Since the start of the school year, the teachers had embraced the marked changes from their students. Fritz had happily remarked that using the portal had caused his students to like school more. Far ahead of schedule, the students in all his classes worked harder than ever before, engrossed in the material.
In mid-afternoon, he put his work aside and joined his parents and Linda at the kitchen table. “Welcome back, stranger,” said Linda. “We thought we'd lost you.”
“Sorry. I discovered a new source for questions. These are harder, great for the final rounds. They'll mean low-scoring games. And faster ones.”
“We were talking about how the president's going to handle this,” said Linda.
Fritz changed the subject. “I'm surprised we haven't heard from Ash. I don't think he went with Jane.”
His mother said, “He knows we're here. Maybe he wants you to be able to visit a little.”
Linda said, “Well, visiting is what you should do. I need a shower.”
“Mom, Dad, sorry. Linda's right. I got on a roll. When Ash is here, he helps me remember the questions we've already got.”
“Too bad Ashley's picture of Robert E. Lee disappeared,” said his mother. “Now that would be something to remember. I certainly will.”
“I'm not sure you didn't hire a guy just to fool with us,” his father teased.
Leaning forward, urgency in his widened eyes, Fritz said, “Dad, if you hadn't actually been through the portal, I wouldn't blame you for doubting the story. But you saw it for yourself.”
With a wistful note in his voice, John said, “When you were a kid, you looked like you do now. I'm kidding, Fritz.”
Visiting with his parents killed two birds. He had a chance to enjoy them and gave Linda a break. Until her phone rang.
“What's wrong? Where are you?” she asked.
“Hi, Lin. Merry Christmas to you, too.”
“Ashley, you never call me. What's the matter?”
“Then let's get down to business. I have been instructed to call you, not Fritz, as ancient etiquette and social protocol demand.”
“Oh, shut up. What are you up to?”
“I've spent my day working devilishly hard, and this is the thanks I get?”
She laughed. “I'm going to break your leg.”
“And my reward is pain and suffering.” Linda didn't respond. Melodrama was an Ashley specialty, so she waited. “Are you feeling guilty now?” he asked. “The purpose of my communication is an invitation, for you, your husband, child, and your guests for this evening's repast. You may arrive at my home at seven of the clock.”
“Dinner. You are such a butthead. Why didn't you just say so?”
“Now my efforts bring scorn and ridicule.”
“Have you been reading Shakespeare again?”
“Nope. Been cooking. And cleaning. And preparing. And being insulted.”
“Ash, are you okay?”
“All I'm doing is inviting you guys for dinner. At seven. Why don't you just say yes already?”
“Yes. Is Jane back?”
“Not yet. But she will be.”
“Can we bring anything?”
“No, thank you. However, dress is business casual. Jeans would be inappropriate.”
“What are you up to?”
“Almost six foot three. See you at seven, then?”
Fritz stretched out on the sofa in the family room to watch the TV news. A reporter described the carrier task force preparing to depart for the western Pacific from San Diego. The scene switched to the White House press room, where the press secretary was briefing reporters on the latest information. Fritz sat up when Linda came in. His parents both looked up. She announced that dinner would be at Ashley's.
“What's he up to?” asked Fritz.
“I don't know. We're all invited, and he said business casual. No jeans. Seven o'clock.”
Fritz said, “All my plans—up in smoke.”
Chapter 3
FOR THE FIRST TIME in Fritz's memory, Ashley had decorated his two-story Cape Cod. Christmas lights were everywhere, and life-size statues of Old English carolers greeted them at the front steps.
As they emptied from Fritz's new car, the front door swung open and their grinning host stepped out. “Fritz, leave the baby's stuff in the car. Come on in.” Jane waved as they came up the walkway.
“Like what you've done to the place,” said Fritz.
“It seemed a bit lacking.” Ashley swept his arm toward the neighbors' houses.
“Keeping up with the Joneses?”
“No, actually.” He pointed to three houses. “Smith, O'Reilly, and Steinberg.”
Linda said, “Don't start. Let's have a quiet dinner.”
“Yes. Let's.” Ashley held the door. “Please, do come in.”
Linda handed TJ to Jane and took off her coat. She looked at Ashley and laughed. “You did it.” Standing in the living room were James Williams, Mel Zack, the president and First Lady, and the vice president and his wife.
When it registered, Fritz shook his head. Even more shocked were his parents, who were introduced by the president to those they hadn't met. Ashley had told Jane to suggest an evening off and invite them for dinner. At the back of the room, Tony Almeida stood with a cup of eggnog.
“So may I offer anyone a libation?” Ashley asked.
“Jack and rocks for me,” said Fritz. “In fact, I may have more than one.” The president asked for sparkling water.
With drinks in hand, Ashley offered a holiday toast and announced, “Dinner is served.” A complete baby corner, with a swing and a playpen, had been set up in the corner of the dining room.
“When did you get this stuff?” asked Linda.
With his smile broadening, he said, “Jane suggested it. She said we could have you here more often, although I can't imagine why.”
“What's for dinner?” asked Fritz. “I'll decide later if I want to come back.”
