by Marvin Tyson
“Keep me informed of any developments as soon as you know anything,” President Barker ordered. “And I do mean anything.”
“I certainly will,” she confirmed. “Anything else, sir?”
“No,” he said, “that’s all for now. Just keep a very close eye on this thing.”
She nodded, then turned and headed toward her office.
He gazed after her thoughtfully. “What the hell is going on here?” he wondered. He knew Kimberly would figure it out eventually. Then he remembered his own comments about the bottom dropping out of the market and all the consequences that would follow, which would only deepen the financial crisis overseas.
“Hmm,” he murmured, “the plot thickens. This has got to be tied to Jackson’s meddling some way, but how, and why?”
Chapter 11
They were ten miles from the Beltway when Pat saw a place they could stop before going their separate ways. “Let’s stop and get some dinner,” she said. “Anybody else hungry?”
“Well,” Sammy said, “I’m more than up for it. My butt hurts from sitting so long, and I can’t remember when I ate last.”
“Oh, quit whining. I let you get out for snacks last time we put gas in this guzzler. What was that―maybe two hours ago? Are you just a bottomless pit?”
“That would be two bottomless pits,” De chimed in.
Pat pulled into the parking lot of a small café. She parked toward the back, with the vehicle facing the entrance ramp onto the highway. They surveyed the place to see if there were any red flags. Seeing nothing alarming, they went in. The host hurried over to them and, picking up three menus and three sets of silverware, he led them to the right, seating them at a small round table facing the door.
De went straight on through to a hallway marked “Restrooms,” but he didn’t stop. Pat knew he went out the back door of the building so he could see back the way they’d come in. Before long, he rejoined them.
“Anything?” Pat asked.
“Nothing obvious,” he stated, glancing around. “So far, so good.” He turned back to Pat. “Did you see or hear anything that made you suspicious in any way?”
At that point, the waitress came to their table. “Get you something to drink?”
Sammy had been studying the menu. “Are we all ready to order?”
“Sure,” Pat said. “I’ll have sweet iced tea and the grilled chicken salad. Is that good?” she asked the girl.
“It’s the best salad we have, and I really like the honey mustard dressing it comes with. We make it from scratch.”
“Sounds great. What do you guys want?”
Sammy said, “I’ll have lemonade, and your super half-pound burger with all the trimmings, extra onion.”
“Same for me,” stated De, “except for the extra onions.”
The waitress collected the menus. “How do you want those burgers cooked?”
“Rare,” the guys said together.
“Coming right up,” she laughed and headed off to place their order.
The front door opened, causing the bell on it to jingle. Two Asian men entered, and another waitress led them over to a table near the front of the restaurant looking out over the highway. They ordered quickly, then started talking in low voices. They paid no attention to Pat’s crew or anyone else in the café.
Pat saw Sammy and De checking out the new arrivals before focusing on emptying the drinks the waitress brought them. Pat sipped her own drink for a few minutes.
“That’s an interesting pair,” she commented, then stopped talking as their order was delivered. She waited, watching the two Asians discreetly until the waitress went back toward the kitchen before making any further comments.
“It’s time for us to get this thing started,” she said as De and Sammy began eating with gusto, practically devouring their food. “We split up here. You guys leave as soon as we’ve finished eating. You’re going to the Willard Hotel.”
“Wow,” Sammy muttered around a bite of burger, “what are we going to be doing there?”
“Don’t get too excited, guys. And let’s hold it down a bit.” Pat leaned in closer as she lowered her voice. “Don’t look now, but our Asian visitors seemed to perk up a bit. Let’s finish up and take this outside.”
They settled down to their eating, talking just lightly about nothing. As soon as they finished, the waitress came over to pick up their dishes.
“Dessert, anyone?” she asked.
“No, ma’am,” De said. “If I eat anything else, I’m gonna bust.”
“We don’t need anything else, miss,” Pat said, “just the bill.”
The waitress pulled a pad out of her apron pocket and tore off the bill, handing it to De. He took it. “Thanks, ma’am,” he said.
“You’re welcome, sir,” she told him.
He looked everything over, then pulled out his wallet and handed her cash. “Keep the change,” he said.
“Thank you, sir,” she chirped. “You all come back again soon.”
The trio got up, making their way past the table to the door. The Asians didn’t look up at them.
When they got to the car, De took over the driving, and Pat rode shotgun.
“Why do I always have to ride in the back?” Sammy complained.
She silenced him with a look that said “Quit whining.” Then she turned back to De. “Find us a car rental place where you can pick up a nice Mercedes or something along those lines,” Pat said. “While we’re riding, I’ll finish up what I started on in the restaurant. I didn’t have you pack those nice suits for fun. You’re going to hang out at the Willard on one mission, so you’ll need the fancy clothes. You can eavesdrop on all those legislators, ambassadors, and such to see if you can pick up anything on Jackson’s intentions.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Sammy said.
Pat smiled. “Those other less prestigious-looking outfits are for your second destination.”
“And what would that be?” asked Sammy.
