by Andy Coltart
‘Please take a seat, sir, and she will spin back,’ said Alex to the President.
He sat down while Riley repeated her spinning and reappeared in front of him. The three sat back down opposite the President once again.
‘Well,’ said the President, ‘we need to decide carefully what we do about this.’
‘What do you mean, sir?’ asked Riley.
‘I want to thank the three of you for saving my life. You deserve recognition for that. But if everyone knows Riley can turn invisible or has these energy pulse powers you’ve described she could be at risk.’ The President got to his feet and paced up and down.
‘Can the three of you wait here while I have a meeting with my National Security Advisor and Chief of Staff?’ he said.
‘Of course, sir,’ said Alex.
As the President left the room one of his aides came in.
‘Would you three like something to eat or drink? The White House kitchen makes a mean burger!’
The three of them looked at each other, surprised but delighted by the question.
‘Yes please,’ they all replied.
‘Okay,’ said the aide. ‘I’ll sort it for you.’
‘I can’t believe we are sat in the Oval Office,’ said Casey.
‘Yeah, I know,’ said Riley. Alex looked at Riley.
‘And you sat at the President’s desk when you were invisible!’ he said.
Going very red Riley replied, ‘Well yeah why not.’ She then started to laugh.
‘Awesome,’ said Casey.
‘I wonder what he’s discussing with his staff,’ said Riley.
‘I’ve no idea,’ said Casey.
The three of them were sat eating their burgers when the President returned to the Oval Office. He walked back in with his National Security Advisor. The three teenagers stood up as a sign of respect.
‘Sit down please,’ said the President, ‘and finish your food.’ They sat back down and listened as the President explained his plan.
‘This is Steve, he’s my National Security Advisor,’ said the President. ‘I’ve been discussing how we can protect you guys and at the same time allow you to make a difference like the one you made today.’ They looked at each other not entirely sure where this was going.
The President and Steve sat down with Riley, Casey and Alex.
‘We realise you three have been through a great deal,’ said Steve. ‘We also realise you are all under eighteen so we need to talk to your parents.’
‘Oh great,’ said Casey, ‘my mom’s gonna love this.’
‘Hear me out,’ said Steve. ‘I’ll take you through the details but to cut straight to the point, we want the three of you to work as Special Agents for the Government.’
‘You want what?’ said Riley. Steve repeated what he’d said.
‘Yeah, we heard you,’ said Casey, ‘but why all three of us? Riley has the powers.’ Riley looked at Casey as if to say thanks for dropping her in it!
The National Security Advisor got up and walked around.
‘You’re a team,’ he said. ‘You’ve been a team from the start. Only you two can see Riley when she’s invisible. Plus, her invisibility allows her to do incredible things, like save the President.’
‘Okay,’ said Alex, ‘just for a moment let’s say we become these Special Agents. Who do we work for, you, the CIA, FBI, NSA or someone else? Also, how are you going to protect us?’
Before Steve could answer Casey added, ‘Plus, we are all still at school, how are we going to finish our education?’
‘As you can see there are a lot of things to sort out. But for now, would you be interested in discussing it further?’ said the President.
‘I’m happy to discuss it,’ said Riley, ‘but I’m not saying yes to anything just yet.’
‘That’s fair enough,’ said the President. ‘For now we want to bring your families to DC. I plan to give you three bravery medals on national television tomorrow.’
‘What about the invisibility and people seeing Riley appear?’ said Alex.
‘Those present have all been sworn to secrecy in relation to this morning’s events,’ said the President. ‘They risk prosecution under the Espionage Act if they talk. The press can report the story but not that element. They’ve been told it’s to protect you, which they have accepted.’
‘What about the public on the tour?’ asked Riley.
‘The same applies to them,’ said the National Security Advisor.
‘While we wait for your families to arrive we are going to put you up in a hotel. Your parents will be asked to bring you some changes of clothes as we need you up here for a couple of days at least,’ said Steve.
