Every Second

Epilogue

As soon as she could manage, Kate called Grace, Vanessa and Nancy from the hospital to let them know that she was “a little shook-up, but okay.”

In the hours after the failed attack, Varner and Tilden arrived and took detailed statements from Kate and Strobic.

By the time Kate’s family got to the hospital, the enormity of what had happened was the nation’s top news story. Grace locked her arms around her mother and never let go during her entire visit.

Later, doctors gave Kate a sedative, kept her overnight for observation and arranged counseling sessions for the posttraumatic stress she would likely experience after the event.

In the days after her release, Kate and Strobic agreed to Reeka’s request to give their account of their ordeal to Newslead. Reeka assigned their best writers to weave their dramatic experiences with the interviews Newslead had obtained with Lori and Billy Fulton-a major Newslead exclusive on the planned attack against New York City by homegrown extremists. Kate was the lead writer on the feature, which was presented in a compelling four-part series that was picked up by subscribers across the country and around the world.

In the wake of the incident, editorials, blogs and news network political talk shows addressed the issues of detecting and preventing attacks by domestic self-radicalized loners, vulnerable to be guided by overseas factions. The New York Times and Britain’s Guardian newspaper investigated Blaine, his mother, Nazihah, and their links to senior extremist leaders in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen. Within two weeks, the US, using intelligence arising from its investigation of the attack by the Young Lions, launched drone strikes destroying extremist compounds hidden in mountainous border regions.

A month after the events in Bryant Park, the story had faded and Kate was happy things were returning to normal. She had declined most requests for interviews and speaking engagements, with the exception of one.

It came about six weeks after the event.

Kate was at Newslead working at her desk when a news assistant handed her an envelope.

“This just came for you, hand-delivered by some government guy in a suit. He said it was to be considered ‘a priority.’”

Kate opened the envelope to find an elegant card with beautiful calligraphy that began: The President requests the pleasure of the company of Kate Page at a ceremony to be held in honor of the citizens whose extraordinary acts…

Kate was stunned as she scanned the words over and over. It was an invitation under the presidential seal! Her phone rang and soon she’d learned that Grace, Vanessa and Nancy had also received individual invitations. Later she learned that the Fulton family, Stan Strobic and his wife would also attend.

Preparing for the event was exciting as Kate, Grace, Vanessa and Nancy shopped for what to wear and received advance protocol advice from White House staff.

The day at the White House was like a fairy tale.

Dan Fulton was in a wheelchair and still bore the scars of his ordeal, as did Lori and Billy. It was heartwarming to see that Sam, Billy’s dog, was allowed to participate. Word was that the president, having learned Sam’s role in Billy’s recovery, insisted his dog be present.

NYPD officer Rita Muldowney, the officer who had shot Blaine in the park, was also there, along with many of the tour bus passengers. Officials from the FBI, Homeland Security, the Justice Department, the New York State Police, the NYPD and more than a dozen other security agencies also took part.

During the ceremony, the Fultons, Strobic and Kate sat on the riser, listening to the president’s remarks.

“We’re here today because these people behind me, these ordinary American citizens, selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way for the safety of our country. They took unusual risks and steps to protect others. Through their courage and sacrifice, they bravely thwarted a major attack on New York City. They demonstrated unimaginable resilience to disrupt the plans of those who would wish us harm. A great many lives were saved because of them, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you.”

At the reception that followed, Kate was thrilled to talk to the president and other officials. But one of the most meaningful moments was when she talked with the Fultons and introduced her family and Nancy to them.

Grace liked petting Sam, who seemed to be enjoying the doggy treats in a bowl with the presidential seal.

Later, as things wound down, Kate was surprised to hear a familiar voice and turned.

“Agent Varner, I didn’t see you here!”

“I was at the back with my boss and didn’t want to intrude. You seem quite popular today.”

“As my daughter says, it’s been awesome.”

“I was just waiting for the right moment to ask you, Kate.”

“Ask me what, Nick?”

“About that coffee?”