Happy Monday! Enjoy!
Elizabeth gasped and then covered her mouth with the hand that wasn't clinging to her husband. "Where are you taking us?" she asked, desperate.
The Secret Service agent spoke into his communication device. "The Secretary is secure for now. Have you checked the perimeter of the house?"
All three kids stood frozen in the hallway. "Why is this happening?" Stevie whispered, eyes widening.
"We don't know all the details yet," Henry replied.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and reminded herself to breathe. Henry rubbed her shoulder, trying to calm her down.
"Copy that. All clear. No one suspicious in the area," the Secret Service agent said into his communication device.
"What does that mean?" Henry asked.
"It means we are moving the Secretary to the White House bunker until further notice."
Elizabeth shook her head. "But you just said the area was clear."
"It's protocol ma'am. A shot came through the window. The President was here hours ago. This could all be a targeted attack. We need to get you to the White House now," the Secret Service agent said sternly.
"Can my family come?" Elizabeth asked in a small voice.
I won't let you go alone.
"Yes, but we need to get you to your motorcade now."
She nodded, releasing a sigh of relief. Henry felt her grip his hand tighter. The kids all exchanged worried glances with both of their parents.
The Secret Service agent spoke into his communication device again letting the other agent outside know that they were coming to the motorcade.
Walking down the stairs with his wife leaning into his side, Henry's thoughts raced.
We are going to have to tell the kids what really happened on your trip. What else can go wrong? Why does this keep happening? How can we trust anyone to keep us safe?
The Secret Service agent opened the door to the backseat of the SUV. Stevie, Alison, and Jason climbed in first. Henry and Elizabeth followed, and the door slammed shut behind them. It took a minute for all of the kids to get situated, but eventually, everyone found a seat. It was a tight squeeze, but honestly, Henry was glad they were all here together. He stroked Elizabeth's hand with his thumb and took a minute to take stock of everything he knew to be true at this moment.
All three kids were alive and healthy and sitting next to him and Elizabeth. They looked exhausted, confused, and a little panicked, but otherwise okay. Elizabeth was practically sitting in his lap with the limited space in the backseat, but he didn't mind. It meant she was okay.
If we aren't safe at the house, then where can we go? We can't live in the White House bunker. Are we even safe at the White House?
The SUV rolled away from the curb, breaking Henry out of his thoughts. The Secret Service agent that came and brought them to the SUV turned around to address them. "Madam Secretary, we should be at the White House in about eleven minutes. Also, the FBI is headed to your residence to canvas the house and surrounding area."
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied.
The privacy screen went up and Jason was the first to speak. "What's going on, Mom? Why are people shooting through a window at the house?"
Elizabeth turned to look at Jason. "I don't know yet, Jase."
She sounds so defeated.
Jason crossed his arms. "I don't buy that for a second. You came back from your trip all beat up and scared and Dad won't let you out of his sight and people are shooting at you and something is definitely wrong and—"
"Jason," Henry said. "Enough. We'll explain later."
Stevie caught Henry's eye. "He's right, Dad. We deserve to know."
Elizabeth shifted so she was leaning more into Henry. She stared into his eyes and gave him a tiny imperceptible nod. "We have to tell them," she whispered.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
A tear rolled down her cheek. "The kids are part of this now. We can't keep them safe if they don't know what's happening." She laid her head on his shoulder, drawing comfort from him.
"Okay, Babe," Henry said, kissing the top of her head.
Henry turned to face the kids. "We need to talk to some people when we get to the White House, but I promise, we'll explain what's going on when we can."
Ali and Stevie nodded. Jason stared out the window, arms still crossed.
"Okay, Jase?" Henry asked.
"Fine."
He reminds me of myself when I was younger. Everything my dad said was annoying. I can't wait until he outgrows that.
"Are you sure you're okay, Mom?" Ali asked.
"I'm fine, Noodle," Elizabeth replied, giving her a small smile.
Not even close, but she's trying to be strong for the kids.
Henry wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and she leaned into him.