‘You’ve got a lot to consider,’ said the President, ‘so what I can tell you is if you agree to it you three would work directly for the President. You’d be part of the Secret Service reporting directly to the Director Andrews, Head of the Secret Service. We’d protect the fact you can become invisible. This includes from your families. Plus, you’d be able to finish your chosen paths in education whilst working for us.’
‘Would our families know we work for you?’
‘No,’ replied the President, ‘that’s why it’s a secret service!’
The President got up, and everyone else stood too.
‘I’m going to leave you with one of my aides now,’ he said. ‘I’ll see you all this evening as I’m arranging to meet your parents.’
‘What have they been told, sir?’ asked Casey.
‘Only that the three of you uncovered a plot to kill me and prevented it from happening.’
‘Oh, just that!’ said Casey, smiling. The President laughed.
‘Yeah I know how it sounds but the fact is that’s what you did. Anyway, I need to get back to the African leaders, so I’ll see you all later.’
Chapter 33
National Heroes
Riley, Casey and Alex were taken to the JW Marriott Hotel just one block East of the White House. They were each given a suite with a Secret Service Agent posted outside. Riley opened her door,
‘Excuse me,’ she said to the Agent outside, ‘do you know what time our parents are arriving?’
‘In about two hours,’ replied the Agent.
‘How are they getting here so quickly?’ she asked.
‘They’re being flown in by helicopter,’ said the Agent.
‘Last question,’ said Riley.
‘Go on,’ said the Agent.
‘Am I allowed to see my friends?’
‘Yes of course. I’ll escort you,’ the Agent replied. With that they walked along the corridor to Casey’s suite.
Alex was already there when Riley walked in.
‘Hey you two, have you seen these rooms? Wow!’ said Riley.
‘Yeah I know,’ said Alex.
‘Apparently our parents are gonna be here in two hours,’ said Riley.
‘That’s fast,’ said Casey thinking of their all-night train ride.
‘Yeah, they’re coming here in helicopters,’ said Riley.
‘Oh joy, my Mom hates flying,’ said Casey. The others laughed.
‘We need to make some decisions about what we want before our parents arrive and start telling us what should happen,’ said Alex.
Casey opened the mini bar,
‘Do you two want a drink?’ she said, grabbing some cans of Coke.
‘Yeah, thanks,’ said Riley.
‘What do you think, Alex?’ asked Casey.
‘Well, I mean it’s not the career I was expecting, but it felt good to prevent the assassination today,’ he said.
‘It may have felt good to you but my chest still hurts,’ said Riley. Casey took her drink and went over and put her arm round Riley.
‘I’d be up for doing this,’ said Casey.
‘Me too,’ said Riley, ‘but I’d want some training.’
‘I think that will happen,’ said Alex. ‘They’re not just gonna let three inexperienced teenagers go o
n dangerous missions without preparing us.’
‘What about your sight?’ said Casey to Alex.
‘It’s not 100% and I’ll probably never be able to drive, but I can see much more than I could at first.’
Earlier that day around the same time they were eating their White House burgers there was a knock on Mrs Bennett’s front door. She had just got in from tumble class with the twins.
‘Hello,’ she said to the man in a suit and sunglasses standing on the doorstep, ‘can I help you?’
‘Are you Mrs Bennett, mother of Riley Bennett?’
‘I am, what’s she done now?’ asked Mrs Bennett, in an exasperated voice.
‘Nothing wrong, we just need you and your other two children to come with us.’
‘Sorry,’ said Mrs Bennett, ‘but who are you?’
‘My apologies, Mrs Bennett, I’m Special Agent Anderson, United States Secret Service,’ came the reply. Mrs Bennett almost fell over with shock.
‘Where is it we are going?’ she asked.
‘The White House, orders of the President,’ he added. At this she really did feel dizzy.
‘What’s happened? Is Riley okay?’
