by John Simpson
“Thank you, Jack, it was a pleasure,” Brandon replied.
“So, you’re leaving tomorrow, David?” Victoria asked.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. We’re leaving from Andrews around six tomorrow evening. Thank you for sending a White House jet for us. It made it a lot easier to get here and back.”
“That’s what friends are for, David. I wonder how long before I’ll see you again?” she asked.
“Oh, might not be too long, you never know,” he replied.
“What do you plan on doing tomorrow?” Harry asked.
“We thought we’d take a limo tour of DC for Prince Michael. He’s never really seen the sights. Do you think there’d be a problem with that, Victoria?”
“No, of course not. You’ll have Secret Service with you, but otherwise, do as you wish. Shane, can you arrange it with your old buddies?”
“No problem. I’ll go down to the security center now. Ten o’clock in the morning suit everyone?” Shane asked.
“I think that’s about right. I’m beat, so I’m turning in soon,” David replied.
Shane left to go down to the security center. Everyone else rose to stretch and get ready to leave.
“Victoria and Harry, I wish you all the best and a long happy life together. There really is nothing else like it… even living in this fishbowl,” said David.
“Thank you,” they both answered, and Victoria added, “and thank you, Prince Michael, for attending our wedding. Please give King William my personal best wishes and thanks for the wonderful platter. I’ll write to him personally, but you’ll get to him long before my letter.”
“You’re welcome, Madam President. It’s been a genuine pleasure, and I’ll convey your good wishes to the king.”
Victoria hugged everyone, and Harry shook their hands.
“Be safe, and if you want to see me tomorrow, just phone. Otherwise, I’ll consider you off safe and sound back to London tomorrow evening,” the president said.
They made their way to the ground floor under escort where they met up with Shane. Some of the agents who were there when David was president said hi, and he shook hands with them. They left the White House and walked down the driveway and out the gate. They crossed the street and went to Blair House.
“I’m glad everyone had a great time at the wedding today. Your mother looked incredible, Darren. If you want to see your brother before we leave tomorrow, just let me know. You guys can all stay up, but I’m heading to bed. Tomorrow we show Washington to Prince Michael!” David said.
Within an hour, everyone had gone to bed. David was too tired even for a little romp with Shane. Soon, the house was full of the sounds of snoring.
The next morning, everyone woke up around nine, showered, dressed, and ate a quick breakfast. Michael dressed in his prince’s uniform and looked smart in his red jacket. Security informed them the limo was waiting, and they quickly finished their coffee.
Outside, they found one of the newer limousines and one war wagon. They piled into the limo and told the driver where they wanted to go. They did not use lights and sirens, as this was not an official trip.
One of the stops was the Lincoln Memorial. Everyone got out and walked up the long flight of steps to the man in his chair. Michael stood out for miles in his red jacket, and the tourists all stared at him but failed to recognize the former president. After reading all of the writing on the walls, they stood at the top of the stairs and peered out at the Washington Mall. It was a bright, sunny day, and the weather was glorious.
“Where to next?” asked the detail leader.
“Michael, anything else you want to see?” David asked.
“Would it be too much trouble to pay my respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kennedy graves?”
David turned to the agent who replied, “Not at all, Your Highness. Will that be the last stop?”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
They walked down the steps as tourists snapped pictures. Once in the limousine, it was decided the war wagon would lead, and they would go in with lights so they could go through the main gate at Arlington Cemetery. As they crossed the bridge that signified the dividing line between north and south, Darren gave Michael a short history lesson about the house on the hill.
As the limo approached, the guards opened the massive gates, and the two car convoy sped into Arlington and up to the Tomb. They stopped in front of the steps and got out.
“Is there a way I can pay my respects other than just standing there?” Michael asked.
“What did you want to do?” David asked.
“I’d like to approach the Tomb and render honors with a salute.”
“I’ll speak to the Corporal of the Guard,” David said.
As they stayed with the cars, David approached the soldier on duty at the one end of the pathway. “Could you call the Corporal of the Guard?” David asked.
“Yes, sir,” he replied and turned sharply. In a very loud voice, he called out, “Corporal of the Guard is requested!” He turned and resumed his march along the path around the Tomb.
SHORTLY A Marine corporal approached, saw who was waiting for him, and came to attention with a salute.
“Yes, Mr. President, how may I assist you?”
“We have a prince of the royal family representing the King of Great Britain in our party. He wishes to pay special respects at the Tomb. He wants to approach and render honors with a salute.”
“That can be accomplished, sir. Would you ask the prince to come over here? You may also accompany him if you wish.”
“Yes, I’d like that, thank you, Corporal,” David said. “Prince Michael, would you come over here?”
The prince put on his cap, pulled down on his tunic, and walked briskly over to David.
The corporal saluted, and the prince returned the salute.
