The Courage Within (Riley Bennett)

by Andy Coltart

  ‘Okay,’ said the President, ‘are you three ready to talk with Director Andrews?’

  ‘We are, sir,’ said Riley.

  ‘Great,’ he replied.

  They said goodbye to their parents and were led back into the West Wing to meet with the Director of the Secret Service in his office.

  Chapter 34

  Special Agent Riley Bennett

  Equipped with museum passes the parents and the twins left the White House and headed off along the mall to explore the Smithsonian museums. Riley, Casey and Alex followed the President’s aide through to Jack’s office.

  ‘Take a seat,’ he said as they walked in. The aide closed the door on her way out.

  ‘I’m Jack Andrews, Director of the Secret Service,’ he said. ‘Have you thought any more about the President’s proposal?’

  ‘We have, sir,’ said Riley, ‘and we’d like to take up the offer.’

  ‘We do have some questions though,’ said Casey.

  ‘Such as?’ asked Jack.

  ‘Firstly, will we receive training for this?’ asked Alex.

  ‘Secondly, how will you involve us in missions without our parents noticing our absence?’ said Riley.

  ‘Lastly, when would we start?’ said Casey.

  ‘Okay,’ said Jack. ‘Let’s deal with these one at a time. Yes, you’d be trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre in Georgia. We’d also arrange for some of your training to be carried out by the CIA in Langley, Virginia. The nature of the training is something we need to agree on at a later point. You’d start immediately in terms of becoming Special Agents with the Secret Service but wouldn’t go on a mission until after your training. Lastly, we’d tell your families that you are being made White House Youth Ambassadors. This would allow us to bring you to Washington or send you away for a week and tell them you’re doing activities in local schools etcetera.’

  The three of them listened to the answers which they all seemed happy with.

  ‘Obviously we are going to have to do background checks on the three of you,’ said Jack.

  ‘What sort of checks?’ asked Riley.

  ‘Everything from organisations you’ve been part of, to people you associate with. Plus, things like terrorist watch lists etcetera.’

  ‘Wow,’ said Casey, ‘a thorough check then.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Jack. ‘This isn’t Walmart you’re coming to work for, it’s the US President.’

  An aide came back to the office and took the three of them to get something to drink.

  ‘What’s going to happen to us now?’ asked Riley.

  ‘After you’ve had a coffee we’ve arranged for a helicopter to take you to Langley for the afternoon, said the aide.

  ‘We’re going to the CIA?’ said Casey, sounding slightly apprehensive.

  ‘You are and there’s nothing to worry about,’ said the aide. ‘They will be creating Agent files for you as the Secret Service and the CIA collaborate in some areas. They will tell you more about the training they can offer so you are ready to work for the Secret Service.’

  ‘Sounds good,’ said Alex.

  Soon after they had finished their drinks they were taken to the South Lawn of the White House. A helicopter was waiting for them. They climbed on board and fastened seat belts. As the helicopter lifted off they got a view of the White House normally only the President and his team would see. It was amazing seeing Washington from above. Their flight was short and they were soon landing at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Agents met them and took them inside.

  ‘I have always wondered what this place would be like on the inside,’ said Casey.

  ‘Is it what you imagined?’ said Riley.

  ‘Not really, it’s more of an office and less of a secret base than I’d pictured,’ she replied.

  The Agents showed them to a briefing room.

  ‘Yeah, I sometimes wish it was more like the movies,’ said one of the Agents, smiling at the girls.

  They sat down in the briefing room and an older man came in.

  ‘My name is James. I’m responsible for overseeing recruitment to the CIA. But today I’ve been asked to process you three as I believe you’re part of a multi-agency team,’ he said.

  ‘Before we begin I’ve been asked if you wouldn’t mind reading through the statements you gave my colleagues at the White House following the shooting,’ he said. ‘They just want to make sure everything is accurate for their investigation. They plan on interviewing cleaning and security staff today,’ he said.

  ‘Yes sir, we can do that,’ said Riley, taking her statement from him. The three read through what they said.

