The Target

Chapter 65

Robie’s phone rang. He was sitting in his apartment with Reel, who was curled up in a chair, her eyes closed, but he knew she wasn’t asleep. The rain was falling outside and it was chilly. Neither of them had anything to do, and though the break was nice, they were not wired to be idle.

“Yes?” said Robie into the phone. He sat up straighter. “Okay. When?” He nodded and said, “We’ll be there.”

He put the phone down and nudged Reel with his hand.

She opened her eyes. “Are we being deployed?”

“I’m not sure. What I do know is that we are being summoned to the White House.”

“Again? Cassion already patted us on the head. What more does he have to do?”

“It’s not Cassion who wants us.”

“What?” she said, unfolding her long legs and sitting up in the chair.

“The request came from the First Lady. We’re to meet her in the private quarters at the White House in”—he checked his watch—“one hour.”

“What could she want with us?”

“No clue. But I guess we’ll find out.”

They presented themselves at the White House at the time specified and were escorted to the first family’s private quarters on the second floor after leaving their weapons behind with the Secret Service.

As they rode the elevator up, Reel whispered to Robie, “Ever been up here?”

He shook his head. “You?”

“Hell no.”

They were led into a large sitting area with flowers displayed in large vases. Eleanor Cassion rose from a settee and greeted them. The attendant who had brought them here quietly left.

Eleanor motioned for them to sit on a large couch while she sat across from them. She was dressed in slacks, a short jacket with a white blouse underneath, and two-inch pumps. Her hair was swept back in a ponytail. Around her neck was a silver necklace with a Saint Christopher medal dangling from it.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you here today,” she began.

Robie said, “We were surprised.”

“The fact is, well, you both made quite an impression on our son, Tommy. In fact, I think he’s been researching you both.”

“Not much to find,” said Reel. “We don’t do Facebook.”

Eleanor smiled. “I know. And I also know that I’m not cleared for much of what you both do, but I have learned a few things.” She added quickly, “And please let me add my thanks to that of my husband for your service to the country.”

“Thank you,” said Robie, while Reel nodded.

“I shared a few things with Tommy about you both. Nothing classified, just things. And that only heightened his regard for you both.” She looked at Reel. “And I have been told something of your recent travails, Agent Reel. I’m relieved that you are, well, out of that situation.”

Reel said nothing to this, but kept staring curiously at the woman.

The First Lady was nervously twisting her hands.

Robie said, “Ma’am, it might be better just to get it out.”

Eleanor laughed. “I’m not usually so nervous and shy about a request. I used to be, but, married to a politician, you get really good at asking for things from people.” She paused, collected her thoughts, and said, “The children and I are going to Nantucket for a week. It’s to get away and recharge our batteries and to just spend some time together. Tommy, in particular, I think needs this.”

“The fight at school?” said Reel.

“Among other things. He’s had a hard time adjusting to life here. Very hard. The place where we came from is as different from here as it’s possible to be.”

“A truly unique city,” commented Robie. “And not an easy one.”

“You’re absolutely right about that,” said Eleanor emphatically.

“But what do you want from us?” said Reel.

“Well, let me just come out and say it. I would like you both to accompany us to Nantucket. The president can’t make it and I just thought…well, I just thought that having the two of you there might…help things.” She hurried on. “I know you must think this is crazy. I mean, we don’t really know each other, but Tommy hasn’t stopped talking about you two. I don’t know what it was exactly. Well, I think I do know. You’re heroes and Tommy’s father obviously respects you greatly. And Tommy dearly wants his father’s…well…” Her voice trailed off and she looked like someone who regretted saying too much.

“I’ve only met Tommy once,” said Robie. “But I can tell he’s a good kid. And the fight was because he was standing up for his dad.”

“I know. I both admired what he did and was horrified by it. It hasn’t been an easy time for either of us. I wasn’t sure whether to ground him or give him a medal. The back-and-forth made my head hurt.”

“I can see that,” said Reel. “Not easy being a mom.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t ask before. Are you a mother, Agent Reel?”

Reel said unhesitatingly, “No, I’m not.”

Eleanor sat back. “So will you do it?”

Reel looked at Robie. She said, “Are the president and the Secret Service okay with this?”

“Yes. My husband is fine with it. He thinks the added security you two will bring is a good thing, in fact. And my protection detail voiced no concerns. They obviously have researched you.”

“And the kids?” said Reel.

“Tommy is over the moon about the possibility.”

“And your daughter?”

“She was put out about going to Nantucket, especially at this time of year, I have to admit. She wanted to stay home and be with her friends. But now she’s looking forward to going.”

“What changed?” asked Robie.

Here, Eleanor blushed a bit. “Um, well, she saw a picture of you, Agent Robie.”

Reel gave him a sideways glance, her eyes twinkling. “Not that that should go to your head,” she said.

“Teenage girls can be quite impressionable,” added Eleanor.

Robie said, “But this is really about Tommy, isn’t it?”

“It really is, yes. But spending some time with my kids, away from this place, maybe it’s about all three of us, Agent Robie.”

“You can make it Will, ma’am.”

“And I’m Jessica,” said Reel.

“So you’ll do it?”

Reel said, “Well, we’re between deployments. I would imagine your request will take priority.”

“So the short answer is, yes, we will. Just tell us where and when,” added Robie.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am about this. I really am hoping for a good outcome from this trip. I think it could make a real difference, especially for Tommy.”

“I’m sure it will,” said Robie. “Anything in particular you want us to do while we’re up there with you?”

“Since the president won’t be joining us, I would hope that you could just spend time with Tommy. I could tell from your initial meeting that he looks up to you. Any words of wisdom you might have? Just being there? And a man for Tommy to…?”

“I think I understand,” said Robie.

Eleanor said, “Don’t get me wrong. He loves his father. They had, I mean have, a great relationship. It’s just that…”

“Not even Superman could do the job of a president,” said Robie. “It doesn’t leave time for a lot else. Even family.”

“Something like that,” said Eleanor. “The president tries, but everyone in the world, it seems, wants a piece of him.”

“I’m sure.”

As they rose to leave, Reel said, “Oh, one more thing.”

“Yes?” said Eleanor expectantly.

“Remind your daughter that my partner here is old enough to be her father.”