by Duncan James
***
“Hi, Millie. It’s Bill.”
Every time, Millie wondered why he said that every time. It couldn’t possibly be anyone else. It wasn’t as if he just picked up the phone and dialled through himself. There was always a Secretary who got the number for him, said hello nicely when she answered, told her who it was, and then put him through to her. So it was hardly a surprise when he said,
“Hi, Millie. It’s Bill.”
“Hi, honey. Having a good day?”
He always wondered why she always said that.
“It looks like being an interesting one,” he replied. “In fact, it already is. But I really called to see if you knew whether Chuck and Steph are using the Beach House this weekend. If they’re not, I would like to use it just for the day Saturday - got an unexpected Head of State coming across who wants a day off!”
“So far as I know they’re staying down town in their 57th Street apartment this weekend. Chuck said something about having a quiet weekend and taking in a theatre. I bet he’ll try to get to the ball game, too. Shall I ask?”
“Yes please. Probably only be about four of us, plus the usual security people, and you of course if he brings his wife. You've met before, and I know you get on. But if Chuck isn’t there and he can get the staff in for us, it would be much better than the Camp. We need to get away from prying eyes, I think, and Shelter Island is perfect for that. Do you want to try the other line while I hang on?”
He hung on, and was relieved to hear Millie get through quickly.
“Bill, honey - you're in luck, and he said you’re more than welcome to use it. He didn’t even ask who it was.”
“Neither did you and I wouldn’t have told you if you had - not yet. Tonight, perhaps. But that’s good news. Say thank you for me, Millie, and I’ll get my people to make all the arrangements as usual. Bye now.”
He hit the intercom button. “Laura, see if you can get Prime Minister Weaver on the phone for me please. Usual security, and ask Colin if he can get back while I talk.”