by Ali Vali
They all enjoyed getting to know the Sullivans and celebrating Berkley and Aidan’s good news as Corbin and Berkley grilled everything that’d been packed in the cooler. By the afternoon, Berkley had tired out her nieces enough in the big pool that none of them complained when they’d been led inside to be changed into dry clothes. The family sat around and talked while Berkley joined her in-laws and father on the levee to shoot off the ton of fireworks they’d purchased.
Aidan sat with her parents holding River, the newest addition to the family, as she sucked on her evening bottle. “You look beautiful doing that,” Maggie said as she joined them.
“You have beautiful grandchildren,” Mary Beth said.
“They’re a wonder, for sure, but I’m still waiting on my Berkley and Corbin lookalike,” Maggie said. “Those two are still the only two brunettes in the bunch.”
“I’ll see what I can do, but I’ve got to get her to retire first,” Aidan said, lifting the baby to her shoulder.
“Don’t worry. We’ll work on her,” Ann said, “but right now I’m happy for both of you. We’re proud of her for so many reasons, but getting the girl to say yes has surpassed all of them.”
“I’m looking forward to retirement, but hell if I won’t miss her in that uniform,” she said, and they all laughed.
“I totally understand that.” Maggie kissed her cheek. “Let’s see if the pyromaniacs will take a break for chocolate cake.”
“They still have those big boxes, so I don’t know,” Mary Beth said as Preston and Papa headed out with a large box of matches.
“This has been a great day,” Aidan said, hoping this would be as exciting as life got for a while. Until they were out of the service, she doubted that would stay true. “But here’s hoping,” she said as she watched Berkley have fun with her family.
* * *
“Thank you all for coming,” Peter Khalid said as everyone sat on the lawn enjoying the meal the staff had prepared. The press conference that morning with former President Butler was still the topic of discussion on the news channels, according to his staff, and he planned to keep it in the headlines.
The only way to make the rats feel cornered was to remove as much support for their cause as he could, and George was still a favorite in conservative circles. If he thought a man he’d entrusted with the second-highest office in the land was a traitor, those right-leaning circles were more apt to believe it.
“Sir, would you like to move to the balcony?” Shimmy Laurel asked, standing next to Peter in jeans and a golf shirt. He’d ordered his Secret Service detail to dress casual and fit in, and was glad to see every agent out there was dressed the same.
“I’m okay down here until everyone’s finished. There are too many guests to be comfortable up there,” Peter said, and Shimmy appeared not to like his answer. “Don’t worry so much. Looks like everyone’s enjoying being an American and has taken the day off from the revolution.”
Shimmy smiled but shook his head. “I’m never going to let my guard down, sir, no matter what day it is.”
“I told them to save you a plate. Make sure you eat once I’m inside and you can take a breath.” Peter patted him on the back and joined his wife Eva at their table. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, glancing at his kids playing close by. “You know,” he said softly to Eva. “Sometimes I feel like I’m going to wake up and be back in that crappy apartment in Detroit, and you and all this won’t have been real.”
“Oh no, my love,” Eva said and kissed him on the lips. “You outgrew that kid a long time ago, and you’re the guy who’s going to continue making history. I love you and that kid though, and I’m really proud of you.”
He smiled at her sweet words, and then there was only darkness. The world had gone mad.
* * *
“We interrupt—” the radio announcer said in a shrill, panicky voice.
“Berkley,” Aidan said, holding up her phone and walking to a quiet spot. “Yes, sir, we’ll be there by tonight.”
“What?” Berkley asked as her family became visibly upset. “What’s going on?”
“Someone shot President Khalid—he’s dead,” Aidan said, falling against her. “Oh my god, Berk, he’s dead. Those bastards killed him.”
“It’s okay.” Berkley held her, but being okay was the last thing on Berkley’s mind. Peter Khalid was a good and decent man whom she was proud to serve, and now he was gone. That Chandler’s group would go this far was shocking, and in her gut, she was certain that’s who was responsible. “Did they order us back?”
