The Rowen (A Rossler Foundation Mystery Book 7)

by JC Ryan

  Laurie Campbell appeared on the other side of Daniel and Sarah waving at the crowd.

  Daniel and Sarah had turned to stare at Nigel, totally ignoring Laurie. Their beef was with Nigel.

  Daniel spoke first, “Nigel Harper what have you done! You have been… what… how… whose idea…”

  “Daniel don’t even ask,” Sarah interjected. “There are the culprits—the conspirators.” She pointed to the rest of the Musketeers standing in a semi-circle behind Nigel, all smirking happily: Luke, Sam, Ben, Ryan, John and last but not least Sinclair O’Reilly all with their lovely spouses next to them, wearing equally big grins.

  Nigel smiled, ignored Daniel and Sarah, half turned to Laurie and said, “Ms. President, please allow me to introduce Daniel and Sarah Rossler to you.”

  “I’m very pleased, and honored, to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Rossler,” Laurie said shaking their hands.

  “Likewise, Madame President,” Daniel replied. “Please, call us Daniel and Sarah.”

  Laurie smiled, “Very well, Daniel and Sarah; provided you call me Laurie.

  “Why don’t we go back to my house to discuss this and get better acquainted? Sam, I’d like you and Susan to come as well.”

  They all agreed, and as they headed toward their waiting vehicles Laurie whispered to Nigel, “Will you and Esther please ride with me?”

  Nigel nodded his agreement, and he and Esther followed Laurie to her car.

  General Thomas Hayden, who was the Secretary of Defense when Brideaux ousted the government, growled at the people around him—no one was listening. “A female president in a time like this. Have they lost their minds?”

  Thomas Hayden was an angry man as he struggled to get out of the crowd on his way to his car. “We’ll just see about that.”

  ***

  When the motorcade started moving, Laurie turned to Nigel. “Your support and endorsement mean a lot to me, not to mention your loyalty.

  “I like your suggestion, Nigel. Those people of the Rossler Foundation are really something. Anyone that can pull the world out of an all-consuming fire as they did must be part of the leadership and future of our nation. Besides that, their popularity right now is just what we need to get the support of the majority of the American people.”

  Nigel smiled. “You won’t regret it, Laurie—Daniel and Sarah are good people—the salt of the earth as the Bible puts it.”

  Twenty minutes later, Laurie, Nigel and Esther, Daniel and Sarah, and Sam and Susan, were seated in the living room of Laurie’s private residence.

  If President Campbell had any lingering doubts about Nigel’s recommendation for Vice President, they quickly disappeared as Sam and Nigel narrated the events since John Brideaux took over the world and everything that led up to his fall from grace the night before. By the time they’d finished, she could just shake her head in admiration.

  “Daniel, Sarah, I don’t have words to thank you and the Rossler Foundation team for what you’ve done. I have to admit, I had some misgivings earlier today when Nigel approached me with his idea, but I have no doubts whatsoever now. Will you please accept the nomination as Vice President? The United States and the world need you and Sarah, and the rest of the Rossler Foundation to get us out of this mess left by Brideaux and his Supreme Council.”

  Daniel and Sarah were still shell-shocked, but it didn’t take much to persuade Daniel to accept the nomination as Vice President. Not because he had any political aspirations—but because he and Sarah knew and understood what role the Rossler Foundation and its people could play in rebuilding the United States, and the world.

  With that settled, Laurie and Nigel discussed strategy for the meeting in the Oval Office later in the day. Nigel, Daniel, and Sam Lewis were invited to attend as advisors to the President.

  Daniel’s nomination would be announced only after Laurie’s inauguration as President.

  Chapter 12- A power struggle

  It was shortly after midday when the group of people, invited by Laurie Campbell, walked through the doors of the Oval Office. The Secretary of Defense, retired General Thomas Hayden, immediately went to sit in the chair behind the President’s desk. Before anyone could say a word, he looked at the Secretary of Homeland Security and said, “Bob, I need to know the status of our borders, and I need it yesterday.