The privacy screen came down and the Secret Service agent spoke into the backseat. "Madam Secretary, we're here. We need to move you and your family quickly to the bunker under the east wing."
"Has President Dalton been briefed?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes ma'am. He's expecting you." Both Secret Service agents got out of the SUV and one of them opened the door to the backseat. Elizabeth kept a tight hold on Henry's hand as they climbed out of the car. The kids followed behind closely. As the Secret Service agents led them toward the White House bunker in the east wing, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice that all of them were still clad in their pajamas. "Henry, we might need clothes…"
He squeezed her hand. "It's okay. We can send someone to get clothes later."
Stevie walked faster to catch up with her parents. She grabbed Elizabeth's hand. "It's going to be okay, Mom."
Stevie has been so strong through all of this.
Elizabeth stopped walking and hugged Stevie, overwhelmed with emotion. Ali and Jason caught up and joined in on the hug. Henry wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and the kids, relishing in the fact that they were safe and together. No matter what came next, they were a family.
"Madam Secretary, we really need to go to the bunker," one of the Secret Service agents said.
Henry and the kids pulled out of the hug, and Elizabeth nodded.
They continued to wind through the halls of the White House making their way to the east wing. The seven of them got on an elevator only used when situations were dire for the country and Elizabeth exchanged a worried look with Henry. The elevator was crowded with all of them on it, and Henry felt Elizabeth pressing into his side to avoid the Secret Service agents. The kids stood close to each other, and Henry wished more than anything they could have protected them from all of this.
Several minutes later, they arrived at the bunker, ushered in by the Secret Service agents. Upon entering, President Dalton turned around and greeted Elizabeth. "Good evening, Bess. Is anyone hurt?"
"No, we're all okay right now. What can you tell us?"
President Dalton sighed and asked Henry and Elizabeth to have a seat.
Jason, Ali, and Stevie took seats around the table, looking slightly uncomfortable. Lydia greeted them and offered to make them tea. "I think we're good for now," Stevie replied politely.
Henry and Elizabeth sat down across from the kids, anxious to hear what President Dalton had to say.
I'm still not happy with him at the moment.
Dalton folded his hands and sat upright in the chair next to Elizabeth. "Our investigation has uncovered some disturbing news."
Henry interjected, holding his hand up. "Wait. Is there somewhere else we can take the kids while we talk?"
"There is a smaller room through that door," Conrad pointed. "You can have them go with Lydia and a Secret Service agent if you wish."
"Dad, no! We deserve to know!" Jason said.
"You promised we could know!" Stevie shouted.
Alison stood up. "You can't leave us in the dark!"
Henry sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Look. I said we would explain everything when we had a chance. I promise we will. But I would like your mother and me to hear the information and process it so we can answer your questions later."
"We aren't shutting you out," Elizabeth pleaded. "Just give us some time to get the facts and then we'll bring you back in and tell you what we can."
"There's a TV in the next room. And snacks," President Dalton said, attempting to lighten the mood.
Jason rolled his eyes and Ali crossed her arms.
Well they're certainly related.
"Come on guys. I know this is difficult, but a lot of information pertaining to your mom's job is classified. You know that."
Stevie shook her head. "But this is about her. Not her job, Dad."
"How are we supposed to continue to be left in the dark when it's obvious Mom isn't safe? Are we even safe?" Jason asked.
Elizabeth deflated next to him and Henry really wished the President and Secret Service agents weren't in the room with them right now.
"Can we have a minute?" Henry asked, looking at Conrad.
President Dalton nodded and then walked over to where his wife, Lydia was sitting, taking her hand. "We'll be right back," he said to Elizabeth and Henry.
As soon as they had the room to themselves, Henry pulled Elizabeth closer to him and motioned for Ali to sit down. She took a seat and Henry made eye contact with Jason.
"Do you really think your mother and I would let anything happen to you?"
He looked down at the table, avoiding Henry's eyes.
"Jason. Please answer the question."
