The Controller remembered every word of his speech about the VP residence that he recited a hundred times to wide-eyed students. The words tumbled through his mind as he stood there.
“Located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory (USNO), the white 19th Century house at Number One Observatory Circle in northwestern Washington, D.C., was constructed in 1893. Originally it was intended for the superintendent of the USNO, but the house was so lovely that in 1923, the chief of naval operations kicked out the superintendent so he could move in himself. Historically, Vice Presidents and their families resided in their own homes, but the cost of securing these private residences grew significantly over the years. Finally, in 1974, Congress approved the idea to refurbish the house at the Naval Observatory as a home for the Vice President.
Three years passed before any Vice President actually lived at Number One Observatory Circle. Vice President Gerald Ford acceded to the Presidency before he could inhabit the home, and his Vice President, Nelson Rockefeller, only used it for entertaining. Walter Mondale was the first Vice President to occupy the home. Since then all VP’s and their families have resided there. Vice Presidents have welcomed countless guests to the residence, including foreign leaders and dignitaries. Still, the Naval Observatory has continued to operate. Scientists observe the sun, moon, planets and selected stars, determine and precisely measure the time, and publish astronomical data needed for accurate navigation.”
The Controller smiled, walked to the front door of the residence and rung the doorbell. A tall grey haired muscular man answered the door, Secret Service no doubt.
“Come in sir,” he said, apparently recognizing the powerful Politian. “Vice President Broome is expecting you.”
He led the Controller through the reception hall to the sitting room. Broome was siting on the white leather couch sipping something from a tall glass. He jumped to his feet when the two men entered.
“Thanks so much for agreeing to have lunch with me on such short notice. Would you like a drink before lunch?”
“I’ll have what you’re having.”
“Vodka Collins it is. Ben have Mary prepare him one and another for me,” he said, and drained his glass. “Please have a seat.”
A very pretty young lady with long blond hair and a seductive body quickly appeared in the doorway with a tray carrying two glasses.
“Your drinks sir,” she said, and she walked to where they were sitting. She leaned over while handing the Controller his drink, revealing substantial cleavage. She noticed him looking and smiled.
“I’ll bet Broome is at it again with the young women, He thought. Just like Clinton, he’ll never learn.
He sipped the drink and watched as the VP strained to act as if he was in control of the situation.
“Do you know why I requested this meeting?” He inquired.
“I think we both know why,” the Controller said, setting his glass on the coffee table. “Listen let’s not play games. You want to be President of the United States and you need my support, financially and politically. I am willing to give you everything you need, but I expect you to follow my advice to the letter.”
“Sir, lunch is ready,” the cute blonde announced.
“Let’s continue this over lunch,” VP Broome said, and got to his feet. He took his drink with him.
The Controller followed the blonde and the VP through the reception area to the dining room. The elegant mahogany table was centered in the room, setting on an exquisite wool oriental rug. The table was situated in front of a large white marble fireplace with a huge landscape painting hanging over it. Place settings were at both ends of the table. A black suited butler motioned the Controller to his seat and pulled back the chair. The VP seated himself at the other end of the table.
“Mary bring me another drink,” he said, handing her his empty glass. “What about you?”
“I’ll have a Perrier,” the Controller replied.
The butler departed and immediately returned with a fresh chopped salad and the Perrier for the guest. A basket of warm sourdough bread was also placed in front of the Controller. Mary returned with another drink for the VP.
He sipped his third drink as the Controller ate his salad, and noted that Broome apparently had a drinking problem. He also recognized that the man was very edgy in his presence.
The butler removed his empty salad bowl as soon as he finished it, and returned with a sizzling filet mignon for the VP, and the requested grilled salmon for the Controller.
“Sam, you and Mary are dismissed,” the VP said, his voice a little slurred.
As soon as they were out of the room he pushed his steak aside and said, “What do you mean, follow your instructions to the letter?”
The Controller cut a piece if his Salmon and slowly chewed it as the VP waited for an answer.
“Excellent fish,” he said, wiping his mouth with the napkin. “I want you to listen to me and listen carefully. You will be President of the United States on my timetable, and that will happen soon. First of all you need to cut down on the drinking. You may be an alcoholic, but the American Public must be in the dark about that. I will be in touch with you when the event takes place which will put you in charge.”
“Don’t you dare talk to me with such disrespect. I am the Vice President of the United States of America!”
“You are a drunken womanizer who has committed fraud with your campaign funds and accepted bribes. I have proof of your having sex on many occasions with that young intern. I paid her off and I own her. I’m sure I can prove your infidelity with Mary. I have personally bribed you on three occasions, and believe me I have detailed records and tapes. Don’t take your high horse with me. I have the power to destroy you and put you in prison.”
Broome slumped in his seat.
“You just do as I say and you will be President. I’ll be in constant contact with you with orders and instructions. And by the way, I do have informers on your staff, and I know your every move. Are we clear?”
Broome nodded. The Controller calmly finished his salmon, and pushed his plate to the side.