  “Glenn,” he said, speaking to the Chief of Staff. “I want a meeting with Secretaries Thompson, Smith, Simmons, and Commandant Allen in one hour—and let Admiral Hensley of the Coast Guard know that they are now under the command of the Navy as I’m declaring a state of war.”

  He looked over at Nigel, Daniel, and Sam. “What the hell are you three doing here? You two are retired,” he said pointing at Nigel and Sam, “and I don’t know you from Adam,” he said speaking directly to Daniel. “This doesn’t concern any of you, so you can clear out.”

  Nigel stepped forward drawing Daniel with him. “Allow me to introduce you to the man whose team has just saved all our asses, including yours, Tom. This is Daniel Rossler, CEO of the Rossler Foundation whose tireless and unrelenting efforts brought down John Brideaux, his ‘Beast,’ and his Supreme Council yesterday.

  “The entire world owes the Rossler Foundation, with its handful of brave people, their lives, Tom. That chip in your body and the bodies of billions across the planet was rendered inoperable by the sheer brilliance and dedication of these people. That’s why Daniel Rossler is here. He is ready to help and to contribute to the solution of the current issues.”

  “Oh, well, thank you, Mr. Rossler. Your assistance is highly appreciated. The military will take over now; we’re in a war and civilians need to get out of the way. We will arrange a big thank you for you and your foundation at a later date. You are excused.”

  A sharp silence descended in the room as everyone froze.

  Senator Campbell signaled to her aide near the door, and he disappeared into the hallway. She stepped up next to the desk staring silently at Hayden. No one breathed.

  “What are you all waiting for? Get moving!” Hayden shouted. “What are you looking at Campbell?” he demanded.

  “I believe you are in my chair,” she replied with calm authority. “Oh, and just as a matter of interest, who exactly are we at war with? I guess as President I am entitled to that information.”

  He laughed and looked at those gathered in the room. “Did you hear that?” He snorted. “She thinks she’s President—Commander in Chief.” He slapped his leg as he laughed. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard since this whole cluster-fuck started!”

  Laurie bit back her retort and replied, “I’m sorry to inform you, but although I hold no military rank, and neither do you, I am next in line as successor to the Presidency, and I will not step away from that duty.”

  “Go home and play with your Barbie Dolls, Laurie. This is a military situation and I out-qualify you every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”

  “What are you two jarheads doing in here? Get back to your guard posts,” he shouted at the two Marines who had just stepped into the Oval Office, accompanied by Senator Campbell’s aide.

  “No one cares if you think you’re the most qualified under the circumstances, Tom.” The Secretary of Education, Ed Newman, interjected. “The question is, who is the legal successor to the Presidency according to the Constitution—not your opinion.”

  Hayden was on his feet. “This is a national security situation, and I am the Secretary of Defense. The President automatically assumes the position as Commander in Chief of our military forces, which right now are thin, therefore I am the logical one to step into that role given our current circumstances and my military background.”

  Ed shook his head and smirked. He’d waited a long time to see this pompous ass put in his place, and he was going to enjoy every second of it. “Even the Secretary of State is ahead of you in the line of succession, Tom. Don’t you even know the Constitution you’re supposed to defend?”

  “We need someone to c
oordinate our defense efforts, and the best person for that job is me! We don’t have time to discuss this or to start taking applications!” Hayden shouted.

  “Yes, we do, Tom,” Laurie said, still very calm and collected, with a hint of a smile of amusement, “and as President and Commander in Chief, I’m going to be counting on you to do just that.”

  Hayden sneered, “I won’t serve under a woman.”

  “Secretary Hayden,” Attorney General Scott Jenkins, joined the argument, “I have remained quiet so far, hoping you would see reason. But let me give you the legal position. With all due respect, the Constitution is clear. Ms. Campbell is President pro tempore of the Senate, and as such, since the Speaker of the House of Representatives is dead, she is the next person in the line of succession to the office of the Presidency of the United States.”

