It was Friday. Joe was traveling, they would meet again at home this evening. Jill had another busy day ahead before they could hopefully enjoy a relatively quiet weekend together.
As she finished breakfast and replaced her phone on the table, Joe appeared in the doorway.
'I'm leaving now babe', he said, dropping his overcoat over the back of the nearest chair as she stood. They embraced and lingered over a very pleasant kiss, long enough that it was certainly more than just a peck, short enough to make them both wish for so much more.
'Be safe', she told him as they broke away. He smiled in response.
She reached out and touched her fingertips to his face. His skin was soft and smooth, the lingering scent of his shaving soap filled her senses. Overlain with his aftershave it was just - him. She could pick him out anywhere just by scent alone, she was absolutely sure of it.
'You too', he replied. 'Love you Jilly', he said as he leaned in for another quick kiss.
'Love you Joe', she replied as he turned to leave.
As he was about to cross into the hallway she called to him.
'Joe!'
He turned, face open in question.
'Don't forget you still owe me an apology. I expect payment in full this weekend', she reminded him.
He grinned wolfishly as he recalled their conversation the previous day.
'You can bank on it', he retorted with a wink. And then he turned left and continued on his way.
She took her final swig of coffee and prepared to stand, her own busy day awaited.
'I'm ready for you to go to Paris. The Embassy knows you'll be there soon. The Ambassador is aware that you are my student and may need to communicate with me at any time, day or night so will assign you a space where we can talk privately. As soon as you get there make sure it fits our needs', she said, hinting heavily towards the fact that it was more than just coursework they would be discussing.
Shawn sat perfectly straight, every ounce of his attention on the First Lady, concentrating totally on everything she was saying.
'I know you will be staying with your family. I can call in some discreet security if we feel it's necessary but you won't have any for the moment. Your job is to work with Dr. Richelieu, conduct your research and stay as close to him as you can. We need him kept safe. Currently the President has a team of agents on the curator but, as he is due to end his lecture tour and leave the United States that will end as soon as he lands in Paris', Jill explained. 'Then it's over to you'.
Shawn nodded. 'Yes ma'am, I understand', he said.
'Are you clear on what is required of you?' she asked.
He simply nodded. 'Yes ma'am'.
Jill passed an airplane ticket to him and an envelope of Euros. 'Your flight will land in De Gaulle four hours before Dr. Richleau lands. From the moment he steps off the plane he's in your care', she said. 'I don't have to tell you that the President and I are placing a lot of faith in you', she continued honestly. Thinking silently that the President was also placing a lot of faith in her abilities too.
Shawn swallowed, his throat seemed to be home to a golf ball currently, his mouth was incredibly dry. The betrayal of his father still stung. The fact that he was getting this chance was a testament to the character of the First Couple. It was also his second, and only chance to prove himself, to make up for his fathers terrible error. It was his ticket back to his family too.