“If you wish to render honors at the Tomb, you can both follow me down the pathway. I will stop in front of the Tomb and turn left to face it. You will both do so at that time and take two steps forward off the mat. Prince Michael, I understand you wish to salute, and at that time, you may do so. Mr. President, when the prince salutes, you place your hand over your heart until he returns his hand to his side. I will then face the Tomb again, and you will take two steps back, turn, and follow me to the end of the pathway in step. I will instruct the guard to follow you both ways. Any questions?”
“No, Corporal, thank you for your assistance,” said the prince.
The corporal turned to the guard approaching them and ordered him to halt. He briefed the private first class on the short ceremony that would unfold. When they were ready, they formed up, and the corporal stepped off smartly with David and the prince, followed by the guard. As planned, the corporal stopped just at the far side of the Tomb. He quietly said, “Left face.” They all turned to face the Tomb.
The prince and David took two steps forward and stopped.
“In the name of the king,” the prince said and saluted.
David covered his heart, and after about five seconds, Michael dropped the salute, and David returned his hand to his side. They followed the plan and left the Tomb. They shook hands with the corporal, but the guard was already back on the pathway.
It was only then that they noticed the crowd that had formed to take pictures. They went back to the cars, got in, and left for the Kennedy graves. They stopped in front of the presidential gravesite where John Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, and Jackie were buried. The Secret Service asked everyone to step out of the square in front of the chain that separated the actual graves from the public. The eternal flame was dancing in the wind, a testament that a man might die, but mankind goes on. David noticed that the prince bowed his head and seemed to say a prayer. Michael saluted again, and they walked a short way to the graves of Robert and Teddy Kennedy.
They stood at the foot of both graves in silence.
Then the prince said, “What a waste Robert Kennedy’s death was. My grandmother had hoped for
great things from him as president. He was the lion of the Senate and did his best for the common man. What a family.” The prince then moved to the foot of Senator Ted Kennedy’s grave and said, “I guess it’s time to go, or we’re going to be splashed over the front pages of your tabloids.”
They entered the limousine and left the cemetery for Blair House. The ride back was quiet until Darren spoke up.
“That was really decent of you to do that at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You brought a tear to my eye watching you and Uncle David together.”
“Just paying my respects, on behalf of the King and Great Britain, to our greatest ally, America. It was my honor, believe me. I take things like that very seriously.”
David pulled Michael to him and kissed his cheek.
“Thank you, Michael, that was very moving.”
To break up the solemn feeling that had filled the car, Darren made a joke, “Hey, don’t be kissing on my man. You have Uncle Shane to smooch with, leave mine alone!”
Everyone laughed. “When am I gonna get a guy to smooch on?” Jack asked.
“Of course, you were bound to ask that question. I pity your first man, Jack,” David said.
“Why? I’ll be good to him!”
“Oh, of that I have no doubt. I just feel sorry for how tired he’s going to be!”
“You mean sore, don’t you?” Jack laughed.
No one got mad at Jack this time. Everyone laughed, and Darren messed up his hair.
AT SIX o’clock that evening, the Windsor party was wheels up for London, England. Everyone tried to relax and get some sleep, but no one was successful. The movie screens around the cabin were running, and everyone was watching a different movie. After nine hours’ flight time, they were cleared for a landing at Heathrow. The plane pulled to the VIP area and stopped.
“Don’t leave anything behind. This plane will be returning to Andrews later today,” David warned.
Everyone disembarked the aircraft into the arms of customs and immigration, special section. They were not stopped, and their baggage was not checked, as it was considered diplomatic. They exited the area and found cars waiting for them.
“This is good-bye for now,” Michael said to Darren. “I’ve got to go home and check in with the palace. They’ll be wanting a full briefing on my first trip abroad representing the Crown. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Thank you for being your wonderful self as always. You made me proud in America, and I loved seeing our photos in the papers,” Darren said. They kissed and Darren added, “Talk to you tomorrow.”
Michael went his own way, and David saw tears in Darren’s eyes as they piled into the Land Rovers. On the drive to Winfield House, everyone was yawning.
“I want to hit the bed as soon as we get home,” Shane said.
“I can’t wait to see my little girls!” Jack exclaimed.
“Yes, I’m sure the puppies missed you too, Jack,” David said. “Spend some time with them outside, okay? Then take a nap in the early afternoon so we can get back on London time.”
“Sure thing, Dad,” Jack replied.
The gates were open, and the Land Rovers whisked onto the grounds of Winfield House. They pulled up front and found the entire domestic staff lining the steps as though they were greeting English lords returning after a long trip.
Blaine stepped forward and said, “Good morning, sir, welcome home.”
“Thank you, Blaine. It’s good to be home. I need some iced tea and my bed.”
“Very good, sir.”
When they walked into the ambassador’s residence, they felt like they were truly home. Mary ran up and gave David a big hug, and then Shane and Jack. Darren was next to get smothered with kisses.
“It’s been terribly lonely around here without you!” Mary said.
“We missed you too, Mary, have no fear!” Shane said.
“Can I get you all anything?” she asked.
