh?"
"Didn't you hear Sam? An oiler tanker called Indigo crashed into the Deleware coast and covered it with oil."
"God no, was it the Indio and Kensington Oil?"
"Yeah."
"Perfect, just perfect. Can I go wait in her office?"
"Yeah sure."
Sam dialed the office and asked Ginger to get someone in to tell him about the Indio.
"Sure, where are you Sam? Toby was fit to be tied."
"Good, I'm out."
"I know, I called security. Bring me back a raspberry smoothie."
"Kay."
Sam sat down in Mara's chair and stared out at the Capitol. Mara really did have one of the best views in the city.
"Well hello Mr. Ambassador." Mara said saucily.
"Hey."
Mara knew something was wrong when she noticed the defeated look in his eyes. "Sam, what's wrong?"
Let's see, I'm the last to know major news again. An oil tanker ran a ground in Delaware and is going to cause millions of dollars of damage and wipe out wildlife for a decade or more. The oil company isn't going to pay a dime. I know, because I'm the one who wrote an iron clad liability shield. I'm going to have to testify before a grand jury and chances are the President will face impeachment hearings."
"Holy crap Sam, what the hell is going on over there?"
"The President concealed something during the election."
"Concealed, what on earth could Jed have...oh."
"Oh? You knew about his medical condition?"
"More like, guessed. About six years ago, Abbey told me she had a sample of a new migraine drug she wanted me to try out. She said to grab it from her bag. I moved a vial of Betaseron with her name on it and thought it was strange but dismissed it. A few months later, my Dad sent me the New England Journal of Medicine to read a article about migraines and I noticed that Betaseron was used in the treatment of MS patients, it slows the frequency of attacks down. I knew Abbey would have told me if she had MS so I put two and two together and came up with Jed. I didn't say anything figuring if Jed wanted me to know he'd tell me."
"You could have shared that information with me."
"Sam, you just confirmed it for me. Abbey must have known, I knew from the concern in my voice anytime Jed got the flu but I don't think she shared that with Jed. It also wasn't my place to reveal anything. Sam, if I'm asked to keep a secret, I keep it and if I find something out by accident I keep it to myself. Unless I can use it for my own gain, but I'd never hurt someone I like, let alone love so.... "
"You've used a secret...."
"No, stuff I've found out by accident, overheard etc."
"Oh, you want to write my resignation for me? I've had it with La Maison Blanc."
"Sam, even if you were serious you wouldn't resign now. You might be furious with Jed but you know what damage you'd do resigning now. Give it six months and then if you still want out, I will write it for you."
"That speech sounds oddly familiar."
"Ya think? You've only given it to me twice so far."
"I hate it when my own words come back to bite me in the ass."
"I know Sam, you've had one hell of a year mi amour. If you hadn't married the world's most amazing woman, this year would have sucked to hell."
"Says the world's most amazing wife. Thanks, I needed to vent for a bit. I guess I better get back to the salt mine."
"Sam, at least it's an architecturally pleasing salt mine."
"It's even white." Sam chuckled at his lame joke.
Mara gave Sam a long, slow kiss and sent him on his way. When Sam got off the elevator a security guard was waiting for him. He was ushered over to the desk and given the phone.
"Sam, there's big trouble in Haiti the Minister of Justice was arrested and soldiers are surrounding the Chief Justice's house. Intelligence reports say he's been put under house arrest. Personnel carriers are parked in front on every police station in Port- Au- Prince. I believe a coup has started. The President elect Dessaline is MIA. Jed's got to get non-essentials out of there on the down low. I'm working my connections. My intel will be faster and more accurate. I'm calling Nancy in the Sit room to pass on what I know."
"Why would your..."
"Cause your intel comes from my intel, Canadian Embassy in the D.R."
"So, locked up, missing, house, cops, non e's outs, your full cooperation."
"Yes, the car is waiting for you outside to get you back quicker."
"Kay, thanks."
Ten minutes later Sam was standing in front of Mrs. Landingham's desk.
"He's in a security meeting Sam."
"If I jot something down would you be so kind as to give it to him?"
She rolled her eyes and handed Sam a piece of paper and her pen. Sam quickly wrote down.
Coup in Haiti, Mrs. S is collecting info as we speak. Missing President elect, officials arrested or under house arrest and Cop shops blocked by troops. Mrs. S advises evacuation of non e's at our Embassy and is awaiting your call.
She took the folded message and knocked at the door.
"Sorry Sir but there is an important message for you."
Jed quickly read the letter and smiled. "Send young James Bond in please."
"Yes Sir." Mrs. Landingham smiled as she closed the door.
"He would like to see you Sam. He's calling you young James Bond so you might want to tell him shaken but not stirred."
Sam grinned and walked into the Oval office. He was expecting the look of surprise on face of NSA advisors and State Department representatives. Leo looked shocked to see him and he swore the President looked at him proudly. It would have meant more if he wasn't so bitterly disappointed in him at the moment.
"Sam, care to share the information you just gave me?"
"According to my sources we are facing a Coup d'etat in Haiti. President elect Dessaline had disappeared. The Minister of Justice was arrested and soldiers are surrounding the Chief Justice's house. Intelligence reports say he's been put under house arrest. Personnel carriers are parked in front of every police station in Port- Au- Prince. It may be a good idea to evacuate all non-essential personnel from our Embassy without drawing too much attention to the fact that we are doing it."
"Get them out of there."
One of the NSA advisors spoke up, "Mr. President, any move to evacuate the embassy, even the non-essentials, will be a signal that the US has no confidence in the Dessaline government."
"At the moment, there is no Dessaline government; there is no Dessaline! I've just finished watching the caskets of nine military personnel return from Columbia. Evacuate the non-essentials. Get some Marines at the Embassy. And somebody brief Fitzwallace! Good day and keep me posted. Sam stay."
The President rose and everyone rose with him and began to file out of the office. Jed picked up the phone and asked Mrs. Landingham for an outside line. The phone rang once before it was picked up.
"Information Central how may I be of service Jed."
"Girl, do you have a camera in here I should know about?"
"No, I figured Sam had just enough time to get my message to you. What do you need?"
"Have anything new for me?"
"I think so give me a minute to get the other line."
Mara came back a moment later. "According to my Embassy, Jake Bratt has Dessaline in his trunk and is going to try to make it into your Embassy. If there is too much resistance I've just recommended that we give the authorization to let him in our gate. Bazan is behind this, but I'm sure you figured that out already. Don't let State try to convince you this is none of our business. There can never be free elections if the military cam just swoop in and kill the victor. You guys fought to make sure there was free elections you've got to give the process your full support."
"Now why is it that I have an entire gaggle of people collecting this information when I can just give you a call and find out what is going on in the world?"
"Government Bureaucracy Jed, nothing can ever be done simply. It could also be that my superior intellect allows me to do the work of a hundred men by lifting just one finger."
Jed chuckled, "Keep me informed and would you mind passing this on to Nancy. Mrs. Landingham will give you the direct number into the Sit room."
"Don't need it, I've got it already."
"Young lady, you scare me."
"I scare most people, talk to you later."
"Sam, go ask Leo to step in for a minute."
When Leo came back into the room Jed told him to bring Sam down to the situation room with him.
"Are you sure Sir? I might be more helpful in the basement meetings."
"You can do both Sam. Now go be my ears."
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir."
"It's baptism by fire time Sam. Keep your ears open and don't just listen to what's being said but look for what's not being said. Only make your recommendations to the President. Right now only Nancy will be interested in your thoughts and she doesn't have time to hear them."
"Got it, lets go."