  ‘I’m happy with that,’ said Alex.

  ‘Nothing you want to add?’ asked James.

  ‘No, I think I said everything at the time,’ replied Alex.

  The others felt the same so James collected the statements back in for processing.

  For the rest of the day Riley, Casey and Alex answered loads of questions about themselves and their lives. They confirmed details such as addresses and phone numbers. By the end of it the CIA knew everything, right down to their shoe sizes.

  ‘I will never complain about my mum questioning me about my day in school again after that!’ said Casey.

  ‘Yeah, you can’t just answer with “Meh” to this lot, can you?’ said Riley laughing.

  They’d visited various departments, including being told about the physical and psychological training they’d be undergoing. At the end of the day James called back in to see them.

  ‘Here are you Special Agent Badges and I.D.s. Keep them safe please and don’t show anyone unless required to on an assignment,’ he said.

  ‘Thank you,’ said Riley, looking at her Special Agent badge.

  Her head was in the clouds with excitement about what lay ahead for them. She couldn’t believe how her life had changed so much in just a few weeks. She really believed she had found the courage within her to be the person she was meant to be. Having friends like Casey and Alex had made a world of difference and now they were a Secret Service team!

  At the end of their time at the CIA, James said he’d see them again soon for their training. They were taken back across the Potomac River to Washington by helicopter. A car then took them from the White House to the hotel.

  ‘Hi Mom, how was your day?’ said Riley.

  ‘Long,’ she replied. ‘I think I’ll be staying at the hotel tonight with the twins.’

  ‘Oh, okay, Mom,’ said Riley.

  The other parents said they were tired too and suggested the three of them go to the Air and Space Museum together, as it was really their treat from the President.

  So after dinner, with their parents staying in the hotel, they set off in a limousine to the Air and Space Museum. The President had made arrangements for staff to stay on late and show them around. Walking through the museum doors into the vast open space was incredible in itself. They were greeted not only by staff, but by huge aircraft and rockets suspended from the ceiling. Alex made a bee line straight towards the Apollo 11 capsule he’d seen through the window a few days before.

  ‘Wow, look at this, guys. Imagine stepping from this onto the moon!’ he said.

  ‘Someone is in his element,’ said Casey, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

  ‘Leave him alone,’ said Riley. ‘He deserves to be a big kid – we all do!’

  ‘You are so right,’ said Casey skipping off to look at another exhibit.

  ‘Hey Riley,’ said Alex, ‘have you spoken to her yet about your relationship?’

  ‘No, not yet,’ she replied.

  ‘Maybe now would be a good time,’ said Alex.

  ‘Okay,’ said Riley, wondering how she was going to tell Casey without hurting her feelings.

  Alex decided to give the girls some space and went off to explore the museum.

  ‘Casey, can I talk to you?’ asked Riley.

  ‘Yeah, of course,’ said Casey.r />
  ‘I just wanted to talk about us,’ said Riley.

  ‘What about us?’ asked Casey.

  ‘Well,’ said Riley, hesitantly, ‘you know my friendship with you is the most important thing to me.’

  ‘I sense a “but” coming,’ said Casey.

  ‘But I need to work out who I am before I can do the relationship thing and I’m just not sure yet.’

  ‘There it is,’ said Casey, ‘and yeah my friendship with you is super important to me to so that’s okay for us to just be friends. Take all the time you need to discover you. I’m still gonna be your friend and I hope you’ll still be mine.’

  ‘Always,’ said Riley giving Casey a hug.

  ‘Come on,’ said Casey, ‘let’s go find Alex.’

  Alex was on the upper level taking a closer look at the Wright brothers’ flyer.

  ‘Is that the first ever plane?’ said Casey.

  ‘It’s the first one that influenced the modern design of aircraft used today,’ said Alex.

  ‘Wow,’ said Riley. ‘It looks so fragile.’

  ‘Compared to what we fly in today, I guess it was,’ said Alex. ‘You two all good?’ he asked.

  ‘Yeah we are,’ said Riley.

