THREE

Chapter 7: Our American Hero

Maliciously sneaking into the theater, John Booth looked ready to do something very ‘surprising.’  Unbeknownst to Emmet, Booth was about to change the fate of America forever. 

            “This way, Emmet,” Booth quietly said as he and Emmet entered Ford Theater’s main lobby.  It was pretty late at night, and Emmet was concerned that they would not find the President.

            “How do you know if the President is still watching the show?” asked Emmet, curious to know.

            “The Lincolns always arrive late to these shows.  Trust me, I know these things.  Remember?  I’m practically famous here,” said Booth, who seemed like he knew everything about his surroundings.

            He sure did plan this very well, thought Emmet.

            “Good evening, Mr. Booth,” somebody said as he and Emmet walked through the theater, trying to find the Presidential Box where Abraham Lincoln sat.  After Booth got very close to the Box, he just stood there.

            “Booth, what are you waiting for?!?!  Surprise him already!” whispered Emmet, trying not to scare anyone.

            “Trust me; I know what I’m doing!  I know this play by heart.  I’m trying to ‘surprise’ Lincoln at the right moment, when everyone’s laughter from the play will overshadow the sound of the gun shot-” He closed his mouth right after the last word.

            “Gun shot?  Did you say gun shot?”

            “No, no.  I said…fun shock!” said Booth, worried that his cover would be blown.  Thankfully for Booth, naïve Emmet trusted him too much by now.

            “Oh, sorry.  I guess I just was thinking the worst possible thing….”

            Wait a minute, Emmet thought to himself.  Isn’t Lincoln supposed to die today?

            The thought quickly went away as he heard Abraham Lincoln speaking in the distance…

            “She won't think anything about it,” Emmet heard him say.  Although the sound was muffled, Emmet felt truly honored to be able to hear him speak.  Not many Americans these days can say that they heard President Lincoln speak, Emmet thought.

            “Okay Emmet; now’s the time.  Here comes the actor’s funny line,” Booth said as Emmet listened to the play.

             "Don't know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal; you sockdologizing old man-trap!" said the actor.  There was a storm of laughter.

            Booth then took his briefcase, took out the gun he packed with him, and aimed at President Lincoln.  Emmet saw everything and was completely horrified at the truth of who John Wilkes Booth really was.  With a quick response and a patriotic heart, he blocked Booth’s shot at the President.  Emmet thought he was about to die from the shot.  With his eyes shut, all he could feel was a giant bullet in his hands.  He wasn’t sure if it went through him or not, but it was definitely a large bullet.  There was screaming in the audience below them and in the Presidential Box.  Emmet still had his eyes shut, but he knew he wasn’t dead.  He then opened his eyes. 

            He was staring right at Booth.

            “Booth…..how…how…could you?” Emmet whispered.  Booth looked at him with a sad look, almost as if Booth was disappointed in himself for betraying his new friend.