Chapter 3
"CJ, Toby, want to play some poker?" Jed had ordered his sandwich and decided that he wasn't going to bed right away.
Both groaned. They had hoped that the President would stay busy and let them rest. CJ had been on the go for two weeks with barely four hours sleep a night. She was hoping for at least ten uninterrupted hours of sleep on the return flight.
Toby as well was dreading the long return flight, but for different reasons. It had been long enough on the trip over to Tokyo, but at least he was kept busy with revising the many Presidential speeches that had to be presented at various stops. But now, there was nothing to keep him busy.
Toby responded first. "Sure, Mr. President, I'll take your money."
Jed smiled. He just knew this time he would have the better cards.
CJ groaned but agreed. "Just a quick game, okay? I'm beat and was looking forward to some sleep."
"Great. Come on over to the office and let's get real. Who's dealing?"
Three hours later, CJ was nodding between hands.
"Your deal, CJ."
"Huh?"
Jed smiled. "CJ, if you want to go to bed, go ahead. Besides, I've already taken your money." CJ's total exhaustion had been used to the President's advantage. His monetary advantage.
CJ threw her cards on the table and stood up. "Thanks, Mr. President. I think I'll do just that. See you in the morning. Good night, Sir. You too, Toby."
Turning his attention to Toby, Jed smiled. "It's no fun without suckers. Do you want to continue playing?"
"Sir, I really would like to follow CJ to bed, if you don't mind?"
Jed laughed. "Okay, Toby. I think its time for me to find my own bed as well. Good night."
"Good night, sir."
Soon the whole aircraft was quiet as the internal lights dimmed and everyone tried to get some sleep.
And the pilots kept the plane smoothly chasing the rising sun.