“You could’ve been killed just to save some other person.”
“No, not just someone. That innocent person was you, Ariel. You were the only person that I was scared for.” She looked in his face and smiled
“How is that secret service agent?” Belinda asked.
“He came through surgery and he’ll be fine,” Jozette said.
“What about the Russian President?” Belinda continued.
“He’ll be laid up for a month or so but the Prime Minister Berelenov is standing in and the treaty will be finalized and signed by President Lexington and President Deniken in three months in Bern, Switzerland,” Justin said.
“Why there?” Belinda asked.
“Switzerland is neutral,” Justin said and Belinda gave a look of bewilderment.
“Little Wolf,” Jozette said and he turned to Belinda. He had heard everything and knew it’d fall upon him to explain it to Belinda.
“Switzerland has always been neutral, Miss Belinda.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means they don’t take sides.”
“What sides?”
“Well, the United States and all of the NATO countries are one side and Russia and her friends are on the other side.”
“And, Switzerland doesn’t like anybody?” Justin, Andy and Jozette chuckled and Belinda had a sad look. “I guess I said something stupid again.”
“I’m not so sure. Neutral means you don’t take anyone’s side but it could also mean they don’t like anyone.” Belinda made a face at Jozette and stuck out her tongue.
“Way to be mature, Lind,” Jozette said.
“You started it.”
“Alright, girls,” Tatiana said and they both calmed down.
“So, since the Swiss don’t take anybody’s side the treaty will be signed there,” Little Wolf said.
“Seems fair enough, thank you Little Wolf for explaining things to me without making me feel stupid.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Belinda.” Belinda smiled a big smile Little Wolf’s way then looked at Jozette and crossed her eyes. Jozette sighed and rolled her eyes shaking her head.
“Hello everyone,” Ellen said and they were surprised at seeing the president as they started to get up.
“Sit down, please,” she said as she spoke to them from over the back of a seat.
“How’s your arm?” Andy asked.
“I’m fine and I hope all of you have recovered.”
“We have, Ma’am.”
“I had planned on having a meal with you when we got back to the Whitehouse but our little interruption has derailed that. I’ll have to meet with my cabinet right away and for days probably. And the disaster in Virginia, of course, will occupy me for months. Thanks to all of you for what you did when we were held prisoners. You saved many lives. I have to say you’re quite a remarkable group of friends.”
“We’re sorry this has all fallen upon you, Madam President,” Justin said.
“Goes with the job, though I didn’t expect this the day Amos Clark called and asked me to be his running mate. I thought I’d spend four years cutting ribbons and meeting with the azalea queen. But things change and we can’t stop them.”
“I suppose I’ll have to go with what material you gave me for the interview,” Justin posed.
“That’s one of the reasons that I’m here. I’ll be planning campaign stops in the next few months when things get back to normal. I’ll be starting in Maine naturally, but I’m coming to Bloomington, Indiana and I want to come to your house, Mr. Weaver. And, I want all of you there. I thought we could have an old-fashioned cookout. That should play in backyard America. Then you and I, Mr. Weaver, can sneak off and finish the interview. I hate all the phoniness of a campaign but it has to be I’m afraid. I know Jozette might ask why I cave in to that nonsense. It’s the way the game is played. If re-elected and that is a big if, I can do much for people who need help. Abused women, single women, divorced women battling custody and alimony. To that end, Jozette, my people will be in touch with you so you can fly out to the Washington and spend a weekend with me as I pick your brain for ideas.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Jozette said.
“If I’m elected.”
“You will be, we’ll see to that,” Andy said. Everyone turned and looked at him. “Well, I can be optimistic, can’t I?”
“Counselor,” Ellen said as she turned to Little Wolf.
“Yes, Madam President.”
“Thank you again for my life but more importantly, I’ve been researching your accomplishments and they are considerable.”
“Really?”
“Yes, and if I’m elected, I’d like you to come work for me in the Whitehouse as my chief council.”
“Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
“How would you feel about that, Julieta?” Ellen asked.
“I’m proud of my husband and it would be the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“What do you think, Little Wolf?” Ellen asked.
“I don’t know. I like seeing Julieta every night.”
“I can understand that but there are long furloughs at Christmas, in the summer and the fall. You’d have an office in the Whitehouse. We’d talk every day. Your residence would be paid for and all of your trips back and forth to Indiana would be paid for. Right now, Pete Johnson who lives in Texas, leaves every Thursday after lunch and returns home. Something to think about. I’ll call you if I win.”
“Thank you, Madam President for the offer,” Little Wolf said and Ellen nodded.
“We’ll be landing in a few minutes. Thank you for coming and I want you to know I really enjoyed meeting all of you.” She gave a wave and disappeared down the aisle to her room.
“This will be the first time I’ve ever been active politically,” Justin said. There was general agreement among everyone on that point.
“She reminds me of Teddy,” Warren said.
“Really?” Ariel asked.
“Yes, except her voice is lower than his.” That brought laughter from everyone and two hours later the plane landed. They were back home and it felt good.
“Bonnie, go to the cabinet room and tell them I’ll be there in a few minutes. I’m going to see my family first.”
“Yes Ma’am.” Ellen ran through the halls to the residence, paused to straighten her clothes, took a deep breath then opened the door and walked inside.
“Mom,” Shelly said and ran and hugged her mother. “Mom, we were so worried.”
“So was I.”
“Hello, Madam President,” Don said with a big smile. She was still holding Shelly as she smiled at her husband and nodded. Shelly let go and she and Don hugged for a moment then she looked around and there was Brian standing with tears in his eyes.
“Hello, Brian,” Ellen said and he lowered his head.
“Mom, I’m sorry.”
“So, am I.”
“For what… I was the problem.”
“Not entirely; I haven’t been here for any of you enough and I’d like to change that.” Brian walked up to Ellen.
“I love you, Mom,” Brian said then hugged his mother and she held on tight.
“What happened?” Ellen asked. Don pointed to Shelly and she grinned and hugged her dad.
“We heard about your exploits over there,” Don said.
“They were embellished a little.”
“I don’t think you can embellish what you did. You have more courage than I have.”
“It was mostly fear.”
“Well, that can work too, I guess.”
“Mom, I’m sorry about Clarise. She was nice… we used to talk when she wasn’t busy,” Shelly said.
“Yes, she gave her life for me. I’ll never get over that.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Don posed.
“Maybe not but I still feel responsible.”
“I understand but perhaps time can make you feel better.”