  “Just how do you figure that? The Vice President is the successor, and with him dead, it should go to the next most qualified person, and in a time of war like we’re in, that would be the Secretary of Defense—in other words—me!” Spittle flew from his mouth as he spoke.

  The Attorney General was incredulous at the audacity and ignorance of this man. His dark eyes blazed in fury—a blush of anger colored his cheeks. “I’m sorry Mr. Secretary, but that is not the case. First of all, no single person, not even the President, can unilaterally declare a state of war—only Congress can do that.

  “Second, irrespective of what you think, we are not at war.

  “Third, the line of succession is very clearly defined in the Constitution—do yourself a favor, sit down, shut up and read it before you make a bigger ass of yourself—the Presidential Succession Act, Title 3 U.S. Code, Section 19.”

  He tossed a book at Hayden. “The Office transfers to the Vice President first, then the Speaker of the House of Representatives, followed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, then continues through the appointed cabinet members in order of creation of the office they serve. Starting with the Secretary of State, then the Secretary of the Treasury, and only then the Secretary of Defense. In other words, even if she relinquishes the position, it won’t go to you. As Attorney General, I fall in line with you, along with the rest of the cabinet members.”

  “Well, I don’t give a rat’s ass. A military leader is needed, and I’m that leader—period. So, clear out of here—all of you,” he said as he flopped back into the chair.

  “Are you saying you are above the laws of this country, General?” Laurie asked with a raised eyebrow.

  Hayden looked at the two Marines. “I thought I told you to get back to your posts—get out of here now and take her with you,” he shouted pointing at Laurie.

  The tall, redheaded, 23-year-old Marine Lieutenant, Rick Jackson, felt his heart drop to his feet. This is going to ruin my career. He stiffened to attention, “I’m sorry, Sir, I can’t do that.”

  Hayden was on his feet again. “What!” he screamed. “How dare you! You’re finished! Who let you in here anyway?”

  Jackson felt an internal flinch but remained steadfast outwardly. “Sir! I was ordered to report to this office by the President of the United States.”

  “You’re crazy. I didn’t order you anywhere, except to get back to your post!”

  “Sir, I was ordered here by President Campbell. She is the President Sir, not you.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about you little twit.”

  “Sir, as part of my training to serve as a White House guard I was required to fully understand the order of succession, including the Designated Survivor and obey any order given by the President, aka the Commander in Chief. Due to the deaths of the Vice President and Speaker John Knott, Senator Laurie Campbell became President the instant President Cooper was no longer serving in that capacity.”

  Thomas Hayden was dumbfounded. He looked around the room but found no support in the eyes of those gathered around him. He harrumphed. “I’ll not serve under a woman.” His voice had become a mutter.

  “What was that?” Laurie asked.

  “I said,” he stated firmly and loudly, “I’ll not serve under a woman!”

  “As you wish,” Laurie said. “You’re relieved of your position—effective immediately.”

  “You can’t do that.” Hayden protested.

  “I just did.” She smiled at Hayden. “You are dismissed.” Laurie looked at the two Marines, “Please escort former Secretary Hayden out and off the premises.”

  The two Marines stepped forward and waved to the flabbergasted Hayden to join them.

  Retired General Thomas Hayden, now former Secretary of Defense, turned on his heel and walked toward the door, flanked by the two Marines. “You haven’t heard the last from me bitch!” he shouted as he was escorted from the room.

  President Campbell turned, stepped behind the ornate desk, and settled into the chair. As she sat down, she suppressed a smile when she saw Ed Newman holding the door open.

  It won’t surprise me if he kicks him in the ass on his way out.

  Daniel suppressed a smile, when the thought, I wonder how JR would have dealt with this situation, crossed his mind. Patience was not one of JR’s strong suits. In a situation like this, with JR having to handle the issue, General Hayden would not have walked out of the Oval Office—he would have been carried out on a stretcher. He was still astounded that JR didn’t do John Brideaux any harm in Brussels the night before.

