by Lynn Ames
“Ms. Kyle?”
“Yes, sir?”
“You can stop right there. I get your gist. Assuming I can get our British counterparts to cooperate and allow filming to go forward, would you see any strategic benefit to my pre-empting Ms. Thomas’s press conference and asking her to appear with me instead so that I can lend my support to the project?”
“I believe easing the way for the most popular actress in the world to make a new film is always in your best interests, sir.”
“I don’t suppose you know how to get her here?”
“I do think I could arrange that, sir.”
“Good enough. We’ll hold a press briefing in an hour in the media room.” The president pointed at Jay. “I expect you to be on the podium as well.”
“Yes, sir,” Jay responded.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Dara straightened the collar on her blouse. Next to her, the president of the United States tugged on his sleeve and fidgeted with his cufflink. She couldn’t believe they were here, and that she was about to take part in a presidential press conference. At first, when Kate had called and told her what was to happen, she thought she was being punk’d. Surely Kate was kidding.
She glanced behind her. George, Trevor, Laura, Richard, and Juanita appeared star-struck too. Only Jay appeared relatively at ease.
A sharply dressed woman standing off to the side tapped the president’s arm. “They’re ready, Mr. President.”
“That’s our signal,” he said to Dara. “I imagine you’re used to spotlights much brighter than this, but beware the flashes. They blind me every time.”
“Thank you for the advice, sir.”
The door opened, and the president walked through. Dara followed directly after, followed by Jay and the others. Once they were on the stage standing behind the president, Dara glanced around. She spotted Rebecca standing with Kate off to the side. Out front, the room was packed to overflowing. Every seat was taken, and three rows of still photographers and television videographers stood atop three risers in the back of the room. Dara recognized many of the faces seated before her. There were the main anchors of the principal network news shows, the White House correspondents she’d come to know from their coverage of the president, and…
“Good day, ladies and gentlemen of the press. I’m so glad you could make it on such short notice.” The president paused and smiled as what sounded like thousands of camera shutters whirred and clicked.
“Usually, I’m standing up here alone. Today, as you can see, I’ve upped my game and classed up the joint. I’ll introduce my guests, as if most of them need any introduction, shortly. But first, I want to say this. At oh-nine-fifteen today, members of the FBI and Homeland Security Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force conducted multiple operations in and around the Washington, D.C. area.
“These raids, along with the arrests of several individuals, were the result of actionable intelligence regarding the source of a recent leak of top secret documents to a reporter from Time magazine. In short,” the president looked directly into the cameras at the back of the room, “we got them. We have in custody those primarily responsible for the leak. In addition, we have evidence to support our belief that the leak in question was part of a larger effort to undermine the integrity of our nation’s cybersecurity and intelligence systems.”
A hum of excitement swept through the room.
“In custody right now are Dustin Wolford, the person we have identified as the hacker who leaked the Hyland Commission Report to Time, as well as Michael Vendetti…”
The hum escalated to a buzz, and the president nodded. “I know that’s a name that’s familiar to many of you. Mr. Vendetti, who at one time was the Deputy Press Secretary to President Hyland, was recently released from prison. Well, I’m here to tell you that he’s going right back to jail.
“We have proof that Mr. Vendetti personally ordered the documents to be leaked. We also believe that it is no coincidence that Mr. Vendetti recently was elected to the board of directors of Vector Research Corporation. That is the company that employs Mr. Wolford. In addition, Vector Research was the subcontractor on a government project to upgrade communications systems within some of our national security agencies. We have proof that Vector Research intended to use that contract and the resulting access to our systems to steal vital information and/or interfere with government operations. Vector’s CEO, Lance Tractenberg, is also in custody at this hour. It’s a good day for justice.”
The president took a deep breath, glanced back at Jay, who was standing to Dara’s left, and winked. Dara wondered if this private moment in a room full of reporters had anything to do with where Kate and Jay had disappeared to earlier.
“I want to say something more. A very wise person reminded me this morning of the value of shining light and telling the truth. When Mr. Vendetti went to prison so many years ago, several others also were convicted and sent away for treason for their roles in the plot to oust President Hyland. These persons included high-ranking government officials, heads of Fortune 500 companies, and others. What you don’t know is that all of those individuals were part of a highly organized syndicate that calls itself the Commission.”
The buzz turned into a roar.
“We have every reason to believe that the present-day actions of Vector Research, Mr. Vendetti, Mr. Wolford, and Mr. Tractenberg are all tied to the Commission. It’s time to shine light on this insidious organization and put its members on notice.” The president pointed directly into the cameras. “Wherever you are, whatever you think you can do, we will find you and stop you.”
The President straightened up and put a hand on either side of the podium. “Today, I am authorizing the de-classification of the Hyland Commission Report. It’s time to shine the light on a dark period in our history.”
Beside her, Dara heard Jay gasp. In her peripheral vision, she watched Jay blink away a tear. She chanced a glance over to where Kate was leaning against the wall. Her eyes were closed, in relief, it seemed. It was as if a great burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
“Now, I promised you I’d introduce you to my guests, all of whom are no doubt more interesting than I am. First, I’d like to introduce you to someone who has been no stranger to the media lately, albeit not of her own doing.” The president turned and motioned for Jay to step forward and stand beside the podium.