“You guys are going to visit northeast Washington, where you’ll no doubt find another prime source for confidential and even “top-secret” information―Washington hookers. If a member of Congress or a staff member knows something, it won’t be long before some hooker hears about it.”
“What about you, ma’am?” De asked. “I don’t want you putting yourself in any danger whatsoever. Marty would kill us, and then Rick would kill us again.”
“Not to worry,” Pat said, “I’m going to take a cab to the Hyatt Regency. I’m going to set up in the Senate Cafeteria as a writer working on a novel with Washington as the background. I’ll just be doing research as far as anyone knows, but I’ll pick up a lot of gossip.”
“Okay, that sounds safe enough,” De said.
Pat didn’t want to let her ex-coworkers at the CIA and the FBI know she was back in D.C. She’d already cut her shoulder-length hair short and dyed it dark brown. That, combined with the tan she had from almost constant landscaping in her new yard in Austin and the physical changes of pregnancy, made her look completely different.
“We won’t communicate except in case of emergency, but here’s a list of pre-arranged dates and locations to meet. You’ve both got burner phones; use them if you have to make a call. Here’s a list of numbers for the phones I have, and a similar one for the phones you two have. Keep those somewhere safe. Now let’s go rent you a luxury vehicle.”
They found a rental place that advertised BMWs, Mercedes, and Cadillacs. De spotted a Lexus SUV that pulled on him. “That’s the one,” he announced.
Pat went inside and, again using her fake ID, rented the Lexus and came back to the Suburban. De drove the Suburban, and he found a quiet neighborhood with a commuter parking lot at the end of a street. Sammy and Pat followed in the Lexus.
De parked the SUV in the lot, then he quickly got into the Lexus. They drove to a nice-looking restaurant Pat had seen earlier. They got out of the car, and Pat settled the strap of her overnight bag ov
er one shoulder.
“Okay, guys, you’re on your own. I’ll call a cab.” She gave each of them a hug, then urged them to get going. “Be careful.”
She turned to go into the restaurant, where she asked the maître d´ to call a cab to take her to the Hyatt Regency-Washington Hotel on Capitol Hill.
Chapter 12
Former President Jackson was back in front of the CNN cameras a few nights later in an interview with James Paschal.
“Mr. President, you were recently interviewed by the BBC and made a statement addressing the concerns of some citizens about the protection of human rights in the new Republic of Texas. Did it seem to you that former governor and interim president of Texas, Marty Kert, might not be taking these concerns seriously enough?”
“Well, James, as you know, Mr. Kert and I had a strained relationship in the early part of his term as governor,” Jackson stated. “We got through that, though, and worked well together to see that the Texas referendum and possible separation went as painlessly as possible for both Texas and the U.S. Now it is up to all the people, both in Texas and the remaining states, to see that the rights of all citizens are maintained through this transition and beyond.”
“President Kert seemed adamant that only Texas citizens would determine the laws and content of the Texas constitution,” Pascal said.
“Well, James, no one rules in a vacuum. There will be dire consequences if the human rights gains made over the years are compromised going forward. We have made that clear to President Kert and his administration from the outset. He is well aware of where we stand.”
Paschal leaned across to shake Jackson’s hand. “Thank you, Mr. President,” he said. “We appreciate your time.”
“It was my pleasure, James.” The president stood as the producer signaled the cameras had stopped rolling. Taking off his microphone, he handed it to one of the TV crew and, escorted by his security detail, he left the building.
He walked out to his car, settled down in the back, and rolled up the window between him and his driver. Pulling a burner phone out of his pocket, he dialed a number.
“Hello,” answered Frank Mitchell.
“It’s Corbin. Just wanted you to know that everything went just like I wanted it to. I need you and Ralph to keep up the pressure on your end. Zhen Fang and Lin Yun will be happy to hear we’ve got everything under control, and that’ll get them off my back for a while.”
“Good,” the senator answered. “We’ve already heard back from Zhen and Lin. They’ve hacked into the GPS for the vehicle Wood and Chambers are driving, so they won’t need to follow them. As for the Thomas woman, they have her under surveillance now.”
“Excellent,” Jackson said softly. He ended the call. Things are starting to come together, he thought, and relaxed, leaning his head back against the luxurious upholstery in his BMW sedan.
Chapter 13
“What the hell is this fruitcake doing now? Does he think he’s still president?” President Barker yelled, turning to pace across the Oval Office again.
Attorney General Smart calmly took another sip of his coffee. He and Frank Mitchell had joined the president for another early morning meeting that also included Duncan McCarthy.
“I’m not sure, sir,” the AG said. “Maybe just trying to regain a bit of the limelight? To impress folks that he still pulls some weight in the world? Playing off his waning popularity? Who knows?”
Barker shook his head, frustrated. “Frank, you know him well. Get him on the horn and put a muzzle on him!”
“Yes, Mr. President,” the senator said. “I’ll see what I can do, but nobody seems to have a lot of influence with Corbin Jackson.”
“We’re doing everything in our power to remain rock solid and airtight with the people of Texas! We don’t need him whizzing in the milk jug every five minutes, for crying out loud!” Barker shouted. He hated raising his voice, but Jackson’s last interview had been his last straw.