“That was just delicious. Why don’t you summon Sam and Mary? I think I’ll have a glass of Sambuca and maybe a slice of cheesecake. Do you think you can handle that?”
The Vice President of the United States looked like a broken man as he got up to fulfill the Controller’s wishes.
The Controller chuckled. I am in complete control, he thought, and laughed out loud.
Chapter 24
Agent Stewart stopped by a coffee machine and got a cup of bad coffee on his way to the area of the medical facility where autopsies were performed. The morgue was located in the bowels of the facility. He entered the waiting room and chugged the rest of the rancid coffee. Dr. Jary’s assistant approached him.
“Hi Gerry, you look like crap. She’s almost finished with the autopsy. Do you want to go in and see the dismembered corpse now?” Lenard Jackson laughed. He knew that Special Agent Stewart hated observing a human body being carved up.
Jackson’s 5 ft. 3 inch frame held an uncommonly large head. His shaved skull and white skin made his blue eyes appear abnormally large. He loved to taunt Special Agent Gerry Stewart.
“Cut the crap Lenard. Check on her and have her call me in when she’s finished.”
Lenard laughed again, and entered the autopsy room. He returned after about five minutes.
“Okay tough guy, put on the smock, the hat and latex gloves. You can come in, but we don’t want you contaminating anything.” He nodded toward the table on the left side of the room. Agent Stewart complied and followed him into the autopsy room.
Stewart looked around at the all too familiar site of the room. It often resembled a slaughterhouse. The refrigerated section consisted of individual drawers kept at a constant temperature near forty degrees fahrenheit. The autopsy room is tiled (for cleaning and disinfection) and has a stainless steel operating table in the center. Beside the
table is a scale for weighing body parts, hanging from the ceiling over the table. There are instruments similar to ones found in the other surgical suites, although these do not have to be sterilized. There are Striker saws for ripping bone, suturing materials, saws, knives, scalpels, etc. There is a source of water to wash the body parts free of blood and other fluids. These go down a drain to a special holding tank. The X-ray machines are positioned for the stenographer to take detailed notes of the autopsy. Several jars were filled with various organs for later education or analysis.
Ann, Dr. Jary’s stenographer, said something to the Doctor and left the room. She smiled at Stewart as she passed him.
Standing by the stainless steel table was Dr. Makena Jary. She removed the latex gloves she was wearing and washed the residue of blood from her hands. When finished, she pulled down the surgical mask. She smiled at Agent Stewart and strode to where he was standing. She reached out and shook his hand. Dr. Jary stood about 5 ft. 8 inches tall with a slender build. Her long dark red hair was tied up in a bun. Her smile would light up any room. Stewart admired her professionalism and often thought that if he weren’t married, Dr. Jary would be at the top of his wish list.
“How are you Agent Stewart?” she said, smiling. “You look a little haggard. Tough day?”
“Makena, this case stinks and doesn’t add up. I hope you can answer several questions to clear up the anomalies. According to the evidence at the scene, Senator Roberts and his wife were taking hallucinatory drugs in the form of mushrooms. Apparently she discovered that he was having an affair. A physical confrontation ensued and he killed her and jumped overboard, committing suicide. What are your findings and do they follow this scenario?”
“Well the first thing I can confirm is that she had human skin beneath the fingernails on her right hand. I compared this with the DNA provided from Senator Roberts, and the DNA matches. There is no question that the skin came from Robert’s face. There was one minor problem. There was a tiny bit of bruising on the outside of her right hand. It could have occurred prior to her death, however it is not sufficiently emphasized in forensic cases that bruising can also appear post-mortem. In the past I had two cases in which I observed discolorations, which looked like ante-mortem bruising. Case 1: A 37-year-old man was found prone on a river shore and taken out of the water by a rescuer by grasping at the right upper arm approximately one hour and thirty minutes after death. At inspection, two thumb-sized discolorations resembling ante-mortem bruising were observed on the lateral and frontal surfaces of the right upper arm. Case 2: A 40-year-old woman was found prone, immersed in a moat and taken out of the water in the above-mentioned manner approximately one hour and forty-five minutes after death. At inspection, two thumb-sized discolorations appearing to be ante-mortem bruising were observed on the inner surface of the right upper arm. The cause of death in both instances was drowning. Bibliographic investigation revealed that bruising of significant size could appear after death. We speculate generally on conditions for generation of post-mortem bruising. Additionally, we believe that post-mortem bruising should be sufficiently considered, because it can be important whether a person was grasped when he or she was alive or dead. In my professional opinion the bruising on Mrs. Roberts hand was post-mortem.”
“How is that even possible?” Stewart asked.
“Well Gerry, it’s possible that someone held her hand and forced the scratches and the resulting skin tissue beneath the fingernails. That will be very difficult to prove in a court of law.”
“What about the mushrooms?”
Dr. Jary hesitated for a moment. “There were remnants of the mushrooms lodged in her throat, but none were found in her stomach contents. She may have swallowed them and was killed before they entered her digestive system. However, there is no way that she could have felt the illusory effects of the drug, since the mushrooms didn’t have a chance to enter her system before death. She could have voluntarily eaten them or they could have been shoved down her throat after death. There is on way to prove that one way or the other.”
