Greystone rose, hugged her, and she squeezed him so tightly, he chuckled. “It’s all good, Evelyn.”
“I’m very proud of you,” she murmured before sitting to the right of the President.
The meeting lasted ninety-eight minutes. The enemy pilots were identified as a specially-formed group associated with the Haqazzii terror cell. Fire burned deep inside Greystone. While the enemy pilots had been taken out, the terrorists on the ground had not.
Someone entered the room, spoke to Evelyn, and she left with the messenger. A few moments later, Evelyn returned.
“Mr. President,” Evelyn said. “I’ve been told that the threat of explosives has been eliminated. The six buildings have been swept for additional bombs. None were found. The EOD unit did a thorough clearing of the White House and the Pentagon. The canine units found no explosives.”
“When can we return to DC?” the President asked.
“Tomorrow,” she replied. “Our flight will be escorted by a squadron of F-16’s.”
“Isn’t that overkill?” the President asked.
“No, sir,” said the three-star Air Force General. “It’s not.”
“I want these three exceptional pilots at the front of that squadron,” the President said.
“Sir—” the General pushed back.
“General, based on what just went down, I don’t think you’re in any position to disagree with me.”
“Of course, Mr. President.”
President Garrison regarded him. “I’d like you to lead us home, Greystone”
“Yes, sir.”
Though honored, Greystone had something else in mind, but he’d stay silent until he could run his idea by Caroline.
The President closed out the meeting. As the attendants began talking amongst themselves, or making their way toward the door, Greystone extended his hand to Jamal.
“Love flyin’ with you, J-man,” Greystone said.
Jamal pulled him in for a hug. “We kicked some serious ass.”
The men laughed before shaking hands with the female pilot and congratulating each other on their successful mission.
As they made their way toward the exit, the President said, “Greystone, can you hang back?”
After telling his team he’d catch up with them, Greystone returned to the conference table. “How are you doing, Mr. President? Is your family okay?”
“We’re good, thank you. I wanted to personally thank you for your extreme bravery and excellent aerial combat skills. Without you, we wouldn’t be here now.”
“Thank you, sir, but it was a team effort. It’s a privilege to serve.”
“If there’s ever anything I can do for you, you let me know.”
“I appreciate that.”
“I was told you did quite a nose dive.”
“I lost consciousness, but my partner, Caroline Austin, brought me back.”
The President made a call. “Evelyn, is Caroline Austin with you? I’m still in the debriefing room. Can you bring her in?” He hung up, regarded Greystone. “How long have you worked together?”
“Three years.”
