“Mr. Santini, Ms. Devereux, I’m Secret Service Agent Jim Bolden. President Garrison sent us to take you to the White House.”
“We need IDs from everyone,” Gabriel pushed back.
After displaying their photo IDs, they surrounded her and Gabriel, ushered them out front. With sirens blaring, a caravan of three black SUVs sped toward Pennsylvania Ave. Five minuteslater, the vehicles drove up to the White House gate. The first one passed through. The second stopped at the guard station.
“Gabriel Santini and Halston Devereux for the President,” said Agent Bolden.
Excitement pounded through her. She’d never been to the White House. Even with it being the worst of circumstances, she couldn’t help but feel like she was a part of something important. Something life changing… for everyone.
“Do you have firearms?” asked the guard.
“I don’t,” Halston replied.
“Yes,” Gabriel said.
The White House security guard regarded the Secret Service agent. “Park over there, a guard will be right over.”
After the caravan parked, she and Gabriel exited the vehicle. A second guard approached carrying a metal box.
“How many weapons do you have?” he asked.
“One,” Gabriel replied.
“Put it in the box.”
Gabriel did as instructed before the guard ran a wand over both of them. “I’d like to pat you down, Mr. Santini.”
“Go for it,” he replied.
After he was patted down, both were cleared to enter.
“Here we go,” Halston whispered as they were escorted into the historic building by the five agents.
It was 4:10 AM, but sleepy-faced employees bristled past. Days began early at the White House. The lead agent continued until he stopped in front of a closed door.
Knock-knock.
Seconds later, a different guard answered. The two spoke quietly, then the agent stepped away. The door opened wide and Gabriel waited for Halston to enter. She crossed the threshold and stifled a gasp as excitement rippled through her.
Ohmygod, this is it.
The White House Situation Room.
Gabriel stood by her side. Everyone in the room stopped talking, all eyes on the new arrivals. There had to be upwards of twenty people. Some represented the four branches of the US military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. The rest were civilians.
As Halston eyed the personnel, she paused on her mom and dad. Instead of being seated at the table, her mom was seated between Greystone and Z in a row of chairs lining the far wall. Caroline and Sydney too. The only ones she recognized at the table were her Dad, Teddy… and the President of the United States.
A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair bustled over. “Gabriel, Halston, I’m Evelyn Baker, the President’s Chief of Staff.”
They shook her hand.
“Do you have the timepiece?” Evelyn asked.
Gabriel pulled it from his pocket.
President Garrison made his way over.
“Mr. Santini, I hear you’re the man to call to get things done,” said the President. “A man of action.”
