The group cracked up.
“You know, my office is more popular than I am,” President Garrison said. “It’s steeped in history. Sometimes, I can’t believe I work there.”
She nodded.
“I got briefed before my overseas call,” the President continued. “I understand you took out the suicide bomber in the jet refueling truck this morning.”
She regarded Tank. “A total team effort. I’ve gotta give props to Tank. He heard him, confirmed he was one of our targets.”
“Excellent work, all around. What a relief that the women didn’t take that flight. Talk about terrifying.”
The President ushered everyone, including Evelyn, into his office. Sydney stepped in and stopped cold.
“Sydney,” Caroline whispered, “you’re blocking the President.”
Sydney moved out of the way. “I’m so sorry, sir, Mr. Garrison, Mr. Sir.”
Again, the group laughed.
“Sorry,” she said. “I’m not usually tongue-tied. This is a big deal for me to be here.”
“Sydney, take a moment to enjoy the room,” urged the President.
At the encouragement of the President, she did just that. She appreciated the view of the grounds from the windows, she admired the historic desk void of any papers. She went from artwork to artwork, soaking up what she’d only dreamed of seeing. And she sighed at the nine-foot, stunningly decorated Christmas trees adorning two corners of the spacious office. Being in the Oval Office, during the holiday season, was a childhood dream come true.
“Thank you, Mr. President,” she said, feeling more composed.
The President gestured, and everyone sat. Sydney and Tank on one sofa, Caroline and Greystone took their seats across from them. The President and Evelyn got comfortable in the upholstered chairs nearby.
“I’ve got an update pertaining to me and The Day of Destruction,” began the President, “and I wanted you four to hear it directly from me.”
TEDDY
“Basedon the current threat level, I’ve beenstronglyadvised to move the inauguration indoors,” President Garrison continued. “Not my choice, but we’re blaming it on what’s expected to be sub-zero temps. It will still be televised on The Mall, but I won’t be at the steps of the Capitol.”
Teddy glanced at Evelyn who was nodding in agreement.
“Event security will still be high,” continued the President, “but my family and I will be contained.”
“That’s a relief,” Greystone said. “Teddy, can you speak to any underground chatter?”
“There’s been nothing in the past thirty-six hours,” Teddy said. “That’ll change once we upload pics of the airport tanker explosion.”
The President’s eyebrows jutted into his forehead. “You’ve been communicating with them? Why wasn’t I briefed on this?”
“We’ve been operating in a vacuum,” Greystone said. “We want them to know we’re gaining the upper hand.”
“Won’t that only anger them further?” Evelyn asked.
“We have the option of doing something or doing nothing,” Teddy said. “Both send a message. We chose the more aggressive one.”
“Understood,” said the President. “Let’s circle back to Inauguration Day. We’re not going public with the change of venue. Only my family and three closest advisors, Evelyn being one of them—and now the four of you—know about the change. That information doesn’t leave this room.”
All four BLACK OPS acknowledged him with an affirmative.
“On a lighter subject,” the President said, “I’m spending Saturday at the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore.”
Ah, fuck no.