“Olivia Michaels will be sworn in shortly, and Drew wants us there.”
“Come on then.” Berkley walked back to her family, where her father was finishing a call himself. Like Preston, Corbin was retired, but he still had connections, and it sounded like he was using them. “We’ve got to go back,” Berkley said as Mary Beth embraced Aidan.
“Sit tight,” Corbin said. “I’ve got a lift coming for you and a plane ready in Belle Chase. Some of the boys will follow you and fly it back.” Corbin walked to her and gave her a bear hug. “Be careful, and call once you get your orders. I know Olivia, and she’ll persist until she finds a way to punish whoever’s responsible. My gut says you and Aidan will be in the middle of whatever her plans are.”
“I will, I promise. Spend that time trying to convince the Sullivans to stay. We’re not officially family yet, but I think it’ll be easier for them with you guys close by.”
“Your mother’s the woman for that job,” Corbin said and squeezed her one more time, giving Maggie a chance to take his place.
“Don’t forget you own a phone and have a mother,” Maggie said, holding onto her as if it’d be a while before she did it again. “This is so unfair, but you go get those bastards. Keep yourself in one piece though, and take care of Aidan. We’re happy for you both, and so proud to welcome her to the family.”
“Thanks, and I’ll be in touch. I was telling Dad about the Sullivans,” Berkley said, watching Aidan with her own parents.
“Don’t worry about that. Mary Beth and I’ll spend our time shopping for real estate—they’re not going anywhere.” Maggie kissed her cheek and whispered how much she loved her in her ear, then pointed her toward the Sullivans. “Go make all the promises you intend to keep not only to their daughter’s happiness, but also in keeping you both safe.”
“Cletus,” Preston said as Mary Beth stood next to him. “You take care, and watch over my little girl.”
“You have my word, sir, and don’t make me worry about you two while we’re away. Stay put, and we’ll be in touch when we get a chance.” She took his hand and pulled him toward her. “I love you both, and I promise to take care of Aidan.” Mary Beth nodded and hugged her as well.
“Here,” Preston handed over the compass that resembled a pocket watch with Aidan’s picture in it. “You might need it to remind you of what’s waiting for you.”
“Thanks, and I’m planning to avoid any long hikes if I can help it.” She’d told him about what had happened in North Korea and how she and her partner Harvey Whittle had escaped. The compass had been a godsend as they slowly made their way along the countryside after they’d been shot down.
“My wife and daughter are expecting a wedding, so no sightseeing no matter what,” Preston said. “You’ll both be in our prayers.”
“Thank you, sir, and I’ll be waiting at the altar.”
“Are you ready?” Aidan asked as they spotted the helicopter in the distance.
“With you—always.”
Chapter Five
FBI Director Jonas Chapman watched in horror as the Secret Service cleared the lawn, the agents closest to the president covered in blood and gore. A sniper had gotten a shot off, and it’d blown one side of Peter’s head off. They’d had to carry Eva Khalid away since she hadn’t wanted to leave her husband’s side. Even in his shock, Jonas had the presence of mind to film those closest to the action to record their reactions.
“Jonas,” CIA Director Marcus Newton yelled as more Secret Service surrounded him. “Come on, get inside.”
He couldn’t move though, and he swept his phone around slowly a few more times. When his former boss had died in the explosion at Dick Chandler’s home, he’d had a hard time believing the former vice president was the head of some revolution against the government, but Peter had convinced him. From that day, he’d not only agreed to head the bureau but also to avenge his boss’s murder. He and the four agents standing with him had been good friends and dedicated public servants, but had been murdered like unsuspecting livestock being led to slaughter.
“Sir, you really need to take cover,” his second, Special Agent Erin Mosley, said, tugging on his sleeve. “They haven’t located the shooter, so you don’t want to stand out here and make an enticing target.”