‘Your daughter is fine,’ replied Special Agent Anderson. ‘I’m not authorised to say any more at this time. I can wait outside while you pack a bag for you and the twins.’
‘Very well,’ she said. She let Anderson wait on the sofa while she sorted some clothes into a bag. The Agent had told her to bring something smart for Riley for tomorrow. But he’d not said why. Mr Manning and Mr and Mrs Johnson had all experienced similar. They were now all together in a government helicopter on their way to Washington DC.
Riley got up and switched the television on.
‘Breaking news at the White House this morning. Three unnamed teenagers prevented a gang from carrying out an assassination of the President. Unfortunately, the footage from the press conference where this happened has been classified by the Secret Service. However, we can go live now to the White House where Press Secretary Stewart has the following statement.’
‘Good afternoon everyone,’ said Secretary Stewart. ‘I am pleased to tell you that the President and his guests from various African states are well. There will be more details about what happened in due course but for now we must allow the security services to do their investigation unhindered.’
‘Is that it?’ said Riley.
‘Looks like it for now,’ said Alex, ‘maybe they don’t want to say too much too quickly.’
‘Probably prudent,’ said Casey.
A short time later there was a knock on the door. Casey went to open it.
‘Mom, Dad!’ she said. ‘Come in.’ They were followed by Riley’s mum and the twins and Alex’s father. After hellos and hugs they all sat down, except the twins who went to the bedroom to watch television.
‘What’s going on, son?’ said Mr Manning.
‘What have they told you?’ asked Alex.
‘Very little,’ said Riley’s mum.
‘Well,’ said Riley, ‘first of all, sorry for not being at Alex’s house,’ she said.
She then went on to tell them about overhearing the gang in the cafe and the plot to kill the President. She told them how they’d travelled to DC and how they stopped the assassination. There was a long silence, whilst the parents took in the information.
‘You could have been killed!’ said Mrs Johnson to Casey.
‘But she wasn’t,’ said her dad. ‘As frustrated as we are at our kids right now we have to remember two things,’ said Casey’s dad, ‘firstly, if they’d told us in advance we’d have all stopped them going and secondly, because they didn’t our President is still alive.’
‘I hate to admit it but he’s right,’ said Riley’s mum. ‘You three may well be naughty teenagers for lying to your parents but you are also national heroes!’
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. A Secret Service Agent came in and said, ‘We’ve been asked to escort you all to the White House.’
Everyone got up and followed the agents down to the hotel reception. Mrs Bennett told the twins they’d better behave themselves. There were cars waiting outside and each family travelled in a separate car. It was only a very short ride of a couple of minutes before they were at the West Wing entrance.
‘Follow me, please,’ said the President’s aide. She led them to the Oval Office.
‘Is this where I think it is?’ said Riley’s mum.
‘Yeah, it’s the Oval Office, we had lunch here earlier,’ said Riley in a matter-of-fact way that made her mum’s jaw drop open.
Moments later the President walked in.
‘Welcome to the White House,’ he said, ‘and welcome back to you Riley, Casey and Alex. Please everyone, take a seat.’
The President paused while everyone sat on the sofas and surrounding chairs.
‘As I’m sure your children have explained by now I owe my life to these young heroes. I’m arranging a special press conference for the morning at which I will be awarding each of them the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is our country’s highest honour, which all of them have earned through their selfless act today.’
Mr Manning stood up and thanked the President on everyone’s behalf.
‘As you can imagine, sir, we are still all in shock at what’s happened but are so grateful to you.’
‘Ladies and gentlemen, it’s now 5.30 p.m., I’d like you to return to the hotel and rejoin me here at 8.00 p.m. for a dinner I’m having with the President of South Africa. I do hope you and your children will join us.’
‘Thank you, Mr President,’ they all replied.
Back in their respective hotel suites everyone was getting ready.
‘Do you mind if I take a shower?’ said Riley. ‘It’s been a long day!’