“Jamison Parker was the intrepid reporter who broke the exclusive story of the Hyland fiasco in 1989. Since then, she’s become one of the world’s most successful, most beloved authors. When the leak of the Hyland Commission Report surfaced several months ago, some of you in the media, and, to be truthful, some within law enforcement circles in this government, speculated that Ms. Parker might have had something to do with that, and/or that she might divulge top secret information from that report in her upcoming novel.
“I’d like to put all of that speculation to rest right now. First, Ms. Parker’s ethics and dedication to this country are above question. Second, I am told by my top law enforcement and security experts that Ms. Parker’s manuscript is a fabulous read, and that it contains nothing that in any way would jeopardize national security or violate laws or regulations regarding disclosure of classified data.”
From behind her, Dara watched as Jay’s knees buckled slightly before she recovered her equilibrium.
“That brings me to the last item on our agenda. I don’t often get to rub elbows with Hollywood royalty, so today is a special day for me.” The president turned and motioned Dara forward. She joined him on the other side of the podium. “Is there anybody in this room who doesn’t know who Dara Thomas is? I can’t imagine there is. I want to welcome America’s own Oscar-winning actress and thank her for taking time from her busy schedule to join us.”
Dara nodded, unsure whether she was expected to speak.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce that Ms. Thomas is the executive producer of the movie based on Ms. Parker’s
work. Here today with Ms. Thomas is the film’s director, George Nelson, and co-stars Trevor Hanscome, Laura Simmons, Richard Broderick, and Juanita Jensen.”
The president acknowledged each of them in turn.
“Why, you ask, is this fine group here? I’ll explain. It was brought to my attention a short while ago that the false innuendoes swirling around Ms. Parker’s manuscript were adversely impacting the production of this movie. Filming that had been scheduled to begin in the United Kingdom was being held up.
“In the interest and spirit of international cooperation, I was able to assuage any reservations on the part of British authorities as to whether or not the contents of this film would do damage to America’s national security and/or harm our much-valued relationship with one of our staunchest allies. I assured them we have no such concerns.
“On the contrary, I am a great believer that good entertainment also has the potential and the ability to educate. I hope this film does both.”
“We hope so too. And thank you, Mr. President,” Dara said.
“I do hope I’ll get an invitation to the movie’s premiere.”
“You can count on it.”
The president shook Dara’s hand, then Jay’s, then shook hands with the rest of the group and indicated that they should exit off the stage. Behind them, Dara could hear the shouts of the reporters wanting to have their questions answered.
When they were all safely through the doorway, the president shook everyone’s hand again.
“Thank you, Mr. President. That was…unexpected.”
“You’re very welcome, Ms. Thomas. I really did make that phone call, you know. I’m sorry for the trouble. Everything should be smooth sailing for you now.”
“Thank you, Mr. President. We’ll resume production right away.”
“Mr. President…” Jay’s voice faltered.
“Ms. Parker. You taught me something today, and I’m grateful for the lesson. Thank you for your integrity. Although I didn’t publicly mention the other two arrests that happened this morning, I want you to know that I have been briefed on your personal situation, and the matter has been handled. More heads will roll. I’m going to do some housecleaning at the IRS, in the FBI, and at the CIA.”
“Thank you, Mr. President. Were you aware that the IRS sent Dara a notice of audit too?”
The president’s eyes widened and he shook his head in disgust. “I was not. But I will take care of it.” He winked at her. “I wish you much success. I can’t wait to see the movie.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The president exited through a side door, surrounded by Secret Service agents and a gaggle of assistants.
“Now what?” Dara asked Jay.
Kate and Rebecca joined them.
“Now, we go home,” Kate answered. She gathered Jay in her arms and held her close, whispering in her ear.
Dara turned away, wanting to give them their privacy.
“Well, it isn’t every day the president of the United States gives your movie his personal seal of approval, eh?” George said.
“No kidding,” Trevor said.
“That was cool.” Juanita’s eyes shown with excitement.
“All’s well that ends well,” Laura said.
“That’s an understatement.” Richard snapped a picture of the presidential seal on the door.
Rebecca slid her hand into Dara’s and smiled up at her. “What a day, huh?”
“You can say that again.” Dara pulled out her own phone.
“Who are you calling?”
“Our ride.”
Peter, Kate, and Jay shared a row on the flight home to Albany. “I think I preferred the private jet with the captain’s chair that swiveled and reclined,” Jay said.
“I think you got spoiled,” Peter quipped. “Oh. I almost forgot. This is for you.” He pulled his briefcase from underneath the seat in front of him, unlatched it, and removed the manuscript and the screenplay. “Derek gave these to me this morning. He figured you’d trust me with them.”
“I’m not so sure,” Jay kidded. “Thank you.”
“So, Lorraine, Sabastien, and Vaughn are on their way home?” Kate asked.