“Yes, sir, I’ll do my best,” Senator Mitchell repeated.
Barker nodded, still not satisfied. “Look, I have a meeting at the UN about this looming financial crisis in Europe, and I need help from Texas to pull it off. Duncan, see if you can set up a meeting with President Kert,” Barker said. “Just check my schedule and fit him in where you can, as soon as possible. I hope he’s willing to talk to me; I want him to know I’m not condoning Jackson’s crap.” Crap wasn’t the word he’d originally intended to use, so he knew he had to calm down.
“Will do, sir,” Duncan made a note on his tablet.
The president swept out the door, and left the three men sitting in his office. He’d had enough, and a short walk might help him get his anger under control. His Secret Service detail fell into step behind him, but he noticed they kept their distance. That brought a smile to his face. Apparently, his irritability didn’t make him super popular among his staff.
He heard someone coming up behind him. Stopping, he turned and almost got run over by Duncan. “What is it, Duncan?” Barker asked.
“Just wanted to see if you needed anything, sir,” Duncan said. He was not in the best shape, and his breathing was ragged from the stress of running. “I know this sometimes seems overwhelming, with President Jackson ruffling everyone’s feathers. If there’s anything I can get you, or do for you, just let me know, sir.”
“Thanks, Duncan,” Barker said, “and thanks for your loyalty.” The president moved back toward his security team, and Duncan headed back to his office.
Chapter 14
Kay Darling knocked on Marty’s office door shortly after President Jackson’s latest foray into pot-stirring.
“Come in,” Marty called.
Kay marched into his office to announce what Jackson had spouted off about on BBC. “I think he’s trying to get Texans at loggerheads with the rest of the United States.”
“I’d like to think you were joking, but I know you wouldn’t make light of this situation.” Marty picked up the desk phone, and dialed Duncan McCarthy’s number.
“Duncan McCarthy here,” the chief of staff answered.
“Hi, Duncan, it’s Marty Kert. Any way I can talk to President Barker today?”
“Funny you called, sir. You’re on my list of people the president wants to speak with,” Duncan told him, a measure of relief in his voice. “However, he had to meet with one of the UN committees this afternoon about the financial crisis in Europe, and he probably won’t be back until tomorrow.”
“Schedule a call for as early tomorrow morning as possible, would you please?”
“Sure thing, sir. He’s usually here by seven o’clock at the latest. Would you be available at seven-thirty or eight o’clock?” Duncan asked.
“I just put the call on my schedule for seven-thirty, and I look forward to talking with him,” Marty said. “Thanks for your help, Duncan.”
“You’re welcome, sir,” Duncan replied. “Goodbye.”
Marty hung up the phone. “Well, that was easy,” he told Kay. “Seems like he wants to talk to me, too.”
“Do you want me to queue up the BBC interview so you can take a look at it?” she asked.
“That would be a great help, Kay, thanks.”
Within an hour of the interview, the phone lines in the Austin Capitol were burning up and Marty’s office foyer was full of irate Texans, most of whom were convinced that President Jackson was up to no good.
“Can we please have your attention, folks?” Bill asked. “Thank you all for coming. President Kert has a few words for you.”
Marty stood in front of Norma’s desk, leaning against it. “I know little more than you do about the former president’s statements. I have asked President Barker to call me as soon as possible, and I’m sure I’ll hear from him soon. He is working very hard on his end to see that we remain on the best possible terms with Washington, now and in the future. I’m sure he is as upset about this as we all are.”
He turned to Norma. “Can you please get a li
st of names, phone numbers and emails for these folks, Norma?” He looked back at the group in front of him. “If you’ll provide your information to Norma here, we will email or text each of you as soon as we have something to comment on. You’re all welcome to return at that time.”
There was a lot of nodding and murmuring going on as the group realized this would be a great opportunity to be in leadership on the issue.
“Bill,” Marty said to his chief of staff, “get the list of names and provide them to the front desk staff so they’ll know who to let in when the time comes.” He turned back to the group in front of him. “Thank you all for your interest in the happenings in the new Republic of Texas. This says a lot about Texans.” He headed back into his office to a smattering of applause.
Back in his desk chair, Marty had more to reflect on. The truth was, all world leaders had a lot on their plates. After the collapse of the Greek economy, it was clear there was no way to prevent the same thing from happening in Portugal and Spain, and perhaps more countries, in the next few months.
From reports that crossed his desk every day, Marty knew that food and medical supplies were running out quickly in Greece. People were hungry across the country and the ability of other European countries to help through resources of their own was being exhausted. When other nations in the Eurozone fell into the same financial plight, there could be people starving in the streets.
The danger of the world plunging into war loomed if something wasn’t done to get a handle on this crisis. The world was standing at the brink of a precipice unlike anything seen since WW II, and it would take the efforts of some adroit political leaders to keep it from plunging into the pit of chaos.
Marty sighed. Jackson couldn’t have picked a more dangerous time to pull his stunts if he tried. Either his timing was eerily precise or he understood exactly how dangerous his statements were.
