Roos, and a handful of bodyguards.
Evan took in the view from a starboard window. He saw the Washington monument-still scarred from Hivvan energy weapons-reaching into the sky. His skin tingled.
Roos, sitting in a high-backed chair, asked, 'What's the first order of business, Mr. President?'
Evan answered the new Director of Internal Security, 'We have a reception tonight and I'll be interviewing candidates for the positions in Agriculture and Science.'
Dante had been sitting with his head hung low but the discussion piqued his interest.
'What about Eva Rheimmer? Or Omar? They've been pretty much doing Agriculture and Science all along.'
Evan shook his head. 'Yes, they've both done a great job. But like we discussed, Dante, we need to start fresh. Remember what we talked about; about not going half way.'
'Yeah, I know. Just I thought it would be easier and all.'
'I appreciate that, Dante. Let's just stick to our playbook, shall we?'
Roos said, 'Well now, along those lines let me say that our man Tucker is all set to get Ashley out of the estate and down to their summer home. Then again, I guess you knew that.'
Evan wished Ray had not brought that up in front of Dante but, then again, Roos had a way of trying to make Evan feel uncomfortable now and then, as if keeping his boss on his toes.
Dante jumped, 'Ashley? JB? We never spoke about anything happening to them.'
Evan calmed, 'Easy, Dante. We're just moving them to their summer place in New Jersey. Like we talked about, we have to erase the estate from the public's mind. The new center of power is Washington D.C., where the Senate is, where the Presidency is. It's psychological.'
Dante chewed on his thumbnail and stared out a window.
'Anyway, boss, that should be taken care of by the end of the week,' Roos continued to aggravate the situation. 'Seein' as to all the threats and stuff we've been getting against the Stones, I figure it's best for security reasons.'
'Oh look at all the people,' Sharon exclaimed as the formation of choppers flew over the marketplace on the Ellipse.
'Okay then,' Godfrey adjusted his tie. 'Now listen, we want smiles on everyone's face. Not big smiles because this is still a solemn day, but expressions of content and confidence.'
Dante did not respond. Roos looked to his boss and smiled a big, man-eating grin.
'Okay Ray,' Evan conceded. 'Maybe you shouldn't worry about smiling.'
Marine One descended to the south lawn while the escorts circled and then flew off. The big blades of the heavy helicopter created a small whirlwind rippling over the lines of press filming and photographing the arrival of the new President and his entourage. Internal Security officers dressed in policemen's garb stood alert both across the grounds and on the roof of the White House. Doberman Pinscher K9s with spiked silver collars sat rigidly among the building's pillars and entryways.
Evan Godfrey emerged from the helicopter and crossed the lawn toward his new home with his wife at his side and his closest associates trailing behind. That evening's news broadcasts would describe his gait as 'self- assured' and that Mr. Godfrey appeared 'at ease in his new role', exactly 'what the people needed in these turbulent times.' Questions came from the press. He picked only one to respond to. 'How do you feel, Mr. President?' 'Like it's morning in America.' — The flurry of activity that began that morning with Evan's arrival continued for hours with press conferences and ceremony after ceremony. At last the media ran off to catch early suppers and file reports, taking advantage of a few hours respite before the inaugural reception scheduled for later that night.
Godfrey planned to change into a tuxedo and write a speech for the night's activities. However, Sharon had taken a bottle of something bubbly with her upstairs, suggesting the time had come to break in the Lincoln bedroom. Based on Sharon's disposition, he guessed they'd be breaking in just about every room in the White House. Evan wondered what would occupy his wife's time after the excitement of her victory over Trevor Stone dissipated. She might, in fact, become a problem.
Problems of other kinds occupied Evan's mind as he walked the red carpet along the Cross Hall on the first floor of the White House with Ray and Dante. With the press gone, only security and Evan's trusted associates remained in the building. That would change in a few hours, giving him a small window to address a few things that needed addressing.
Evan spoke to Dante first, 'This is for you,' he stopped and handed Jones an open envelope filled with a paper receipt and a key. 'It's a little vacation for you, my friend. After all you've been through I figure you deserve it.'
Dante read the receipt aloud, 'Bryce Resorts. What's this?'
'You did well, but I know you feel bothered by all this. I won't go into that because we've been over it a hundred times. This is my way of saying thank you. Get away for a couple of days. I hear the Chrysaor is at the Pittsburgh shipyards this week for repair.'
Dante's eyes grew wide.
'It's okay. Most people know you and Captain Kaufman have had an on and off type thing ever since that reconnaissance mission to Binghamton that first year. Take her to this place. It's the only high-class resort operating these days. Go horseback riding, get a massage, and enjoy some fine dining. It's all taken care. You deserve it.'
Dante returned his attention to the receipt. 'I don't know what to say.'
'Then don’t say anything. Dante. I can't tell you that you're ever going get over this, but you did the right thing. In the long run, you will see this to be true. Now go, enjoy yourself, there's nothing going on here that can't wait for a couple of days.'
Dante hesitated then, after a second, found a small smile. He shook Evan's hand and walked off in search of ground transportation.
When he left earshot, Roos asked, 'Is he going to be a problem?'
'Huh? Oh, Dante? No. He thinks of himself as an idealist. He'll survive for a while telling himself what a great sacrifice he made for the greater good, he may even enjoy a certain amount of self-loathing for a time. Of course, some day he might just realize the truth about it, but until then he'll be easy enough to control. Dante has cast his lot; there's no turning back for him.'
'And you and I? Why'd we do it?'
'You did it for yourself, Ray. You knew someday I'd get here. What did you say that time? Oh yes, I'm the 'horse you backed'. You're an opportunist. But that's okay because that's the American way. Self-interest is a powerful thing.'
'Hmmm, you're the idealist then, is that it? Yes, well, I guess you know that already. I just hope you're right about Dante not becoming a problem. He seems a bit shaky to me.'
'Don't worry about him,' they walked again, passing marble pillars as he and Ray traversed the rich red carpet. 'We have other things to worry about. First off, what about Gannon? It's been over three weeks. When is he getting back out there to check in on things?'
Roos shook his head, 'Can't do it yet, not with the Tambourine line going full steam. No sir, we've already messed with that once, can't risk it again.'
'Well, we're going to deal with that. Dante already processed orders to turn over two of the Stingrays to Internal Security for border patrol and testing.'
'You don’t say? And Brewer didn't get himself all tied up on that?'
'Nope. Didn't even raise an eyebrow. I don't think General Brewer is even on the radarscope right now. He's pretty much back at the estate pushing papers and thanking God he isn't the one in charge. Without Stone, Brewer is fluttering in the wind. We'll keep him and his wife busy with some pet projects here and there while I get settled in. Now, where's our guest?'
'West Wing.'
Evan increased his pace and, with Roos in tow, made his way through the grand mansion toward the west wing. Two I.S. guards and their charge waited in the lobby there. Evan quickly dismissed the escort and addressed Chancellor D'Trayne directly.
'Chancellor, I'm so happy you could be here on my first day in the White House.'
'Senator-I mean, Mr. President-congratulations on your victory. I hope now that you will follow through on your end of the agreement.'
