Claire Gulliver #02 - Washington Weirdos

by Gayle Wigglesworth

“Oh, my gosh. I couldn’t believe it. I was scared to death. And I understand you have these storms frequently during the summer. How do you cope?” She nodded at David’s raised eyebrows and he went to pour her a glass of wine.

  “You learn, my dear. And you make sure you don’t get caught out in the open, because lightning can be deadly.”

  Claire believed it. “We took shelter in the Lincoln Memorial along with a few hundred other people. We were drenched. But we did get to the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials before the storm broke.”

  “Oh good! Aren’t they awesome? Every time I go I’m so moved by the experience.”

  A quiet fell in the room, then David remembered. “Oh, Claire, Suzanne sent another itinerary for you. I left it on the hall table. I think she must have always wanted to be a tour director. She just loves making arrangements for you to see the city.”

  Claire laughed as she got up, shaking her head at Tuffy, who also sat up in case she was heading outside, and went to get the envelope with the itinerary.

  “So, what’s on for tomorrow?” Tuffy had resumed his favorite place at MiMi’s feet, his chin on her foot.

  “Another full day: morning at the Museum of American History, lunch with Doug, afternoon visit to the Capital, and finally, home with David and Charlie.

  “This is very nice of you to take such good care of me. I know, I know.” She waved her hand. “It’s no trouble. But I’m sure it is. And then tonight Charlie had to come back into the city to get me because Jack had a change of plans. I just want to say I really appreciate all that you’re doing. But really, I don’t have to do all these things. I could just hang out here with MiMi, and the girls, and I’d be happy.”

  “Claire, we want to do this. Charlie gets paid to do these things. It’s his job and he’s good at it. And you heard David say how much fun Suzanne is having arranging your schedule. So don’t worry about being a burden. We like you. We’re grateful to you. We are happy doing things that you appreciate. Let us, okay?”

  Claire stared at her a moment and then nodded. MiMi meant every word. The least she could do is be a gracious recipient of their favors.

  * * *

  Headsville Post Office

  American History Museum, Washington, D.C.

  To: Mrs. Millicent Gulliver

  124 13th Avenue

  San Francisco, CA 94119

  Dear Mom,

  Guess where I am? They moved this whole post office into the museum, so I can send this postcard from here. Having a great time. Got caught in a terrible thunder and lightning storm yesterday, but otherwise weather is great. I’m staying with the Lickmans and will tell you all when I get home.

  Love,

  Claire

  * * *

  “Doug, you’re so nice to take me to lunch. Did Suzanne twist your arm?” Claire was happy to see him again. And seeing his conservative business attire, she was especially glad she had run her dress through the washer and dryer before she went to bed last night so she could wear it again today. It was made out of some wonder material that promised to take rough treatment from travel, and so far it had proven to be worth the extra money it cost. She wasn’t sure about her shoes. They were a little stiff from the soaking yesterday. But after wearing them for a while they seemed to be loosening up. She realized she had not packed the right clothes. She thought she’d be spending most of her time in tourist places on her own and could wear slacks or casual skirts and walking shoes. But yesterday’s dinner with Jack and, now again today, lunch with Doug, meant a dress was more appropriate.

  “Not at all. I’m delighted Suzanne could find time for me on your busy schedule. She’s tough, you know. She wouldn’t put me on the schedule without me ponying up.”Claire had fallen into step with him as they moved out the door of the Museum into the Mall.

  “So I offered up a visit to the White House. If you’re game, of course.”

  She jerked to attention. “The White House? We’re going to the White House?”

  He nodded. “If you’d like.”

  “Like? Of course I’d like to see it, but...I mean, do we have time? Suzanne has me booked solid and I thought the White House Tour takes hours of waiting in line.”

  He grinned, obviously enjoying her reaction. “It does, unless you know the right people.”

  “You? You’re the right people?”

  He nodded smugly.

  “You have connections in the White House?”

  He nodded. “It sometimes comes in handy.”

  Claire felt her mouth gaping.

