Lincoln Memorial (Present day)
The sky is in blue when I reached the memorial for my morning run. Last week's mission was a success but the only thing still bothers me since that day is the emergency message from the MI6 chief. I have relayed the message to Dominic, whom also showed concern. Harold Manchester, the commander in charge of the SAS unit who accompanied us back in Afghanistan, has offered help in case anything happened and Uncle Roland offered us shelter in his great-grandfather's bunker at the same time. Starting in a slow run I enjoyed the calmness of the atmosphere and the slow churn of the water in the pool. Out of all the available jogging routes in DC I still prefer here.
After the run I returned to my residence and took a shower. Five minutes later I sat down at the dressing table, looking at the ribbon bars that I will wear on my blue service uniform. Memories of the life overseas is still in my mind as I smiled when looking at the ribbon bars I have received for my service in the Army. I pinned the bars on, slowly and one by one, including one that represents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with Distinction. Wearing on the black beret the sound of a vehicle pulling up to the driveway was heard. "Good morning Madam Vice President." the voice of my agent was heard when I stepped out to the porch. I gave him a knowing smile and approached the waiting limousine.
"Morning to you Timothy." I said as he held the door for me. Another agent is already sitting on the driver's seat when I slid into the passenger seat behind.
"Should we head to pick up your husband as well Madam?" he asked.
"He thought that he would be picking me up." I replied, looking at the recent text message showing up on the screen of my phone. "Guess that I have to tell him that I already have my own transport."
"Wouldn't that be awkward?" he asked. The limousine departs and headed to Bruce's location after I replied his text. We picked him up soon after and headed to the destination. The Memorial Day Gala is held at one of Gotham's exclusive hotels in the Diamond District of the city. As usual for red carpets every media outlet are standing by, their camera lens focusing on every potential guest that would be making an appearance. Nobody was prepared when a black limousine bearing Washington D.C. registration plates and the Seal of the Vice President of the United States showed up. But as I stepped out from the limousine they did not see my usual look on the papers. Instead of dressing in a sharp-tailored suit or an elegant gown I showed up in my blue Army Service Uniform, ribbon bars on display. Nobody except family members are allowed to get close to the Vice President, not even paparazzis. Refusing to answer any gossip-related question asked I strode into the elevator and the four of us did not engage in any conversation. Timothy, who has been with me after surviving multiple assassination attempts, stayed quiet because he knows what kind of reaction his boss normally gives out when faced with paparazzis which I have grown bothered to respond to.
The gala is buzzing with life when we arrived, the noises dying down soon after. I have to keep up appearances, maintaining a smile. Some of the socialite crowd were aghast upon noting my service uniform. Judging the fact that I know some of them did not bother to attend military camp as part of their duty as citizens I chose to ignore the glances thrown at me in a disapproving way. On the battlefield enemies never gave a damn about who you are, as long as you're their enemy you will be targeted. Although they have enough money to spend on lavish items they can't pay back the countless lives lost in battle. For me, serving in the military is an honor and my duty as a citizen of the United States. Seeing the tension Bruce offered to show me around and took me by my arm. "That was tense Isa." he said.
"Apparently they forgot what is the purpose of the gala." I replied, in a cold manner. Then I sighed and followed him around.
"But I can see your confidence, showing them what they lack." he said, glancing at the ribbon bars adorning my service uniform. I smiled at him and took out the dog tags in one of the pockets of my jacket, putting it on.
"I did my duty as a citizen, and I will not regret it." I declared.
YOU ARE READING
The Memorial Day Murders
Mystery / ThrillerA series of murders which all of the victims are tied to their involvement in the war in Afghanistan puts the remaining members of Elite Alpha, a now disbanded black ops team led by deceased Lieutenant General Gerald Forest hot on the killer's trail.