He followed Erin into the White House, noticing that while she was in control of the situation, she was crying. Peter Khalid had been elected on a wave of hope the world could be a better place, and the crowds had loved him on the campaign trail from the first day. Jonas hadn’t voted for him, but after meeting him, he’d jumped at the chance to work for him. The sons of bitches who’d killed him in front of his children would suffer, even if it took the rest of his life to get it done.
“We need to get to the Situation Room,” he said as he navigated the crowd.
“First they need you in the Oval Office,” Defense Secretary Drew Orr said. “This is a cluster fuck no one saw coming.”
“We need to nail these bastards,” he said, and Drew nodded.
They were escorted to the Oval Office, and the people gathered there appeared somber and shell-shocked. Jonas was no elite marksman, but a shot like that in the dark took skill not many had. That would be one of the first lists they would investigate, and with luck, it’d lead to another nest of these assholes.
“We need to get moving on this, Jonas,” Marcus said as he stood to his right. “The American people will expect us to retaliate against someone. Our agencies need to be in lockstep until we find that target, and we need to make sure it’s the right one. The public won’t accept thin evidence again if any action we take has consequences beyond our borders. Once you start your investigation, don’t think of keeping anything from me.”
“None of your people heard any chatter about this?” Marcus was like every CIA man he’d met in his career in that he wanted everything but didn’t like to share much. “Something like this took planning and wasn’t spontaneous. No one kills the leader of the free world on the one day a year we celebrate that freedom without wanting to send a message.”
“Chandler had eight years of undetected access to the entire government to build his little army,” Marcus said. “He’d ask for regular updates on a number of things, so it’s hard to pinpoint what he was really after, and he was the vice president, for fuck’s sake. We couldn’t decline his requests for classified information. If you’re looking to blame someone, don’t put the focus on me or my people.”
“He wanted to seize control of everything, which sounds ludicrous, but then so is the assassination of the president on the grounds of his home. It’s time to take the gloves off and find something. Tonight can’t go unpunished.”
Drew Orr and Rooster, head of Pentagon security, joined them, obviously hearing his last statement. “Save it for the briefing, but first we have to take a moment to respect President Khalid and our new leader.”
“That’s our problem,” Marcus said. “We shouldn’t wait for anything or anyone.”
“Put your macho persona on ice for now and pay attention,” Jonas said, not believing Marcus’s callousness in this situation.
Olivia Michaels entered with Eva Khalid and her daughters. The first lady’s shirt was still stained with Peter’s blood, and their girls appeared lost and sad. Behind them were Olivia’s husband Gabriel and their teenage son. Eva clung to Olivia’s hand as she stared at the desk Peter loved to work behind.
“Ma’am,” the chief justice said as Gabriel moved closer with their family bible, and a few trusted media outlets that were allowed in. “If you’re ready.”
Eva helped Gabriel hold the bible as Olivia placed her hand on it and took the oath of office. “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
“Congratulations, ma’am,” the justice said, shaking Olivia’s hand.
“Ma’am,” Jonas said, holding his hand out to Olivia. “You have my and every agent in the bureau’s commitment to work until we achieve justice for President Khalid.” He took Eva’s hand next. “My sincerest condolences on your loss, ma’am. Your husband was a fine man, a great leader, and an even better friend. He’ll be missed.”
Jonas moved back and observed the rest of the group who followed his lead. He didn’t want to think anyone around him was capable of such savagery, but it was no time to give anyone a pass simply because they’d been invited in.”
“I’d like to sit with you when you review the footage you took,” Rooster said quietly.
“Did you see something?”
“No, but we can’t take any chances. If we find something, Walby Edwards will be busy for months to come,” Rooster said of the CIA interrogator he’d sent in to talk to the first men they’d caught. A few minutes with Walby had led Jerry Teague and Adam Morris to kill themselves, but the others had hung tough. “I don’t believe in hard interrogations, but this might constitute an exception.”