“This evening's entrée is the chef's specialty, Beef Wellington.”
“You made it?” Fritz asked.
“I did. And it looks terrific. The president said this is a test, and if I pass, I have a job at the White House.” Ashley had made broccolini, homemade French fries, and a large salad. The table was dressed with linen napkins. He had bought expensive china and glassware, as well as new silverware. The dining room had white twinkle lights on anything that didn't move.
“Fritz, you're awfully quiet,” said the president.
“I'm not sure where I am. This can't be Ashley's house.”
“I heard that,” said Ashley from the kitchen. “It's your fault.”
“How's it my fault?”
“You told me I was changing, so I just added a few details.” Jane and Tony delivered bowls and serving pieces. With a large platter in his hands, Ashley followed, wearing a tall white chef's hat and carrying the main course.
“Where did you get that?” asked Fritz, trying not to laugh as he snapped a picture with his phone.
“A gift from the White House. Even autographed.”
Fritz looked at the president, who held up his hands and shook his head. “I didn't sign it.”
“I can get his autograph anytime,” Ashley said. “The head chef signed it. Jane brought it back with her.”
“Good thing you have big ears. It would be over your face otherwise.”
“Please take your assigned seats, as indicated by the placecards I have so carefully … placed.
The vice president said, “Mr. President, you were right. I think this is gonna be fun. We weren't sure you could match an embassy party, Ashley.”
“But the chicken, excuse me, chicken-in-chief, didn't bring his sneakers,” said Ashley.
When they finished the meal, Ashley wheeled in a cart with two ornate pitchers of coffee and decaf and a platter of cannoli for dessert. A selection of liqueurs stood on the bottom shelf.
“When did you get all this stuff?” Fritz asked.
“When I became civilized. On Wednesday. Jane and I went shopping after school.”
“Now I know I'm in the wrong place. You went shopping, spent a bundle, and had your own state dinner. I can't wait to find out what's next.”
Ashley nodded to Jane at the far end of the table. She lifted her left hand, and on her third finger, a diamond sparkled. The noise that greeted her woke TJ, who chirped. Linda started to get up, but the vice president motioned her to stay seated. “I'm closer. I'll get him.”
Everyone found their way to the kitchen. Stacked plates in the sink, counters covered with all the glasses and silverware, and the cookware still on the stove, Jane and Ashley held hands, leaving the clean-up until later. “Did you see this coming?” Fritz whispered to Linda.
She nodded. “Maybe not yet. But uh-huh, and Christmas is such a good time for it. I'm surprised he didn't tell you.”
“Me, too. I wonder when he decided.” He called across the crowded kitchen. “Hey, goofball, when did you decide?” The room was suddenly silent, except for TJ.
“Actually, in September. But I had to wait.”
“Why?” asked Fritz.
“I had just met her that day.” Jane kissed his cheek.
The laughter almost drowned out the president's ringtone.
“HI, CHARLIE. What's happened?” The president listened as the secretary of defense reported. “Casualties?” The night became silent. He frowned at the response. “Okay, keep me advised.” The president told them a destroyer, one of the ships headed for Korea, had blown up in San Diego. The explosion damaged two other ships. “They're still on fire.” The president looked around. “Sorry, Ashley, but we have to leave. I need to find out what happened.”
“Do you want to use the portal, Mr. President?” Fritz asked. “I have keys to the school.”
“If you don't mind. We have the generator in the car. We should all go. Tony, you can come back when you want. I'll keep the plane here for now. Sorry about the inconvenience.”
“No problem, sir.”
Jane asked, “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No. I'll let you know when.”
WHEN FRITZ AND TONY returned, Linda, Ashley, and Jane were cleaning up. Fritz's parents sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee.
“He just doesn't get a break,” said Fritz.
“After we got to school and Fritz opened the portal, the vice president saw the Oval Office and sounded like he was choking,” said Tony. “The president laughed at him. He said, 'Pretty cool, huh?' I think the vice president was speechless for the first time in his life.”
“Jane, what do you think this means?” asked Linda.
“Unless some kind of accident set off the explosion, it's an act of war or domestic terrorism. Let's check for any news,” Jane said. Only one network had video, taken by a tourist who happened to be filming the harbor at night. They saw the initial explosion in the distance, followed by others when the ship's munitions detonated and hit the other ships.
Jane squinted, looking for what might have caused the explosion. “If they were set to go to sea, it would have been easy to miss seeing the explosives being set, especially underwater. They could have set them days ago.” She pointed to the place where they first saw explosions. “It looks like the charges detonated where the most explosives are aboard. Someone knew the right spot.”
“Will they be able to find out?” asked Martha Russell.
“Maybe. A lot more cameras than people know about are focused on that harbor.” Jane pointed to the shops along the walkway as the news camera panned. “Quite a few analysts will be working overtime. They'll send divers in once the fires are out. I wonder who took the pictures?” Jane was asking, but mostly talking to herself. “Was it really a tourist?”
Chapter 4
FRITZ WAS making waffles when Ashley pushed the back door open and came in with Jane. “Ash, set the table in the dining room,” said Fritz. Ashley took off his jacket, took Jane's coat, and dropped both on a chair.
