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Chapter Eight:
"So, our first state dinner is with the Prime Minister of Spain," Corbin said on Monday. "Why didn't the British PM want one?"
"Her schedule was busy," Miranda said. "I hope you've all brushed up on your high school Spanish, I understand his support staff speaks little English. The Prime Minister himself is fluent."
"What did you study in high school Ma'am?" Williams asked.
"Spanish in high school, then French in college plus a German elective. It was fun," she said.
"I think I know the answer to this already, but does your husband speak Spanish?" Redmond asked.
"Along with German, Nigerian, and Russian and I think I'm missing two," Miranda said.
"For the agenda on Friday, my husband and I will meet the Prime minister and his wife in the morning. Spencer will take his wife on a tour of the White House and the gardens while I do photo ops and talk politics with the Prime Minister. The VP will invite them on a tour of the conservatory the next day while I host a bowling part for my kids and then it is on to a state dinner."
Fleming raised her hand.
"Why are you having a bowling party the same day as a state dinner?"
"Because it sounds like fun," Miranda said simply. "Now do we have the political agenda worked out yet?"
"Almost, Ma'am," Corbin said.
"I want a draft by the end of the day. If that is all, you're dismissed."
Everyone left but Fleming.
"You don't usually host staff meetings directly after security briefings," she said.
"Whitney, if there is one thing I have learned from that little retreat it is that I need to communicate with my staff more," she said. "If you feel a little left out, I'm sorry."
"Is there anything else on your mind?"
"Aside from a partial cabinet meeting tomorrow, and the general weight of the world on my shoulders, nope."
"Let me know if there is," she said and left.
Miranda sighed as she pulled out her computer. Fleming knew her too well. She thought about telling her about the traitor on the staff but decided against it. This was one instance where she needed to keep the story to herself.
…
William Snyder was the first to arrive at the cabinet meeting. Miranda stood up.
"Senator," she said warmly.
"It's not senator anymore Ma'am," he said with a smile. "Call me Will."
Miranda laughed. "You've got to be kidding me. How about Mr. Secretary?"
"Then what will you call the John Alrich, Mr. Secretary of Commerce? The rules of the game have changed, Ma'am. Call me Will."
"Yes, Sir. Will," she said.
The rest of the cabinet filed in. Only three places were empty.
"It seems our congress is bent lengthening the process as much as possible," Miranda said. "We'll have to make do without Arlene, Max, and Ramona. I want a basic schedule for what we need to accomplish in the remaining days of maximum productivity. Let's go around and list goals for your offices and how you plan to accomplish them."
She turned to Alrich. "John, would you like to start?"
He looked slightly surprised to be addressed. "Yes, Ma'am. I'd like to start by addressing shady loan companies that target the poorest in our communities."
"I like it," Miranda said. "If there is one thing I am tired of, it is hearing how we need to maintain the middle class. First, we need to address the poor in our community. I have big plans for how to address the issue, that I am not prepared to discuss yet."
The Housing and Urban Development chair raised his hand.
"Paul?" she said.
"You want to propose plans for housing the homeless, don't you?"
She smiled.
"Did you hack my private computer?"
"No," he said blushing. "I read up on some of your legislation from six years ago. Satellite projects in various cities have shown great success in growing the economy by housing the homeless and improving the quality of life."
"It's not something I want to propose in the first hundred days, but it is something I want to look at before the end of the year. What's next?"
After the meeting, Gina approached her.
"That must have been interesting," she said. "Seeing the King actually sharing the attention with other people."
"It was and he was very engaging," she said. "We'll see how it works out. But for now, I'm optimistic."
…
The Spanish Prime Minister was an older man in his late sixties. His wife was ten years younger. Reid and Miranda greeted them warmly in front of the cameras. Then there were more photos in the oval office.
They made pleasant small talk about weather and strengthening bonds as camera flashes went off. When the press finally left, they didn't speak at first.
"You're still getting used to this I see," he said with a genuine smile.
"I was hoping it wasn't that obvious," she said.
"To most people, no. But to the trained eye, yes."
Miranda stood up.
"What are your goals for this meeting, Sir?"
"The usual," he said casually. "Better trade relations, renewal of our mutual desire to fight the war on terrorism. But truthfully, you your self are the main reason."
"I'm flattered and appreciate your candor," she said.
"You're and oddity in this world Ma'am. You won because you spoke the truth and goaded Lang into insulting you to try to win. Your allies are watching to see how you handle the job."
"I don't think I am the 'oddest' president in recent years."
"No, but your sincerity is special. A lot is expected of you. A word of friendly advice: Don't put too much more pressure on yourself. You will start to crack and it will show."
"Thank you, Sir, and it truly is an honor to meet you."
"The same to you Ma'am," he said.
There was a brief pause.
"Now what is this I hear about a 'bowling party' tomorrow?"
Miranda looked truly shocked.
He laughed.
"My cousin's god daughter has a niece attending the same school as your children. She was invited."
Miranda didn't know what to say.
"I've seen the conservatory in pictures. Can my wife and I join you for a game?"
Miranda laughed.
"Of course!"
…
Gomez and his family came to. It turned in a game of the adults versus the children. Gomez was in a bowling league years ago, so he was their anchor and quickly the subject of insults in two languages when he kept making gutter balls. The Spanish Prime Minister had the kids in stitches as he insisted on spreading his leg to pivot the ball. Reid teased Alex for appearing to have a good time and he grudgingly agreed. It turned out to be tie game and everyone was happy.
"I don't know how you Americans call this pizza," he said taking slice. "Italy is where you find the best kind."
"It does have some merit," his wife said wiping some sauce off her face with a napkin.
"If I had known the Spanish Prime Minister was going to be eating with us, I would have had the chef make something a little more special," Miranda said.
"Nonsense," he said. "It is good to be around children and what they like to eat."
His wife checked her watch. "I need to get ready for the dinner."
Miranda stood. "That makes two of us."
He sighed. "This was fun children. Have a good evening."
Everyone waved.
…
Fleming found her before dinner.
"Bowling with the Spanish Prime Minister?"
"It was fun," she said adjusting her makeup. "You don't approve?"
"The press is already having a field day with it."
"I don't particularly care," Miranda said. "Tonight, is about having fun and that is what we shall have."
Reid grabbed her hand before they were to be announced. She was wearing a sequined green ball gown.
"You look lovely," he said.
"You clean up nicely too," she said.
They arrived in the ballroom and took stood where instructed. It promised to be a fabulous event.
…
Miranda was dizzy with joy. It had been her favorite event since the inauguration. Reid had gone upstairs earlier to make sure the kids were in bed. Miranda was about to climb the stairs when she heard her name called.
It was the head of the Secret Service.
"Let's go into the Oval Office," he said.
The memo she received Friday contained no valuable information. It was mostly speculation about likely suspects.
"We know what organization paid the janitor to glue the drawers shut," he said.
"Who?" she asked.
"A Political Action Committee that had recently been shut down for fraud," he said and then paused. "It was a PAC dedicated to raising money for President Lang."
She took a seat on a couch.
"Could he really be involved in all of this?" she asked softly.
"We aren't prepared to rule anything out. We'll interviewing him on Monday."
"Let me know how that goes," she said.
Five minutes later she was stripping down her dress.
Reid appeared.
"Everything okay?"
She smiled.
"Just an adrenaline let-down."
"Okay," he said. "But you know I'm here when you need me."
"I know and that is what I love about you."
Even while lying to him.