It was about 2 pm when Shakira ran into the Oval where Jake and President Fitzgerald Grant were in the middle of a meeting. She looked frantic and was out of breath leaving the 2 men intrigued by what they were seeing. Suddenly Fitz stepped forward looking straight into her eyes.
"Can I help you?", he asked trying to sound authoritative but also approachable.
"Mr President, I'm so sorry. I was in a rush and I didn't mean to burst in like that" she replied as professionalism slowly began to take over her again. Her British accent had both Fitz and Jake surprised. She wasn't an American.
"I'm with the British Consulate. They sent me to deliver these papers to the White House directly to you Sir. I'm so sorry for the sudden entrance once again." She handed the president a thin black folder.
Meanwhile Jake watched this interaction with wide eyes. Something about this girl intrigued him; it wasn't just the British accent. She was different to all the other American girls he'd met. He hadn't met someone like this since before Olivia. He suddenly stepped forward.
"I'm sure the president doesn't mind. Besides, it's nice to see a new face occasionally. I'm Jake Ballard. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Shakira. Believe me when I say the pleasure is all mine."
"Well Shakira," the presdient said. "Thank you for your efficiency. It's much appreciated".
"Of course Mr President Sir. Anytime. I should get going now. It was a pleasure to meet you, sir. and you Jake."
With that, she walked out of the oval leaving the 2 men alone once more.
"So, what's in the folder?" Jake asked.
The president opened it and looked up at Jake with a surprised look on his face.
"What is it? Something bad?"
"It's nothing. Absolutely nothing. The folders empty."
Jake ran out of the oval to see if there was any sign of Shakira. But she was gone, leaving them alone with all sorts of unanswered questions.