“Thank you, Trevor. It’s come to my attention that, while serving as vice president, Ms. Henderson was supporting the leader of the Russian opposition movement, which is in direct conflict with the foreign policy position of the United States. We’re not in the regime-change business and do not support the efforts of Mr. Ivanov and his movement to overthrow the Petrov government. While we stand in stark disagreement with many of Petrov’s policies and actions and firmly support Ukraine in its fight to protect its sovereignty from Russian invasion, we’re not now, nor will we be in the future, seeking to remove President Petrov from office.
“I’m outraged by Ms. Henderson’s apparent covert involvement in the affairs of a foreign government and disappointed by her disloyalty to me and the American people. By involving our government in these activities, she’s undercut the safety and security of our country, which is unacceptable.
“Like you, I wanted to know how her association with Ivanov could’ve gone unnoticed by our intelligence-gathering agencies. After an initial investigation, we’ve learned that Henderson and Ivanov communicated through encrypted channels. As it was explained to me, we can’t monitor things we’re unaware of or investigate connections that are deliberately hidden from detection until we are aware of them. A full investigation is now underway. Ivanov entered the United States under an alias and with a Slovenian passport that had been issued to his alias. He was recognized by a Secret Service agent who reported his true identity.
“I want to be clear to our allies and adversaries around the world—the United States of America respects your sovereignty, and while we may not agree on fundamental issues, we do not condone Ms. Henderson’s covert actions while serving as vice president. She has violated my trust and the trust of all Americans. If her behavior is determined to be criminal, she’ll be charged accordingly.
“Needless to say, this incident has been a crushing disappointment to me. At a time when many pressing issues at home and abroad require my full attention, this is the last thing I want to be dealing with. Ms. Henderson’s actions should be seen as hers and hers alone. I have zero tolerance or patience for shadow agendas within my government. You’re either with us or against us, and if you’re against us, you should expect to face the consequences.
“I had a productive call with President Petrov earlier today and made my position clear that the United States government is not funding, aiding or in any way actively supporting the Russian opposition movement. He has agreed that the people who bombed the Metropolitan Police Department as part of their effort to retrieve Sergei Ivanov’s body will face terrorism charges in the United States. Later today, I’ll announce who I’ve chosen to be the new vice president. I look forward to introducing my candidate to you then. I’ll take a few questions.”
“Do you expect to have to replace other high-ranking officials?”
“I hope not, but anyone who’s found to be involved in this situation will be removed from their positions and prosecuted if warranted.”
“Did you demand that Henderson be charged?”
“Like all federal prosecutorial decisions, that call will be made by the acting Attorney General and the Justice Department after a full investigation is completed.”
“What responsibility do you take for this happening on your watch?”
“I take full responsibility, and I’m doing everything I can to address it from a legal and administrative standpoint. I’ll say again, unequivocally, that I did not know about Ms. Henderson’s relationship with Sergei Ivanov, and I should have known about it. It should’ve been disclosed and/or uncovered during the vetting process, and it wasn’t. It should’ve been disclosed as a condition of holding a security clearance. We’re working to shore up the gaps that allowed this situation to take place and will make sure nothing like this happens again.”
“You’ve been plagued with accusations of being inexperienced, unelected and in over your head from day one of your presidency. Can you understand how an incident like this, involving your handpicked vice president, would cause a further crisis of confidence in your leadership?”
“I can absolutely understand that, but as I mentioned, we’re taking the appropriate steps to deal with the situation. That’s all for now. I’ll see you in the East Room later today to announce my choice of the new vice president ahead of the NATO meeting in Greenland, which begins tomorrow.” Hopefully, that sent the message that he was taking care of business despite the uproar over Gretchen’s behavior.
As he stepped away from the podium, more questions were shouted at him that he ignored on the way out of the room with Terry and Trevor.
“That went as well as it could have,” Terry said.
“I agree, Mr. President,” Trevor said.
“Maybe so, but I don’t see this dying down any time soon.”
* * *
“Nick is on TV,” Freddie said from the door to Sam’s office.
She stood and followed him to the conference room to catch Nick’s appearance before the media, watching him for signs of strain or distress. While he appeared cool and collected, the subject matter was devastating, and while no one else might see that, she did. She felt his pain at having been deceived by someone he’d put his trust in. After earlier crises with former Secretary of State Ruskin, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former AG Cox, among others, she hoped they’d rooted out those who were unable or unwilling to support him.
“Everyone has an agenda, don’t they?” Freddie said.
“I was just thinking about the many people who’ve disappointed him since he took office. The list is getting long.”
“This one is particularly painful because choosing her as his VP was his first big move as president.”
Sam nodded. “I remember him saying how critical it was that he get it right. I hope she never has another moment of peace after what she’s done.”
“I’m trying to picture getting to the rank of vice president of the United States and then risking everything—my freedom, my reputation, my children’s future—for a Russian ex-lover from years ago.”
“I know. It’s unfathomable. Not that Russia doesn’t need new leadership desperately.”
“Right? I don’t envy Nick being in this position and having to face the NATO allies.”
“I wish I was going with him.”
“You could still go.”
