A Twisted Fantasy (Leon Kennedy X OC) [BOOK 2]

Chapter 31: Homecoming

Excitement and anticipation radiated in thick waves from Ashley as we walked along the tiled floors of the White House. Leon and I walked a few steps behind her as she took hurried steps down the halls she calls home. Two secret service agents flanked us, staying quiet as we turned another corner into the main hall.

"Daddy!" Ashley cried, taking off down the hall toward a group of people at the other end. A few of the agents parted, allowing the president to break free of his entourage hurtle forward to meet her.

She collided with his chest, wrapping her arms around him as a sob tore through her. The president held her tight against him like he wouldn't dare let her go again. It was easy to see the similarities between the two here. The same upturned nose and high cheeks.

The agents behind him caught up, their stoic façade dropping for a moment as they gawked at Ashley before turning their attention to Leon and I.

I didn't need a mirror to know I looked like a hot mess. But they weren't looking at our clothes or the filth coating our skin, they were just looking at us, disbelief painting their features. Did they not expect us to come back alive? 

The president looked up, his eyes meeting us as we stopped a few feet away from where him and Ashley had reunited. "Thank you for bringing her home," He said through a weak breath.

I only smiled in response before he turned away and guided Ashley back down the hall who still clung to him. Looking at her like this reminded me that she's still young. She was only 20, still in college. She's younger than I was when my life got thrown into a blender.

The group of secret service agents turned to follow him, dispersing to reveal another group of men stepping toward us.  My eyes instantly went to the man I recognized. BSAA President Clive O'Brian. The Secretary of Defense was behind him, as well as a few others I'd assume are white house staff.

I opened my mouth to greet Clive but the Secretary of Defense cut in quickly. "I'm sure you're both tired but this is urgent, we need you to brief us on yesterday's events," He looked like he hadn't slept in two days, but given the circumstances he probably hadn't. His gray hair was unruly and the bags under his eyes were shadowed with a purple that could only spur from an immense amount of stress.

"Okay," I said, nodding to him and looking to O'Brian. He gave me a small smile as the Secretary of Defense turned and directed us down another wide hallway.

The oak double doors at the end opened before we approached, and my mouth parted as we were corralled into the oval office. I haven't actually been past the main foyer and front conference room of the White House and now I'm being invited into the actual oval office.

"Please take a seat," The secretary said, gesturing to the couches in the small sitting area in front of the resolute desk.

Leon was at home, so his face showed nothing beyond fatigue as he slumped into the couch.

I stepped forward and took a delicate seat on the edge of the couch. I was so dirty I expected to see an imprint of my butt on the couch once I got up.

A young female assistant filed into the room, flattening a non-existent crease in her gray pencil skirt before addressing the room. "Can I get anyone something to drink?"

O'Brian answered for the room. "Just bring us a pitcher of water Susan, thanks." Clive was a frequent flier here, normally taking a trip to the White House at least once every month or two. She nodded and moved out of the room.

"The president will be here in just a few minutes." The secretary said, sitting in the chair across from me and pulling out a notepad. I looked over to Leon on the other end of the couch. His gaze raked over my body and cocked a brow, clearly confused by my tight posture.