“We need to do whatever’s necessary to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
“That we will, so keep your eyes open, Jonas, and remember that Chandler went after the former FBI director first.”
“That I haven’t forgotten.” He glanced at Rooster before turning his attention to Olivia’s secret-service lead agent. He’d met him numerous times at their weekly meetings at the White House, and tonight something was off about him.
“Anything wrong?” Rooster said loud enough for Drew to turn around.
“We need to review what I got before anyone leaves this room,” he said, trying not to raise an alarm.
“What?” Drew asked, but Jonas looked to his second, Erin Mosley, who’d joined them. Erin was one of the only people present not dressed for a cookout.
Before he could answer, Olivia’s lead secret serviceman moved to reach for his weapon, and Jonas yelled, “Gun.”
Erin was quick on the draw, and Agent Lainey Willcott tackled Olivia and Eva to the ground, covering both women as best she could. When the excitement died down, the lead agent was screaming in pain as he held what was left of his right hand between his legs. Erin had stopped him before he assassinated the new president a few minutes after she was sworn in, but she chose not to kill him. Dead men couldn’t answer questions.
“What kind of hell is this?” Jonas asked.
* * *
“You okay back there?” Berkley asked after she and Aidan had flown for an hour in silence.
“Yes. I’m enjoying the ride. Will you still take me flying when you’re working for your grandfather?” Aidan’s voice sounded mellow, but Berkley didn’t blame her for relaxing before they entered the storm of crap they were headed toward.
“Papa doesn’t own anything this fast, but slow is good too.” Aidan laughed at that, and she smiled at how the words could be interpreted.
“Yes, slow is nice, but hopefully you won’t get bored with that.”
“Don’t worry about that, Captain, and prepare for landing. They’re limiting air travel into the capital, so we might have to drive a bit.”
“I’d offer to help, but you told me not to touch anything.”
“I just didn’t want you to eject yourself for a more dramatic landing than I had planned.” She laughed before radioing the tower. “We’ll talk later, so don’t forget about me.”
“That wo
uld take a severe blow to the head to accomplish, and even then it’d be impossible.”
They landed, and an escort took them to the helicopter starting up close by. “Ma’am, Defense Secretary Orr said you’re expected, so you’ve been cleared to land at the White House.”
“Some more crap must’ve gone down,” Aidan said, plucking at her flight suit.
Berkley smiled and nodded. “I’m sure Drew will take care of bringing us up to speed, and I’m guessing that’s the only person we’re meeting with. Don’t worry. You look fine.”
“If we’re only meeting with Drew, we’d be going to the Pentagon.”
“He and everyone are probably locked in the Situation Room. With that mind trust, I doubt we’ll have that big a part to play.” They strapped in and stared at the crowds on the streets of the capital. Most of the people were holding candles, most likely for the magnitude of what had happened. “My God.”
“Indeed, Commander Levine,” the pilot said. “I think the number of people has doubled in size since our trip up here.”
They put down on the lawn where Marine One usually landed with the president, and a group of Secret-Service agents surrounded them and walked them inside. Rooster was waiting at the door and pointed to an empty office once they’d made it through security. He had a garment bag for each of them, but he sat before handing them over.
“Drew asked me to come down and talk to you before you get sucked into all this.”
Berkley nodded and sat. “How in the hell did this happen?”
“President Khalid’s assassination is horrible, but right after President Michaels was sworn in, the head of her detail tried to kill her. For all the checks and precautions we’ve put in place, we obviously left a big hole right at the top.”
“Jesus,” Aidan said softly. “Why did you need us back?”
“I know we had something in place for you two once your leave was over, but Drew and the president have something else in mind, and he wanted me to soften you up a little.” Rooster placed his hands flat on the table and appeared fatigued. “Drew had been Peter’s roommate in college, and he believed in him. I’ll leave it up to him to tell you what he wants, but think before you turn him and the president down. At times like this we need every true patriot the country has.” He stood and handed over the bags. “I checked and had these put together from the information in your files.”