"No. But I still think we deserve—"
"This isn't about what you and your sisters deserve. It's about all of you knowing that we want what is best for you and that there are always going to be decisions made that you don't understand because you don't have all the information. Your mother and I—"
"Henry, stop," Elizabeth said. "It's okay. I know he probably doesn't feel very safe right now. It's my fault. I'll explain."
His eyes softened and he rubbed her shoulder. "Babe, we've been over this. It's not your fault."
"Someone shot through the window at our house because I'm Secretary of State. It is completely my fault. I'm just glad the kids were upstairs…" she said, her voice hitching at the thought of one of the kids being shot.
"Is someone trying to kill you?" Stevie whispered.
Elizabeth turned her head into Henry's shoulder, taking a minute to collect herself. He stroked her hair to provide her with comfort.
I hate that you have to relive this right now.
When she turned back to face the kids, her eyes were shining with tears. "I can't tell you who, but someone had me kidnapped in Geneva. They killed Blake and some of my other DS agents."
Stevie and Alison both gasped, and covered their mouths with their hands. Jason stared at his mom, wide-eyed.
"He…beat me…and threatened to shoot me in the head if some of his political demands weren't met. Anyway, your dad got the president involved and sent a team to come rescue me. That's why I was in the hospital for so long."
Henry wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder. She leaned into him.
"Did they catch the guy?" Jason asked.
Henry interjected. "Yeah, he's in custody. But it's more complicated than that."
"If they caught him, why is someone shooting through the window?" Stevie asked. "Was he working with others?"
Henry nodded. "Yes. And that's where the classified information begins. Which is why we really need all of you to go in the other room with Lydia so we can get some information from President Dalton."
Elizabeth wrung her hands together, clearly upset. "I'm sorry if my job made any of you feel unsafe. That was never my intention."
"Mom, no. We don't blame you," Alison said.
"Yeah. You didn't do anything wrong," Stevie agreed.
Jason pressed his lips together and turned his head to face away from Elizabeth and Henry.
I love him, but if he says something rude to Elizabeth right now, he's going to be in a lot of trouble…
"Thanks," Elizabeth replied.
Stevie and Alison stood up. "Come on, Jase. Let's go sit in the other room with Lydia so Mom and Dad can talk with the President."
Jason continued staring off into space, not moving from his seat.
Tension filled the room.
"Jason…" Henry said.
He quietly got out of his seat and walked right over to Elizabeth. "I'm sorry I was so rude to you before you left for Geneva. I shouldn't have said any of that." His face was wet and he wiped the tears with his pajama shirt.
"Oh, Jason," Elizabeth said, reaching out to pull him in for a hug. "It's okay. I'm not mad."
Jason buried his face in his mom's shoulder like he was eight years old again.
He needed that closure. I'm glad he got to tell her he was sorry.
Jason pulled out of the hug and smiled at his mom. "I'm really glad you're okay."
"Me too, Jase."
"We'll see you guys in a little bit," Henry said as Jason, Ali, and Stevie walked through the door to the adjacent room where Conrad and Lydia were waiting.
"Is that why he was so weird when I first got home?" Elizabeth asked Henry.
"Yeah, he was worried you hated him or something. I tried to tell him that wasn't possible, but he blamed himself for the argument you had before you left."
"I could never hate any of the kids. Upset. Angry. Disappointed. Sure. But never hate."
"I know. And they know too, deep down," Henry replied.
President Dalton entered the room and took a seat opposite Elizabeth.
Silence filled the room as they waited for Conrad to speak. "The FBI has been in contact with us while they were combing your house for evidence. The bullet that shot through the window belongs to a gun capable of shooting from great distances."
"Like a sniper rifle?" Elizabeth asked.
"Most likely."
"Is that why we were brought here?"
"Yes. The FBI is still searching the area but found no one or any weapons yet. We moved you and the kids here out of caution."
Henry wrapped his arm more fully around Elizabeth, needing her closer while he digested that information.
A sniper tried to shoot Elizabeth? While the kids were home? I'm really thinking we need to have the 'is your job worth it?' conversation soon.
Conrad shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "That's not all. We found an encrypted file on Teresa Hurst's personal computer."