“Hang them up,” said a stern voice from the family room.
“Hi, Linda.” He stuck his face around the corner. “Hi, TJ.” The baby ignored him. Returning to the kitchen, he opened the drawer and asked, “Do you want this cheap stuff, or do you want me to go home for my brand-new, good stuff?”
“You can go home, but we'll still eat with ours,” Fritz answered.
John and Martha were packed to go home right after breakfast. “Those look really good,” said his father, watching Fritz add to the stack warming in the oven. Fritz wiped the griddle and poured more batter.
“When are you going back, Jane?” Linda asked.
“I don't know yet. The president said he would call. But probably by Wednesday. They should have a lot of info by then.”
“If he hasn't been crucified by then,” said Ashley. “The early shows all had guests claiming the president had failed again.”
Jane said, “He's inured to most of that now. He's more concerned with things people don't see or hear.” She stopped.
John asked, “What is it that you do, Jane? You seem to be involved in a lot. Different things, not like a regular job.”
“I have a special position with the president. My jobs involve policy, programs, actions. Basically, I'm a planner, but that's just a part of it. That's my training and my experience. I'm just lucky that I met him when we were both starting out. I've never treated him as a politician, just as a person who has a great deal of responsibility. We've developed trust both ways.”
“It doesn't hurt that she has me now,” said Ashley. “She finally has a pretty face in her corral.” Jane smiled.
WITH BREAKFAST OVER, everyone went to watch the rest of the talk shows. Live footage of the damage and scans of the area around the harbor appeared on the screen. Jane leaned close to the TV, not listening to the comments. Fritz asked her if she had seen something.
“Just looking at people and what's in the background. It's funny how often criminals return to see the damage.”
“That's just weird,” said Ashley. “You'd think they would want to disappear.”
“Or see what they can report to someone later,” Linda said.
Jane glanced sharply at Linda and took out her phone. “Mrs. Evans, is he free?”
Seconds later, “Mr. President, we've been watching the TV reports. I think we need to find the guy who took that first eyewitness film and check three days of surveillance, for Thursday through Saturday, from all the shops along the shore. We're looking for divers in wetsuits. We need to check when our guys did the last underwater sweep. It should have been on Thursday.” In answer to his question, she said, “I'm not sure, but I think the eyewitness film might answer some other questions. Just a hunch. Linda just said something about reporting the result to someone else.”
John said, “You just called the president, got connected, and you didn't even say who you were. That's impressive.”
“Ms. Evans knows my voice. She's impressive. She gives him a second brain. I've never seen anyone better. Even on the non-policy stuff. If I had told her I was here, she'd have asked about TJ. She keeps the president up-to-date on the baby's doings.”
* * *
WITH THE LA TIMES across his lap and a TV news channel for background noise, the man relaxed in his sunroom and looked out over the ocean. The breaking waves were calming, a rhythm he always enjoyed. His Christmas meeting had been productive, but not yet conclusive. The others would be back later with their opinions. He didn't care. He'd already decided, and they would do as he said. He snorted. The explosions had rattled the country, and he thought the president looked too complacent. His plan had begun well.
* * *
FRITZ USED his holiday break to plan for the entire second half of the school year. By mid-week, he had typed and printed most of the questions for the tournament, as well as a list of sources to hand out to the teachers who were coaching.
Jane worked at her office at the airpor
t during the daytime as she prepared details for the upcoming summit. She and Ashley had come for dinner every night. “Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. We're going down in the morning,” Ashley said. “Have you decided if you're coming?”
“We're not. I'll call the president later,” said Fritz. “It's really too soon to travel with TJ. Besides, we haven't really had any down time in weeks.”
Jane said, “He really wants you guys to come. He said he'll have a plane for us so you don't have to drive with the baby. Or you could portal. Tony's also invited to dinner. You should come. We'll have fun.”
“We're gonna pass. I'll call him later.” As Linda set dinner on the table, everyone jumped when Jane's phone buzzed.
“I'm still at the Russell's. Ash and I are driving down tomorrow morning.” She handed the phone to Fritz. For an instant, the only sound was gurgling from the swing.
The president told him a nuclear weapon had been stolen. It was not the first time. “Same short time frame as Pakistan, Mr. President?” Linda crossed her arms. “George isn't here, you know.”
He grew somber as the president told him that time was even less than before, that it was in Russia, and that President Putin claimed he had no troops near enough to deal with it.
“Do you want him to know what we can do?”
“Who?” Linda whispered. Fritz held up his index finger and hurried to get a pad and pen.
The president wanted Fritz to get Putin and bring him back, along with some troops. Colonel Mitchell, whom Fritz had worked with before, was already on his way with soldiers.
“How soon, sir?” Fritz felt his entire body tense. “I really wasn't expecting this, and I need to call George.”
FRITZ TOLD THEM what had happened. “What about Tony?” Linda asked. She had begun to chew her bottom lip.
“He's here, at the airport. We should write down what we'll need.”
Jane said, “Colonel Mitchell has the lists we've made after each insertion. He created a checklist. He'll have everything.”
Fritz said, “I need George.”
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