“Blaine is attending to that. Let me get out of these clothes and then we’ll sit and chat in the living room. Okay?” David said.
“Sounds fine to me!” Mary said happily.
They went upstairs as house staff brought in their luggage, except for Jack who went in search of his two ferocious mouse hunters. At the top of the stairs, David and Shane heard the puppies yelping and knew they had found Jack.
“Those puppies were the best possible thing the president could have given us,” David said.
They quickly changed and went back to the living room to chat with Mary before going to bed for a couple hours. When they were all seated, Blaine served refreshments for everyone, and David began to speak.
“So, Mary, besides missing us, has anything happened that I need to know about? Everything all right at the embassy?”
“Just routine stuff really. No one has tried to blow us up. No one was kidnapped. It’s really boring when you two aren’t around. You do have a new stack of social invitations from other embassies. Have you decided whether or not you want to start attending some of these functions?”
“Yes, I suppose now that things are settled for the most part, I can branch out. Go through the list, and recommend the ones I should say yes to. Oh and of course, say yes to any from our host country.”
“I’ll make a list first thing in the morning. By the way, things do seem to be heating up over Syria. The Russians are calling for an emergency summit of the G8 to decide what’s to be done. Now that America’s offered to arm the rebels, the Russians want to talk. Seems they’re concerned that we’re backing future terrorists.”
“That may be, but the Russians are also afraid to lose their only foothold in the Middle East. I am troubled by the civil war there. Both sides are pretty undesirable. Anyway, it’s up to the president to decide whether or not to attend any such meeting.”
“Well, other than that, nothing really earth-shattering. Course, you’ve only been gone for three days.” Mary smiled.
Jack came running in with the puppies on his heels. They squealed with delight when they saw David and Shane. Once the rubbing of the ears was accomplished, the Scotties settled down.
“Dads, they missed me, they really did!”
“I’m sure they did, Jack. No one gives them the love that you do. Now if you want, take them upstairs with you and take a two-hour nap. Off you go!” David said.
“Okay, Dad. Come on, girls!”
They left as quickly as they had arrived. David and Shane finished their iced tea while Darren drank a glass of water.
“Shall we all retire until about two?” David asked.
Everyone was in agreement, and Shane went to tell Blaine of the plans before the family went upstairs to bed.
David and Shane got into bed and snuggled close. Even though they’d had a private bedroom in Washington, they’d never felt quite comfortable there. Now they were home and hoped for a return to normal life.
THE NEXT day, everyone was up for work on time, Jack was off to school, and Darren was on duty at the security center, which now doubled as a backup to the security command post at the embassy. It took Darren three hours just to catch up on all the security reports that had come in since his departure.
The kids at Jack’s school made a big fuss over him, which made him feel good. David and Shane were back at work at the embassy. Darren was tasked to oversee the improvements in security for Winfield House.
As soon as Darren was off duty, he received a phone call from Prince Michael.
“I miss you,” Michael said.
“I miss you too, even though it’s only been one day,” Darren replied.
“What does it mean that I miss you so badly when it’s only been one day, then?”
“Um… that you have nothing to keep you busy?”
“That’s bloody rude of you! If I was there, I’d spank you!”
“There you go, promising me a good time again,” Darren answered with a snicker.
“Seriously, love, can I see you this weekend?”
“Sure. Anything special in mind?”
“Can you get away for the entire weekend?”
“Probably.”
“We could go up to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Have you ever been there?”
“Scotland? No, I haven’t, and especially not to Balmoral.”
“Balmoral Castle sits on forty-nine thousand acres owned by the family. In other words, it’s not part of the Crown’s estate. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert originally bought it, and it has passed down to each successive king or queen. Now it’s Cousin William’s.”
“Won’t he mind us just dropping in?” Darren asked.
“Well, I have to get his permission. But my goal is to show you all of the British royal estates.”
“Balmoral’s pretty far away, though, isn’t it?”
“It is, but we can go up on the train or possibly take a helicopter. I’ll let you know what my cousin says. Hopefully, we’ll spend the weekend in Scotland.”
“I have news for you too. I got my discharge date today, and it seems in one month, I’ll be a civilian! I’ve been given an early out, so I don’t have to wait another five months.”
“Darren, that’s wonderful! But what will you do?”
“I have to talk to Uncle David about that. I can’t just lie around here all day.”
“Well, then, we both have relatives to talk to about our future. Call you tomorrow, okay?”
“That sounds great. See you!” Darren said, and they hung up.
Chapter 12
PRINCE MICHAEL waited outside King William’s office once more. Five minutes late, the door opened, and the prince was invited in for his five-minute meeting.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.”
“Good morning, Michael. How was your trip to Washington?”
“Wonderful, actually. The Americans treated me especially well as a representative of the Crown. Darren and I had places of honor everywhere we went. We even had a tour of Washington by limousine with the Secret Service.”
The king picked up a newspaper from his desk. He opened it up for a moment and then put the paper back down.