  ‘Great,’ said Alex.

  ‘Do you think we will be going home soon?’ asked Casey.

  ‘I guess so,’ said Riley.

  Later that evening they arrived back at the hotel to find everyone else sat having a drink in a downstairs lounge.

  ‘Hi, you three,’ said Riley’s mum. ‘How was the museum?’

  ‘Awesome,’ said Riley.

  ‘Do you know when we are going home?’ asked Casey.

  Her mum answered saying, ‘Yes, we are all flying home tomorrow. Also, a White House official called in to say the President has asked if the three of you would be willing to be White House Youth Ambassadors. He said it would mean coming to Washington and perhaps other places in the US to talk to young people about serving the country and standing up for what is right.’

  ‘Sounds good,’ said Alex.

  ‘Well if you’re all happy to do that he’s asked me to phone tonight and confirm that before we leave,’ said Mrs Johnson.

  ‘Yeah, we’re in. Give them a call, Mom,’ said Casey.

  Riley was feeling really tired.

  ‘I’m gonna head up to our room. I need some sleep,’ she said.

  ‘I’ll come with you,’ said her mum.

  ‘Night everyone,’ they said as they left.

  Riley slept really well that night, her Presidential Medal of Freedom on her bedside table.

  In the morning a limousine took her and the others to Reagan National Airport ready to fly home. On the plane Riley, Casey and Alex had seats together.

  ‘When do you think they’ll have us back in Washington?’ asked Riley.

  ‘I’d imagine it’ll be soon,’ said Alex.

  ‘You’re the closest thing they have to a real superhero so they’re gonna want to make the most of that,’ said Casey.

  Riley blushed. ‘Yeah right! she said. ‘You two are just as much superheroes as me!’

  Later that day Riley was back home. She wandered into the kitchen in her pyjamas.

  ‘What have you got those on for?’ said her mum. ‘It’s only 4.00 p.m.!’

  ‘Just felt like being relaxed and homely,’ she said, ‘after being away and all we’ve been through.’

  ‘Fair enough,’ said her mum giving her a hug.

  ‘Well it’s back to normal tomorrow,’ said her mum. ‘You’ve missed enough school just recently.’

  ‘I know,’ replied Riley. ‘I’m just not looking forward to the kids’ reactions when they find out I reported those mean girls.’

  ‘Don’t worry,’ said her mum. ‘I have a feeling everything will be okay.’

  That evening Riley, Casey and Alex turned on their computers and talked together.

  ‘You ready for school?’ asked Alex.

  ‘As ready as I can be,’ said Riley.

  ‘I’ll meet you outside,’ said Casey.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Riley. ‘It’s weird how I’m nervous about kids in school but put me in front of an assassin and I’ll take a bullet,’ she added.

  ‘Yeah but the things other teenagers say to us can hurt more than bullets,’ said Casey.

  ‘That’s true,’ said Riley.

  ‘Don’t forget, we’re a team,’ said Alex, ‘and not just for the Secret Service. Anything you guys need, just ask.’

  ‘Thanks, Alex,’ said Riley, ‘and the same goes for you too.’

  ‘Well,’ said Casey, ‘I’m gonna turn in for the night. I’ll see you in the morning, Riley.’

  They all said goodnight and went offline. Riley walked across her rug, her bare feet sinking into its fluff. Climbing into bed she pulled the covers right up around her and closed her eyes.

  Chapter 35

  No More Ordinary Days

  Riley hadn’t closed the curtains properly the night before so the morning sun found her face through the gap. The bright light woke her before the alarm had a chance to. She raised a hand to her face to block the sunlight from her eyes. Sighing she pulled back the covers and swung her legs out of bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed she looked at her Medal, now sat on her bedside table. ‘You do have the courage inside to go into that school,’ she said to herself.

  ‘Come on Casey, time to get up. You’ll be late meeting Riley,’ said her mum.

