“Yeah. I saw what he had done wrong immediately but I am such a jerk sometimes.”
“What are you talking about? You are dead on with your calculations.”
“It’s how I did it that bothers me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well Doctor Radcliff is a well-respected man. I’ve read his book and he is brilliant. Then I jump in and tell him he is wrong in front of not only the room but the President of the United States. I feel really bad for the man. I kind of bushwhacked the guy and he is going to suffer for it. I let my ego get in the way of his ego,” Brian said.
Abby put her arm around him and hugged him.
“Brian, we all do things that we later think we should have handled differently. I’ve done it more times than I would like to admit. He will recover and if anything, he will think things through a little more before trying to impress people. I’m sure he is saying the same thing right now. I should have handled that better. All he had to do was ask how you arrived at the numbers instead of pointing out what he considered to be your errors,” Abby told him.
“But he has a reputation to maintain. I don’t.”
“Oh yes you do. Brian, don’t sell yourself short. You helped establish your credentials in that room and in front of the President no less. Now look, we are here on an expense paid vacation, at least for you guys, go have fun and put all of this out of your mind,”
“Thanks Abby. You are absolutely the smartest person I know,” he told her.
“Doctor Montgomery.”
“Mr. Secretary.”
“Abby.”
“Dan.”
“You are something else. The President talked about you all the way to the West Wing. He was blown away by not only your bearing but your entire team. Very impressive,” he said.
“Thank you kind sir. Always glad to please. Listen what did he say about tonight? I mean, I didn’t bring any clothes or anything. I figured we would be flying back as soon as our briefing was over.”
“One thing at a time. First, the meeting is totally informal. Because you are going to be there, he will probably have on slacks and a sweat shirt or polo shirt. Normally he would be in jeans or sweats.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Honest. So you don’t have to have a dress or anything fancy. Second, don’t eat before you get there. He always has food brought in. If you want anything special, tell me and I’ll make sure it’s there.”
“This is unreal,” she said.
“I would bring your materials. You probably won’t need them but I’ve found it’s better to be over prepared than caught flat footed.”
“Got it.”
“You are going to like talking one-on-one with him. He was reserved today because of his official capacity but tonight he will be much more lose. You will find he isn’t all that different from anyone else you know.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Now I have your team booked into the Amari Watergate Hotel. I thought it would give them a kick to stay someplace infamous.”
“The team? Am I included with the team?” Abby asked.
“Of course. Just not on the same floor. You have a special suite in the penthouse area. The White House has arrangements with several different hotels for official visits and such.”
“A suite?”
“Absolutely. Nothing but the best for a lady who can impress the President,” Dan replied.
“What if I hadn’t impressed him?” Abby asked.
“Motel 6,” Dan replied.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
After they were all settled into the Watergate Hotel, Dan took Abby shopping for some necessities. He pushed the cart and carried her bags as she bought various items. Slacks, a nice silk blouse, and a light weight jacket were her first purchases.
Dan was not a good shopper. No matter what she picked out he would tell her it looked great. Like men everywhere, their idea of shopping and women’s are not even remotely the same.
Lingerie was somewhat of a problem for both of them. She wanted a change of underwear and something to sleep in. This was the first time Dan had taken any real interest. She felt self-conscious as she looked at the panties and bras.
“Now you’re interested,” she said.
“Well duh. This is the good part.”
“You know, you could go wait in the car.”
“Like that’s going to happen. No sir. I need to guard this cart. It’s a very valuable cart you know,” Dan insisted.
“Uh-huh.”
She finally decided she couldn’t stall any longer so she picked out some conservative hip-hugger panties. Dan looked at her then at the items in the cart.
“What?”
“Nothing I guess.”
“No, what?”
“Well, I thought you had a little younger attitude. I mean, these are probably what my mom wears,” he said.
“That’s it buster. Out. Go stroll around or wait in the car. I can pick out my own nightgown without any comments from you,” she said, nudging him.
“I was just trying to help.”
She didn’t reply, just pointed.
“Well, I was,” he said slinking off.
When she was sure he was gone she hung up the items and picked out the ones she really wanted. Oh yeah Abby, this would have made him a lot happier she thought as she placed them in the cart.
When she had checked out she found Dan waiting by the car.
“Get everything?”
“Just a quick stop for toothpaste and a toothbrush. Maybe a little makeup.”
“Abby you do not need makeup. You are beautiful just the way you are.”
“Ooooh nice recovery.”
After a quick stop at the drugstore he dropped her off at the hotel telling her that he would pick her up at 6:30 p.m.
“I need to get some money. I’m sure the kids don’t have much. I need to give them some.”
“Taken care of. We gave them a stipend and a special card to show to get into most things that cost, such as the Smithsonian, National Gallery, and such.”
“Wow, talk about being impressive.”
“You don’t know the half of it Abby,” he said grinning as he drove off.
She was surprised when her cell phone rang. She looked at the number and saw it was an international one.
“Abby, it’s Amiée. I have some important new information for you.”
“Bad news or good.”
“Not so good I am afraid.”
“Okay, you might as well give it to me. I have a meeting with the President in a couple of hours.”
“The President? What President?”
“Of the United States.”
“You are kidding, right?”
“No. Honest. He had my team flown here to Washington to brief him. We are meeting at 7:00P.M. in the White House.
“Oh my God. I am talking to a celebrity.”
“No you’re not. Just give me the bad news.”
“Well the wobble is more pronounced. Your calculations are going to be very, very close except that now it looks more and more like it might hit the moon a little harder than projected. A good deal of rock and debris is going to be ejected. The Earth will definitely get a good portion of it. We are still working on the long term effects but it does not look good.”
“Oh Amiée, this is terrible. What are we talking about as a percentage?”
“I’m not exactly sure but maybe as much as 5 percent of the total mass of the moon may be ripped off.”
“Five percent? That… that’s, oh dear. Massive,” Abby said sitting down on the bed.
“Yes it is. I will keep you posted. We are hopeful it will correct itself as it gets closer to the Earth. All we need is a few degrees.”
“Alright Amiée, thank you for letting me know.”
“I’ll be in touch,” she said and hung up.