  During the course of the argument, Daniel had more than one moment when he seriously questioned the wisdom of Sarah and his acceptance of the nomination. This was a strange world filled with too many narcissistic people, a world in which he had no experience. But he thought about the Rossler Foundation and its people and his late grandfather, Nicholas Rossler. He could almost hear his grandfather’s voice; the Rosslers don’t run away from responsibility, and we never give up until we have done our duty.

  “Please everyone, have a seat.” The President waved her hand.

  “Scott,” she said, addressing the Attorney General, “Now that we have that little misunderstanding out of the way I want to thank you for your assistance—and I thank all of you for your support.”

  “You’re welcome, Madame President.”

  “Scott, to avoid any further legal misconceptions, I want you and the Chief of Staff to issue a press release about my assuming the Presidential duties. Then arrange for my inauguration to take place without delay. And just to be clear about the reason for my haste—the people of America need to see that this country has a leader immediately. Make sure that all of this gets the widest possible publicity.

  “Yes, Madame President,” Scott replied.

  Laurie wrinkled her nose. “Scott and this goes for the rest of you as well, I’m not going to respond to ‘Madame President’; my name is Laurie, please address me by my name or as Ms. President. Understood?” she asked looking around.

  Scott looked abashed but answered, “yes ma’am” while the others nodded in silent agreement.

  Laurie looked at him in wry amusement and just shook her head.

  Scott cleared his throat, “yes Ms. President.”

  “Good! Now that we have that resolved let’s move on!” Laurie said with a grin.

  We need to look at getting Congress and the Senate up and running as quickly as possible and also to fill the other empty cabinet positions as soon as we can. Secretaries of State, Interior, Defense, Labor, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs all need to be appointed.

  She looked at the Chief of Staff, Glenn Baier, “Glenn, I want you to get in touch with those Undersecretaries and tell them I want to see them in four hours so that we can start work on their departments.”

  Baier nodded. “Yes, Ms. President.”

  “Ms. President I know it’s early days but what are your thoughts on a Vice President?” Scott asked.

  “I’ve already made a decision,” she replied without looking in the direction where Nigel, Sam, and Daniel were seated. “But I have to warn ever
yone, I am going to break with tradition; I’m going to nominate a person who has the skills and the will to do what’s necessary—a bipartisan appointment and not to appease party hierarchy.

  “I’m not in a popularity contest—I’m here to do a job that I’m expected and privileged to do. And I intend to do it to the best of my abilities, with the assistance of the best and most qualified people available; I don’t care about political affiliations, religion, race, color, or creed. The one who is best qualified to do the job gets it—and that goes for all appointments, not just the Vice Presidency.

  “As you already know, I don’t care about a next term; I’m not running; all I care about is getting our country back on its feet. All that counts are doing the best for this country during the next few years until my term runs out. If my decisions are unpopular with the party hardliners—so be it,” She paused for a breath and concluded. “Tough titties for them if they don’t like what I’m going to do.”

  Everyone in the room stood and applauded her. One by one, they got up and pledged their support and loyalty to her and the country.

  “Thank you all, it is humbling but also energizing to hear you support me like that.”

  Chapter 13- Your solemn promise

  Nigel, Daniel, and Sam remained quiet, and at times very concerned observers throughout the whole saga with General Hayden. When the meeting ended, they readied to leave as well, but Laurie stopped them. “I would like you gentlemen to stay for a while longer; there are a few more things to discuss.”

  The three of them moved over and took up seats across from her.

  Laurie smiled. “Daniel, I was wondering if you had second thoughts after witnessing what I believe would have been your first real political brawl?”

  “Madame President…” was as far as he got before she stopped him.

  “Daniel, whether you take the job or not, please get used to the idea of calling me by my first name.”

  “Uh, thank you Ma… ah… Laurie.” Daniel stuttered a bit but regained his composure. “Yes, I have to admit there were a few moments when my feet went cold. I got the impression we are in for a rough ride the next few months, if not longer. It made me long for the peace and quiet of the Rabbit Hole.”