The Book of Fate

56

Got everything you need?” the secretary asked The Roman as he left Bev’s office and trudged across the presidential seal carpet in the main reception area.

“Apparently so,” The Roman replied, hiding his bandaged hand from view. “Though I—”

The receptionist’s phone rang on her desk. “Oop — excuse me,” she said, putting on her headset. “It’s a beautiful day in President Manning’s office. How can I help you?”

The Roman headed for the door.

The receptionist waved good-bye, never taking her attention away from the caller on her headset. “Hiya, Wes. Of course — transferring you to Oren right now…”

The Roman stopped midstep, the toe of his left foot digging into the head of the eagle on the presidential seal. A thin grin returned to his face as he pivoted around.

Tapping a few buttons on her phone, the receptionist sent the call on its way and looked up at her guest. “I’m sorry… you were saying?”

“Just that I need some directions,” The Roman replied, pointing left, then right. “Which way is Oren’s office again?”

“Second on your right. See it?” the receptionist called out.

The Roman nodded. “You’re an angel.”

He paused outside the office and waited for the click of Oren hanging up his phone. With a sharp rap of knuckles against the door, he stepped inside and flashed his badge. “Oren, right? Agent Roland Egen. United States Secret Service.”

“Everything okay?” Oren asked, already halfway out of his chair.

The Roman shrugged. “You have a few minutes to chat?”