“Yep. I talked to Lorraine right before we boarded. Vaughn and Sabastien are flying back to D.C. Lorraine should be home sometime tomorrow.”
“All is right with the world,” Jay said.
“Correction. All is better with the world,” Peter answered. “There are still plenty of bad guys out there we don’t know about.”
“That’s why we keep shining light in the dark places,” Jay said. “It’s why I’ll never stop writing.”
Kate kissed her on the top of the head. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“So, are you guys going to go to London for the filming?” Peter asked.
Jay looked to Kate and raised an eyebrow in question.
“I don’t see why not. Dara did invite us.”
Jay pumped her fist. “Yes.”
“And our accounts are mysteriously, or not so mysteriously, unfrozen again.”
“Hallelujah for that,” Jay said. “I’m glad Dara’s troubles are over too.”
“Jamison Parker. That was pretty ballsy of you to bring that up to the president,” Kate said.
Jay shrugged. “It was the right thing to do.” She reclined her seat. “Speaking of the president, I can’t believe he endorsed the manuscript and the movie in a press conference. He stuck his neck out and he didn’t have to do that.”
“He went above and beyond,” Kate agreed. “Surprised the heck out of me.”
“You owe Mimi Hyland a big bouquet of flowers,” Peter said. “The way she told it to me, she wrangled herself that invitation to the White House for dinner so she could personally lobby on your behalf.”
“Oh, my God. I love that woman. I wish I’d gotten to see her while we were in town,” Jay said.
“Invite her to the movie premiere when it happens. I’m sure that will thrill her.”
“We should absolutely do that,” Kate agreed.
“A movie premiere. Of my film.” Jay shook her head in disbelief. “Who saw that coming?”
As they walked into the house, Jay’s cell phone rang.
“Don’t answer it,” Kate said. She pulled Jay into her arms. “We’re going to be very busy.” She nuzzled the side of Jay’s neck.
Jay peeked at the readout. “I have to answer it.” Kate’s lips on her throat made her purr.
“No, you don’t.”
Jay extricated herself and pulled the Bluetooth out of her pocket. “I really, really do. But I promise it will only take a minute. Don’t lose your place.”
Kate sighed, grabbed their bags, and headed for the bedroom. Jay stared at her derrière and willed her libido under control.
“Hello?”
“Jay! I’ve been trying to reach you. I’m so sorry I missed your calls.”
“Hello, Sydney.” Jay allowed the frost to come through in her voice. “What can I do for you?”
“The better question is what I can do for you. My e-mail has been blowing up and my phone has been ringing off the hook with publisher offers for the manuscript. The big six all want it and everyone is scrambling to outdo the other. I foresee a major bidding war here. We’re talking multi-millions of dollars with options.”
Jay’s eyes flashed angrily and she took a deep breath. “Is that so?”
“You can’t imagine.”
“I’m glad you could find the time to take all those calls and answer all those e-mails, Sydney.”
“Of course. Anything for you, Jay.”
“Anything?”
“Sure. You’re my favorite client.”
“Good. Please forward me directly all of the offers you’ve received on my behalf.”
“You want to look at them personally?”
“I do.”
“I’ll take care of it right now.” Sydney sounded perplexed.
�
�Thanks.”
Jay walked into the office and booted up her computer. Within minutes, it beeped with a series of incoming messages and e-mails. Jay checked to verify that the e-mails from Sydney included offers from the six biggest publishers in the world. Beyond that were twenty more offers from mid-range publishers.
When the last publisher e-mail had come through, she received one more message from Sydney letting her know that she had everything. Jay hit Reply.
Dear Sydney,
I hereby inform you of the formal termination of our relationship. You are no longer authorized to do business or negotiate on my behalf. Please forward any additional business dealings, incoming correspondence, or other matters pertaining to me and/or my work to: Carolyn Detweiler. Her e-mail address, mailing address, and phone details are included on the contact data sheet attached to this e-mail.
Sincerely,
Jamison Parker
Jay sat back and re-read the e-mail. Then she hit Send and composed a new e-mail.
Dear Carolyn,
Looks like you’re going to be a busy woman. Attached please find a series of offers that have been made to me for the rights to my manuscript. I look forward to working with you and hearing your thoughts.
All the best,
Jay
PS: Whichever offer we accept, the publisher must agree as a condition of the contract that the book will be edited by my former editor at Black Quill, Jeremy Taunton.
Jay shut down the computer and headed for the bedroom.
“You’ll never believe…”
“What, exactly, won’t I believe?” Kate asked.
Jay swallowed hard. Her heart skittered and thumped in her chest. She wiped her damp palms on her pants and walked to the bed, never taking her eyes off Kate, who lay there naked and as beautiful as the first time they’d made love nearly thirty years ago.
“You’ll never believe how much I love you, and how much I’m looking forward to the rest of our lives together.”
Kate’s eyes glistened with tears and unspent emotion. “I believe, sweetheart.” She unbuttoned Jay’s shirt and lifted it off her shoulders, kissing the exposed flesh. “I believe in you, and I believe in us. Through all the years, and all the hardships we’ve endured. Through everything, there’s been one constant, one sure thing.”