The Laid Plans

A car screeched to a stop behind them, and they turned. Colonel Gordan Divjak jumped out of the car and glared up at the sky where the plane was disappearing. At his side was Nikolai Petrovich, the Russian journalist.

Colonel Divjak turned to Dana. "You are under arrest. I warned you that the punishment for espionage is death."

Dana took a deep breath. "Colonel, if you’re going to put me on trial for espionage – "

He looked into Dana’s eyes and said softly, "Who said anything about a trial?"

Chapter 13

The inaugural celebrations, the parades, and the swearing-in ceremonies were over, and Oliver was eager to begin his presidency. Washington, D.C., was probably the only city anywhere completely devoted to and obsessed with politics. It was the power hub of the world, and Oliver Russell was the center of that hub. It seemed that everyone was connected in one way or another to the federal government. In the metropolitan area of Washington, there were fifteen thousand lobbyists and more than five thousand journalists, all of them nursing at the mother’s milk of government. Oliver Russell remembered John Kennedy’s sly put-down: "Washington, D.C., is a city of southern efficiency and northern charm."

On the first day of his presidency, Oliver wandered around the White House with Jan. They were familiar with its statistics: 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, 29 fireplaces, 3 elevators, a swimming pool, putting green, tennis court, jogging track, exercise room, horseshoe pit, bowling alley, and movie theater, and eighteen acres of beautifully tended grounds. But actually living in it, being a part of it, was overwhelming.

"It’s like a dream, isn’t it?" Jan sighed.

Oliver took her hand. "I’m glad we’re sharing it, darling." And he meant it. Jan had become a wonderful companion. She was always there for him, supportive and caring. More and more, he found that he enjoyed being with her.

When Oliver returned to the Oval Office, Peter Tager was waiting to see him. Oliver’s first appointment had been to make Tager his chief of staff.

Oliver said, "I still can’t believe this, Peter."

Peter Tager smiled. "The people believe it. They voted you in, Mr. President."

Oliver looked up at him. "It’s still Oliver."

"All right. When we’re alone. But you have to realize that from this moment on, anything you do can affect the entire world. Anything you say could shake up the economy or have an impact on a hundred other countries around the globe. You have more power than any other person in the world."

The intercom buzzed. "Mr. President, Senator Davis is here."

"Send him in, Heather."

Tager sighed. "I’d better get started. My desk looks like a paper mountain."

The door opened and Todd Davis walked in. "Peter…"

"Senator…" The two men shook hands.

Tager said, "I’ll see you later, Mr. President."

Senator Davis walked over to Oliver’s desk and nodded. "That desk fits you just fine, Oliver. I can’t tell you what a real thrill it is for me to see you sitting there."

"Thank you, Todd. I’m still trying to get used to it. I mean – Adams sat here…and Lincoln…and Roosevelt…"

Senator Davis laughed. "Don’t let that scare you. Before they became legends, they were men just like you, sitting there trying to do the right thing. Putting their asses in that chair terrified them all, in the beginning. I just left Jan. She’s in seventh heaven. She’s going to make a great First Lady."

"I know she is."

"By the way, I have a little list here I’d like to discuss with you, Mr. President." The emphasis on "Mr. President" was jovial.

"Of course, Todd."

Senator Davis slid the list across the desk.

"What is this?"

"Just a few suggestions I have for your cabinet."

"Oh. Well, I’ve already decided – "

"I thought you might want to look these over."

"But there’s no point in – "

"Look them over, Oliver." The senator’s voice had cooled.

Oliver’s eyes narrowed. "Todd…"

Senator Davis held up a hand. "Oliver, I don’t want you to think for one minute that I’m trying to impose my will or my wishes on you. You would be wrong. I put together that list because I think they’re the best men who can help you serve your country. I’m a patriot, Oliver, and I’m not ashamed of it. This country means everything to me." There was a catch in his voice. "Everything. If you think I helped put you in this office just because you’re my son-in-law, you’re gravely mistaken. I fought to make sure you got here because I firmly believe you’re the man best suited for the job. That’s what I care most about." He tapped a finger on the piece of paper. "And these men can help you do that job."

Oliver sat there, silent.

"I’ve been in this town for a lot of years, Oliver. And do you know what I’ve learned? That there’s nothing sadder than a one-term president. And do you know why? Because during the first four years, he’s just beginning to get an idea of what he can do to make this country better. He has all those dreams to fulfill. And just when he’s ready to do that – just when he’s ready to really make a difference" – he glanced around the office – "someone else moves in here, and those dreams just vanish. Sad to think about, isn’t it? All those men with grand dreams who serve only one term. Did you know that since McKinley took office in 1897, more than half the presidents who followed him were one-term presidents? But you, Oliver – I’m going to see to it that you’re a two-term president. I want you to be able to fulfill all your dreams. I’m going to see to it that you’re reelected."