‘No, go ahead. I’m going to put the twins to bed and have the hotel bring them pizza. One of the Secret Service Agents has agreed to watch them for us,’ said her mum.
In the en-suite bathroom Riley took off her crop top to reveal a new bruise on her chest, this time from the bullet.
That will explain a little why my body reacted to the hit by making me visible, she thought. After her shower Riley wandered back into the main room wrapped in towels.
‘Please tell me you brought some clothes?’ she said.
‘Yes, don’t panic. The Agent who called at home told me to pack for you.’
‘Thank goodness,’ said Riley.
She went through to the bedroom and found a bag on the bed. In it her mum had packed her favourite dress and some shoes.
‘So how do I look, Mum?’ said Riley coming back with her dress on and hair done. She gave a little spin, but stopped before vanishing in front on her mum!
‘You look stunning, darling. Ready for dinner with the President! Now there’s something I had never imagined saying!’ said her mum.
Later that evening Riley, Casey and Alex were sat in the White House dining room with their parents and the Presidents of South Africa and the US. It was the most surreal experience of their lives.
‘A toast,’ said their President, raising his glass, ‘to our heroes. Thank you for saving me and this nation from a national crisis.’
‘Our heroes,’ said everyone raising their glasses.
‘This is so awesome,’ said Casey to Riley.
‘I know,’ she replied quietly.
As the evening went on everyone relaxed and chatted. The President asked them all what they were studying at school and college and what they hoped to do in the future.
‘Is he interviewing us?’ whispered Riley to Casey.
‘Maybe,’ she replied, smiling.
At the end of the evening the President told them to be back at 10.00 a.m. for the press conference and medal presentation.
‘After which I’ll need Riley, Casey and Alex to spend the rest of the day with Jack Andrews, our Secret Service Director,’ he added.
‘Why is that?’ aske
d Riley’s mum.
‘Just to cover details from the assassination attempt,’ he said.
‘We will give you all museum passes so you can explore Washington while you wait.’ Alex gave an audible sigh.
‘Something the matter?’ asked the President.
‘Oh no, nothing, sir, I’ve just always wanted to go to the Air and Space Museum,’ said Alex.
‘Well how about your families leave that one tomorrow and I arrange for a private after-hours tour tomorrow night?’
‘That would be awesome!’ said Alex. He looked at Riley and Casey with a huge grin on his face.
‘Then it’s settled, I’ll see you all in the morning,’ said the President.
The following day they arrived at the White House at 9.30 a.m. and were briefed on the presentation and what to do. Just before 10.00 a.m. they were taken to the press room. It was their first time back there since the foiled assassination attempt. The press all stood as the President came into the room. Riley, Casey and Alex were stood at the side of the room. The girls were both in dresses and Alex had a tie on with his shirt and trousers.
‘I feel so awkward,’ said Casey. ‘I want my Nirvana tshirt.’ Riley just smiled. The families were all sat in the front row.
‘My fellow Americans I am most fortunate to be able to stand before you today,’ said the President. ‘As most of you will know yesterday there was an attempt on my life in this very room. Obviously the security services will be investigating what happened. But what we can reveal to you today is that it was foiled by the bravery of three teenagers from Jackson State. They were on a tour of the White House at the time. I’d like to present to you Riley Bennett, Casey Johnson and Alex Manning.’
Everyone stood up and clapped as the three of them walked up and stood in a line next to the President.
‘It gives me great pleasure to present these three with our country’s highest honour for their bravery in the face of real danger.’ Riley stepped forward.
‘Riley, I present you with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,’ said the President as he tied the medal around her neck.
He did the same for the others. At which point everyone clapped again. The three of them stood feeling very embarrassed by the whole thing. Their parents sat watching them proudly. Afterwards the President said no questions could be answered until the investigation was complete. This meant that the press conference was over and cameras were all being switched off.