Steward stood silently for a moment thinking about what he just heard. “Dr. Jary, you’re considered the best medical forensic scientist in the state. You have testified in many trials. What is your professional opinion on how this will pan out?”
“Gerry, the evidence will prove that there was an altercation between the Senator and his wife. The prosecutor will prove that by the skin and DNA match with her husband. He will also prove that she took the hallucinatory drug. The bruises on her hand can be explained away. Even thought you and I both have doubts, the physical evidence confirms the Senator’s guilt. My theories will be classified as speculation and probably won’t be allowed to be used as evidence in the presence of a jury. If I had the Senator’s body to examine, maybe we could come to different conclusions.”
“That’s not possible Doc. Its probably floating somewhere in the ocean, and has most likely been devoured by sharks. Thanks, just forward your written report to my office. Nice to see you again.”
“Wait Gerry, one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“As you know she was killed by the stab wound at the base of the skull. That attack came from someone standing behind her. The location of the wound indicates that she died instantly. If an angry person, high on drugs, stabbed her, it would be extremely improbable that he would hit the exact spot that killed her instantly. The other stab lesions were inflicted after she was dead. In my experience, a professional killer probably imposed this wound. Still more speculation, sorry.”
“Makena, I realize that you must stick to the facts in the official autopsy report. However, I want you to complete an off the record report for me with your speculations.”
“Will do.”
Steward extended his hand, “Thanks for your professionalism.”
She shook his hand and turned back toward the mutilated body of Susan Roberts to replace the organs inside the body and stitch it up.
Stewart left the autopsy room and removed the protective clothing. Lenard stood there smiling at him.
“Did you have a good time Special Agent Stewart?” he said, chuckling.
Steward was tired and in no mood to put up with Lenard’s shit. He walked to the man and stared into his eyes. The intensity of the stare cowered Lenard. Steward did not say a word, turned and walked away. He had bigger fish to fry.
He left the building, immediately grabbed his cell phone and punched in the private secured line of Director Stancil.
“What do you have for me Gerry,” Stancil answered.
“Director, I just discussed the autopsy report of the Senator’s wife with Dr. Makena Jary, in my opinion one of the best forensic scientists in the country. Even though the evidence proves the scenario we discussed, she has serious doubts that the Senator actually killed his wife. There’s something bigger going on here, and it scares the shit out of me.”
“Gerry, send me the report at my secure email address. Keep your opinions to yourself. I don’t know whom I can trust in the government. By the way, one of my best undercover Agents is with the captors of the Senator’s daughter.”
“Wait!” exclaimed Stewart. “Are you saying that she’s alive?”
“Yes she is, but her life is in danger. We have plans to free her, but I must keep her in hiding until we figure out what’s happening. When she’s safe, I’ll inform you of her whereabouts, and I want you to personally question her. She may be able to shed some light on the situation. In the meanwhile be very careful what you say to the press or anyone else.”
“Yes Sir.”
After the phone call ended, Stewart got into his car and sat in silence. Something considerably worse that 911 is in the works, he thought.
He cranked his Lexus and headed home. “It’s been a hell of a day,” he said aloud.
Chapter 25
Macy grabbed a large black coffee and a couple of Cokes at the Burger King and hustled back to the car.
“They were busy,” Macy replied, handing him the coffee. “We should at least be decent and give the girl a Coke. I’ll need to free her hands so she can drink it.”
“Okay, but you stay back there with her until she finishes,” Sonny retorted.
Macy moved to the back seat, set the Cokes in the cup holders, and freed Lisa’s trembling hands. “Here drink this and you’ll feel better.”
“Hurry the hell up,” Sonny said, “I want to get this over with.”
Macy glanced at her watch. Director Stancil said to delay an hour and he’d have someone there. Only about twenty minutes had passed. She needed to come up with a diversion.
“Sonny, did you notice the motel next door?”
“So what?”
“Would you be up for a quickie? After we make the delivery, I’m afraid there wont be much time, and you know Sturgess is skittish.”
“Are you kidding me?” Sonny said, looking back at her.
Macy took the container from Lisa’s hand and put it in the cup holder. She re-taped her hands and returned to the front seat with Sonny. Macy put her hand on the big mans leg and moved it up. She felt his hardness and knew she was in control. Macy moved over, licked his ear and whispered, “I’ve been under a lot of pressure. I desperately need some relaxation. Why don’t I get a room? Now one will ever know, and we can be on our way is less than an hour.”
“What about the girl?”
“Sonny, I can gag her and put her on the floorboard. Come on.” Macy pushed her breasts against his arm. He inhaled and coped a feel. He was breathing heavily.
“Okay, I’ll get a room and you secure the girl.” He cranked the car and drove to the front entrance of the motel.
“Park over to the side so no one will notice me handling the girl,” Macy said. It was apparent that Sonny was so aroused that he wasn’t thinking clearly.
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