  “Have you met with the President? Do you know the Cabinet?” she asked eagerly.

  He nodded. “On occasion I have met with them. But, to be honest, I’m a very minor player, so don’t think I’m more important than I am. It’s just that with my position as Special Assistant to the Secretary of State, I find myself doing many different things and some come to the attention of the movers and shakers.”

  Claire thought about this as they moved across the large grass circle, called the Ellipse, toward the White House. “But I thought you were attached to the Embassy in London. Actually, I thought you lived there.”

  He shook his head. “I live here.”

  She looked at him with speculation in her eyes. “So why did you get involved in my situation? Surely they didn’t send you over there just for that?”

  He shook his head. “I was there on another matter when MiMi Lickman called my boss. She wanted some special attention for the person who had saved their airliner. And when MiMi wants special attention, she gets it. She’s an old time power around here, and no one wants to be the one to let her down. So, I was sent to your rescue. Although it really wasn’t a rescue. You seemed to be doing fine.”

  She looked at him dubiously. “I didn’t feel fine. I really did appreciate your support. I thought you were speaking for the entire U.S. Government and I guess I wasn’t far off, was I?”

  They left the path on the Ellipse and started down Executive Avenue whose half circle enclosed the front of the White House. Claire could now see the endless stream of people lined up along the front of the fence waiting for their chance to tour the White House. She felt a spasm of guilt at bypassing the line, but Doug didn’t even falter. He led her to a gate at the side and they went through a thorough security check. After the guards used their wands and the dogs, which were trained to detect explosives, finished their inspection, their names were found on the list so they were admitted.

  She felt like a bumpkin, head swiveling, trying to see everything. She needed to remember everything, so she could tell her mother and Mrs. B all about this visit.

  Doug’s friend in the Secret Services, Pete Marley, met them inside. He explained that one of the duties of the Secret Service was to conduct the tours of the White House and how all the agents rotated through the assignment.

  “It’s good for us. Keeps us in touch with the people, so to speak. And once in a while someone wants a special favor like my friend, Doug, here. How could I refuse when he said he was trying to make an impression on a special lady?” He winked at Claire. “I hope you’re duly impressed.”

  Claire felt a little embarrassed, sure Pete misunderstood. But not wanting to make an issue of it, she just nodded and followed Pete as he deftly escorted them through the public rooms open that day. He was a font of information, and he managed to have them entering and leaving rooms in between the large tours of sightseers filling the downstairs area.

  “When a function is scheduled the State Dining Room isn’t open for the tours. Did you see that special on PBS a few years back about the chef and the State dinners he prepares? A State dinner is really a big production. Luckily nothing is planned tonight, so you can see the room; it’s the next best thing to be invited to a dinner.”

  Claire couldn’t help feeling awed by what she was seeing. “I keep expecting to see the cast members of West Wing walking through. I’m a big fan. I thought they should have run for office last election. I be
t they would have won hands down.” She grinned at Doug and Pete’s horrified looks. “Oh come on, don’t you think the President could use a team of ace scriptwriters. It would certainly improve his ratings.”

  They had to laugh at that.

  A trio of businessmen passed them, one nodded to Doug.

  “So who are all these other people?” Claire whispered.

  “Well, remember the White House is a big office building. Lots of business is conducted here each day. If you have business here you’re likely to be on this floor either coming or going.”

  “It’s so much bigger than it looks from the outside.” Claire couldn’t believe how grand it was. She felt a swelling of pride. This belonged to her. She was part owner, and it really was an appropriate symbol of the power of the United States.

  “Well, these are the only rooms available today,” Pete explained. “If you want to see the family quarters, you’ll have to wangle an invitation from the family. And, of course, the West Wing is off limits when the President is in residence, unless you are meeting with him. I can’t arrange that.” He looked questioning at Doug. “And I don’t think Doug has the clout?”

  Doug shook his head. “Sorry, as I said, I’m only a very minor player.”

