Presidential Shift
hours. In the helo, under an hour.”
    “We may need the vehicles, so why don’t you drive. Leave as soon as you can.”
    “You got it, boss.”
    Gaucho stood up and turned off the television.
    “Saddle up, homies.”
    +++
    “They’re on their way,” announced Cal.
    Daniel nodded and Don Maynor asked, “Who?”
    “The cavalry. I’ve gotta go see the president.” He pointed at Daniel. “You come with me. Maynor, you want us to get you a flight home?”
    “Nah. I think I’ll stick around. Haven’t been up here in ages. Want to go pay my respects to the Iwo Jima Memorial. Hell, you might need me again.”
    “Use the house for as long as you need. Daniel will give you the code. If you decide to leave, send us the receipt for your flight home.”
    +++
    As the two Marines slid into the rental vehicle, Daniel turned to his boss. “What are we going to see the president about?”
    Scowling, Cal said, “To find the leak.”

Chapter 18
    The White House,
District of Columbia
    8:26am, December 19 th
    “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Mr. President,” said Cal, his demeanor neutral, tone clipped.
    The president looked up from the folder stamped Top Secret Presidential . “You said it was urgent. Should we wait for the vice president? He’s on his way.”
    It took Cal a moment to remember that the vice president was his friend, former Senator Brandon Zimmer. “That might be a good idea, sir.”
    “Why don’t you and Briggs have a seat. I’ll have them bring in some water and snacks while we’re waiting. I haven’t eaten today.”
    Cal didn’t argue, instead sitting down on the love seat across from Daniel, who gave him a look as if to say, “Calm down.”
    No one said a word until Vice President Zimmer entered. Daniel immediately moved to stand. Cal motioned for him to stay seated. Zimmer either didn’t notice or didn’t care, instead taking the seat next to Daniel. He looked tired, and it was barely his second day on the job.
    “What’s on your mind, Cal? I take it by your demeanor that this isn’t a social call?” asked the president, as he joined the others.
    Inside, Cal simmered. He willed his temper down. “Mr. President, I assume you’ve heard about my cousin, the CEO of SSI, Travis Haden, being arrested this morning?”
    “I thought he was taken in for questioning,” answered the President.
    Cal’s jaw clenched. “Sir, they showed up at our Nashville headquarters with a caravan of ten police cars and an entourage of reporters.”
    The president’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t hear about that.”
    “What are you thinking, Cal?” asked Zimmer.
    “First, you both know there’s no way in hell we were involved in the attacks targeting the first lady…”
    “We would never say—,” interrupted the President. Cal dared to raise his hand to quiet the most powerful man in the world.
    “I’m not finished, Mr. President. When I agreed to undertake this operation, it was with the understanding that the only people privy to the full thing were the men in this room. We kept our end of the bargain, sir.”
    The accusation stabbed.
    “And you’re saying we didn’t,” responded the president.
    Cal nodded.
    The President exhaled. “We haven’t told anyone, son. Not even my closest staff—.”
    “And yet my company’s name is now being tarnished by the liberal nuts on television, saying that we’re part of some right-wing conspiracy. More than one client is demanding answers. I warn you, Mr. President, if you can’t find out who did this, I will.”
    “That’s enough, Cal,” barked Zimmer. Cal glared at his friend, but kept his mouth shut after the rebuke. Silence. Then Zimmer asked, “Why do you think the leak is from here? Besides, why would anyone want to link you to the attacks? There’s no evidence to support the claim. Trav will be home before noon.”
    “With all due respect, sir , that’s not the point. Of course we’re innocent. But the threat is still out

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