"Please tell me you were able to decrypt it," Elizabeth said.
President Dalton nodded. "Yes. The file contained several emails and other communications with Farhad Azimi and the Foreign Minister of Iran. Her plot to kill you to stop you from running for President in the future is all there in black and white. She promised the foreign minister she would back his play for power once she was president."
Elizabeth reached for Henry's hand. "Who else is involved?"
"We're still sifting through the files. I don't have all the names yet." Conrad held Elizabeth's gaze. "It appears to be at least six months in the making."
My God. Why did she hate Elizabeth so much?
She chewed her bottom lip. "Was she planning a coup here? Was your name in those files?"
"Not that we've seen yet. I have the FBI director and Ephraim Ware looking through the files. The working theory is that she was going to run for president after my second term was over. You were the threat she thought she needed to eliminate, Bess."
Elizabeth let out a shaky breath. "I haven't even thought about running for president. I certainly never told Teresa Hurst my future plans."
Please don't blame yourself, Babe.
"For the record, I think you would make a great president, Elizabeth," President Dalton said.
She gave him a half smile. "Thanks."
Henry stroked the back of her hand.
He's right. Our country could use you as our president.
"What about Diplomatic Security agents Rogers and Valdez?" Henry asked.
"What about them?" Conrad asked.
"Were they mentioned in the encrypted file on Teresa Hurst's computer?"
President Dalton shrugged slightly. "I don't know. Like I said, we haven't gone through all the information in the files yet."
Anger bubbled up inside of Henry. "Aren't you the President? Isn't it your job to know who you are giving security clearance to?"
"Henry…" Elizabeth warned, lightly touching his arm.
He brushed her hand off his arm. "I'm serious. I mean no disrespect, Mr. President, but how can you be sure that everyone you have working to protect you and my wife are actually vetted and not going to harm anyone in the administration?"
"What are you implying?" President Dalton demanded.
"That this whole thing is bigger than you think. I've been asking myself who can really be trusted over and over since Elizabeth was taken in Geneva," he said, glancing at her. "You can't tell me you have complete faith in all of your security detail in light of everything that happened with Vice President Hurst."
President Dalton's eyes darkened. "If I questioned the people hired to protect me, I would never leave the White House."
Henry scoffed. "You'll have to forgive my lack of trust in security lately."
Elizabeth leaned in to whisper directly in Henry's ear. "I think your anger is misplaced. You shouldn't be mad at the President."
I know you're right, but I feel helpless when I can't protect you.
Henry smiled at her, slightly ashamed of his anger.
President Dalton leaned forward in his chair and held Henry's gaze. "Look, I know you're on edge about security because of the past few days. You and Bess have every right to be worried about protection. If it helps, you and the kids can stay at the White House as long as you need to."
Elizabeth crossed her arms. "While I appreciate the offer, Mr. President, we can't stay here forever. Our children have lives outside of my job and everything that comes along with it. Staying here is only a temporary solution."
Conrad nodded. "Whatever you and Henry think is best."
I'm with you, Babe.
"Mom!?" Stevie called from the other room, sounding panicked and upset.
Conversation with President Dalton forgotten, Elizabeth and Henry both jumped up from their seats, making their way into the room where Lydia and the kids were.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked, slightly out of breath from moving too fast. She found a chair and plopped down into it.
Henry looked around the room, trying to make sense of what caused Stevie to sound so alarmed. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Stevie pointed to the TV in corner of the room.
Elizabeth stared in horror at the screen. A breaking news report showed a lawyer talking with the press about Farhad Azimi. "My client committed no crime and has a right to a fair trial. The Dalton administration seems to think that they can disregard the constitution to benefit themselves. Well it's time for President Dalton to face the fact that his Secretary of State had an affair with my client…"
The lawyer continued to speak lies about Elizabeth and Farhad Azimi, but Henry refused to listen anymore. He swallowed, trying to get the bad taste out of his mouth.
"Turn it off!" Henry shouted, louder than he intended.
She shouldn't have to see this. It's disgusting.
"It's happening," Elizabeth whispered.