  “Well, this was wonderful, truly. I didn’t expect to see it and I guess I didn’t realize how much I wanted to, until Doug mentioned the possibility. Thank you both so much.”

  Pete shook hands with each of them. Then he watched them exit through the same door they entered.

  Doug’s hand on Claire’s back guided her towards the gate and then around the side of the White House to Pennsylvania Avenue. “There’s an old saloon down this way a couple of blocks that has wonderful hamburgers. I thought we’d go there for lunch.”

  Claire glanced at her watch, still getting a thrill when she glimpsed it. It was already one o’clock. “I’m starved. Do you think I’ll be able to make my appointment at 2:30 at the Longworth House Office Building?”

  “No problem. It’s only a short cab ride away just across from the Capital. Actually, it would be a good walk after lunch, but not in this heat.”

  “Thank goodness I won’t have to walk; I’m feeling a little wilted already.”

  He laughed. “Well, Washington summers require some getting used to.”

  He ushered her into the saloon. It wasn’t at all the dingy, dark old western saloon Claire had expected. The dark Victorian interior was filled with etched glass panels, mahogany wood and red velvet upholstery in big booths. It was elegant and cool. Claire was happy at Doug’s choice of restaurants even before seeing the menu selections.

  “I’m going with the burger. And a coke,” she told the waiter.

  “Me too! But make mine with cheddar and bacon.”

  They spent the few minutes waiting for their food talking about inconsequential things. Claire told him about the Presidents’ Ladies exhibit at the American History Museum, and the thrill of seeing Fonzie’s leather jacket.

  Doug talked a bit about his life in the Washington arena. “It sounds a lot more glamorous than it is. And of course the fact that I’m an available male for rounding out tables at dinner parties helps. But frankly it’s getting a little old. Or I am. I turned forty a few years back and suddenly things seem different.”

  “Oh, I know about that. Look at me. I didn’t even wait to hit forty before I quit my job and sank every penny I could get my hands on into my bookstore. I shudder now when I think what a risk I took. There was so much I didn’t know. My mother tried to warn me but it seemed that after all those years of her cautions, I just wanted to get out there and fly a bit.”

  “Didn’t you ever want to do the traditional things? You know, get married, stay home and have kids.”

  “That’s traditional? How many families do you know where the wife stays home with the kids. I bet there are as many househusbands as housewives these days.”

  She thought a bit. “I guess I did. When I grew up that’s what women did and I just assumed I would too. But then as the years went by I was always going to do it later and now suddenly it’s too late – not for marriage, but certainly for kids.”

  The waiter brought their lunch and the next few minutes they concentrated on staving off starvation.

  Claire had slowed down. The burger, big and juicy, was practically gone. She made good use of the large linen napkin and then continued their discussion while she picked at what was left of the sandwich. “You know, the real reason I never got married is I never met that right guy. They say there is a man for every woman, but I’ve noticed that some women have more than their share while some women have none. And I’m one of the latter.”

  Doug crunched into his pickle, chewed and then asked, “What about Jack? Do you have something going with him?”

  “Jack?” She shook her head. “I hardly know him. I like him. Maybe I liked him better when I thought he was a tour guide. Knowing what he really does is a little daunting. It’s pretty hard to get to know someone like him. Who’s to know what things about him are true? He has to be secretive. After all, his life may depend on his cover.

  “How well do you know him?” She asked Doug.

  “I only met him that time in London. But I’ve checked a bit. He has a good reputation. He’s apparently very good at what he does. And I noticed that about him right away. I understand he used to be an inside man, but then one day they needed to fill a hole and he was it. He’s been outside since. It must be a hard life.”

  “I guess. Why did you ask about him?”

  “I just wondered if you two were an item. I mean, I’ve seen how attentive he is both in London and here, and I didn’t want to horn in.”

  She realized her surprise must’ve shown on her face as she stared at Doug.

  “As I get out to the San Francisco Bay Area a couple times a year,” he continued, “I thought maybe we could get together for dinner or something.”