  Casey had gone to sleep without getting undressed. This seemed like a good idea at the time but now meant changing twice, and showering in between as she had been in those clothes for twenty-four hours straight. Summoning up the will to move she made her way to the bathroom to get sorted.

  ‘Are you okay to do this paper round today?’ said Alex’s father.

  ‘Yeah, I’d better. The shop can’t keep covering for me,’ replied Alex.

  ‘Well I’ll give you a hand if you like,’ said Mr Manning.

  ‘Thanks, that’d be great,’ replied Alex. They set off together in Mr Manning’s Mercedes. When they’d finished the round Alex’s dad took him out for some breakfast before dropping him off at college.

  ‘Morning, Alex,’ said Will. ‘I see from the news, you’ve had a busy weekend, mate!’ Will added, with a smile on his face.

  Riley and the twins were just finishing breakfast when their mum said,

  ‘Oh Riley, school called. They want you and Casey to bring in your medals. I think they’re gonna make a big deal of it.’

  ‘Do we have to?’ replied Riley.

  ‘Yes, sweetheart, and it’s okay for them to make a big deal of it, the two of you are national heroes now.’

  Riley looked less than impressed but agreed to take the medal with her.

  Arriving at school half an hour later Riley was not only met by Casey, but half the school seemed to want to see her.

  ‘What’s going on?’ she asked Casey, when she eventually found her in the crowd.

  ‘I don’t know, but I’m guessing it’s because we were on television getting medals,’ said Casey.

  ‘This lot are so fickle; they ignore you for years then want to be friends the moment you become famous!’ Casey added.

  ‘Let’s try and get inside and find Mr Willis,’ said Riley.

  ‘Good idea,’ said Casey.

  ‘Where’s the Secret Service when you need them?’ said Riley, laughing as she pushed through the crowd.

  Will and Alex went for their usual coffee before lectures began. Alex shared what he could with Will about their experience in Washington. He told Will about being in the Oval Office and being interviewed by the CIA but didn’t mention being a Special Agent for the Secret Service. He told Will about their private tour of the Air and Space Museum and about receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

  ‘Please tell me you have that with you!’ said Will.

  ‘Of course,’ said Alex, taking the medal from his bag and placing it in its presentation
box on the table.

  Will lifted the lid to see the gleaming medal.

  ‘Wow, that is something special,’ said Will. ‘Well done, bud, it must’ve taken real guts to do what you did.’

  ‘To be honest, Riley is the one with the guts as she’s the one who stopped the bullet,’ said Alex.

  ‘Even so, mate, I’m proud of you,’ said Will.

  Riley and Casey finally made it to Mr Willis’s form room. They pushed their way in and shut the door behind them with a bang. Mr Willis looked up from his desk.

  ‘Ah girls, come in,’ he said.

  Students could be seen looking in through the glass in the door and the window that ran the length on the classroom onto the corridor.

  ‘Thanks, sir,’ said Riley. ‘We just needed some room to breathe.’

  ‘How are you both after your Washington adventure?’ said Mr Willis.

  ‘We’re fine, sir. What’s with all the students?’ asked Casey.

  ‘They’ve seen what happened on the news and want to know the details would be my guess,’ said Mr Willis. ‘The Head wants you both up in front of the school this morning to congratulate you on your courage and heroism.’

  ‘Really!’ said Riley sounding exasperated.

  ‘Don’t worry, it won’t take long,’ said Mr Willis. ‘You know what the school is like if a student does something outstanding and this does fit the bill.’

  ‘I guess you’re right,’ replied Riley.

  Later that morning Riley and Casey had to stand at the front of the school. They were in the hall, which now had a temporary roof on. The Head gave a speech about how the school takes pride in values such as justice and courage. Casey tried not to laugh at him as he spoke. However, his words did make her think about Riley and her courage taking that bullet. Casey concluded though that Riley had shown much more courage showing up to school every day with the bullying she’d received.

  The Head did do one useful thing that morning. He told the students that, ‘Because it was a foiled assassination attempt on the President, Riley and Casey may not be able to tell you everything that happened so please give them some space.’ This they were grateful for.