  She was momentarily speechless. Then, recovering her wits, she asked boldly, “Doug, are you hitting on me?”

  He smiled. “I guess. I just thought I would enjoy spending some time with you.”

  “Really?”

  She wondered why Doug would have an interest in her and almost as if reading her thoughts he said, “You know, you’re a very interesting person. You’re independent, intelligent, and adventurous. And,” he studied her, “being as attractive as you are doesn’t hurt.”

  “Whoa.” She sat back, stunned.

  “Come on, why are you so surprised? You must get lots of passes.”

  She shook her head. “No, none that I’ve noticed.”

  “No one ever asks you for dates?”

  “Sometimes, but I’m too busy for that.” She thought a minute. “But...if you called, I could probably find some time.”

  He laughed. “Fair enough.”

  The waiter came to clear their plates and ask if they wanted dessert. Doug asked for a cup of coffee, but Claire only wanted a refill of her Coke. “That was a great burger. Thanks.”

  While Doug settled the check Claire visited the restroom. When she refreshed her lip-gloss she couldn’t resist examining her face in the glass. Doug thought her attractive. Well, Jack had made it plain he was interested in her. Could it be that in middle age she was becoming a siren? As a young woman she had always looked more mature than her friends. Therefore, she was never carded when they went to clubs. And she was a serious type of person, not the kind that young men flocked to. Could it be that she was finally coming into her own? Well, she would just wait and see.

  “There’s a cab.”

  “No, not that one. He has his windows down so he’s not using air-conditioning. Even riding only a few blocks is a killer without air-conditioning. There’s one.” Doug put up his hand and the cab cut across the traffic to stop in front of them. He handed Claire in the cab and climbed in behind her. “The Longworth House Office Building, please.”

  “Doug, you don’t have to go with me.
Please, I know you’re busy. I can go by myself,” Claire protested.

  “No you don’t. I’m delivering you in person. Nothing is happening to you on my watch. D.C. can be a dangerous place, and you seem to attract more than your share. I’m not taking any chances.”

  He sat back and then said seriously, “I don’t know if you know this but we’ve lost a few young women recently. It’s pretty scary. The most recent was going home when she just disappeared. Turns out she was involved with one of the Representatives of your state and there is quite a scandal going on. But the important thing is that she has never been found.”

  “Yes, I’ve read about it. My mother called to warn me when she learned I was coming, as if San Francisco hasn’t had more than its share of horror crimes.”

  He nodded. “The night you arrived someone tried to knife you.” He shook his head. “Not on my watch. I’m delivering you personally to Jack Doobies’ office.”

  “Who is Jack Doobies?”

  Doug grinned. “The Lickmans’ Representative to the House. MiMi applied a little pressure. Or maybe Suzanne just implied that MiMi requested the favor. Anyway, someone in his office will give you a personal tour of the Capital.” He shook his head at Claire’s alarmed look. “Don’t worry. It’s in their job description. Most tourists contact their representatives to schedule tours before coming to Washington. They expect it.”

  Doug went into the building with her, up the elevator and then pointed out the correct office.

  “Thanks again for lunch, and for the tour of the White House. It was super.”

  “My pleasure. I guess I’ll see you Saturday night at the Lickmans’?”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” And she went into Doobies’ office.

  The intern’s name was Marybeth Benigan and she was from Annapolis. She had majored in Political Sciences and Communications, and she was interning before graduate school. She was so young and so enthusiastic.

  Claire spent over two hours with her and came away exhausted, informed, and in awe of her energy. They took the underground walkway from the Longworth House basement to the basement of the Capital. It was filled with people moving back and forth. Claire was amused that as important as many of these people were, no one seemed to care the tunnel was filled with pipes and fixtures you would find in any basement. It was just a practical way to quickly move from one building to another without weather concerns. Marybeth, despite her short six months on Doobies’ staff, seemed to know a good number of the people they encountered, from security guards posted at strategic points to other interns moving between the buildings to business people who Claire suspected might be Representatives themselves.