Joint Base Andrews
"I can't thank you all enough for coming." I say to the leaders. "It's trying times now in the country."
"Trying times is quite an understatement Madam Vice President." said the German chancellor. "I can only hope that this wouldn't spiral out of control into hostility."
"Rest assured Madam Vice President." said the British prime minister. "The MI6 will offer their assistance in any way possible."
"About that sir." the MI6 chief chipped in. "One of my agents notified that the suspect is a British citizen, the problem is he is half Russian." hearing this piece of news, none of us were smiling. I sighed but said nothing. The vice president's limousine is parked far from the planes but retained a healthy distance in case of a sudden attack that required the Vice President of the United States to be evacuated to relative safety. While we discussed the issues a plane landed and taxied to a halt on the runway, catching us off guard.
"That doesn't look like a normal plane." said President Leroy.
"It's not, President Leroy." I said, an apologetic smile on my face. "It's my boss." Air Force One soon taxied to a complete halt and the air stairs were mobilized. I approached the plane as the cabin door swung open and President Reagan stepped out. He's dressed in a semi-casual manner, but his grim expression however, leaves no question that he's very angry. His chief of staff followed behind him as he made his way down and I gave him a quick nod. He puts up a hand, insisting upon no formalities and headed towards the G7 delegation, removing his pair of sunglasses. Yet, despite his anger he still managed to put up a smile and greeted the dignitaries. He waved at me to give him some space and I nodded, walking towards my own vehicle. Bruce stepped out when I approached, Richard stepping out from a nearby SUV.
"He's back." he remarked. "He's not going to have your head isn't it?"
"Hardly, but he's angry with Russia." I say. "But it's a real short trip, considering the time."
"You said that he went to Egypt."
"That was last night." I said, glancing at the interaction between the President and the British delegation.
"Something wrong?" Bruce asked.
"Yeah, could be." I say as the British prime minister gave a pat on the shoulder of the chief of MI6 and started a slow walk towards his awaiting plane. "Ok, maybe not could be. It's really wrong." Richard's glance darted between our expressions and the delegation, then stuffed his hands into the pockets of his winter jacket.
"I see an international incident coming."
"Are you blind?" Bruce and I asked.
"Fair enough." Richard raised his hands in surrender. "Best to not mess with your mood, especially when I know MI6 is involved."
"When King is involved, you better expect it to be English." I say. "Excuse me." buttoning my jacket back in place I approached President Reagan and Chief of MI6 Roland Churchill, who is holding a briefcase.
"Unicorn and Lion." he said.
"English Rose." I replied.
"It's good to see you again, my lovely niece." the chief greeted. "I do hope that my presence doesn't trouble you."
"Slightly, but not enough to cause a problem." I say. "I'm sure that we can come to an agreement."
"Lovely." he replied in a sarcastic manner when approaching Bruce. "I'm not going to say what people would normally say."
"I'm thankful upon the prime minister agreeing to lend me your help for the time being."
"The PM is quite concerned regarding the fact a British citizen is implied in this incident." said the MI6 chief. "I will do whatever I can to aid the investigation."
"Will do." I say, nodding.
"How's the condition of Sergei Volodin?" asked President Reagan.
"He's still unconscious, but the Maryland authorities have made the decision to airlift him to Washington D.C. for further medication." I reported.
"How's security?" the president asked.
"The FBI is in charge." I responded. "Any target contaminated with Novichok is a tug of war between life and death."
"Novichok is a lethal nerve agent, I understand."
"But we do know that the agent is administered twice."
"How so?" I cast a glance regarding my surroundings before I can say anything. "Wait, it's best that we don't say anything confidential in open areas." President Reagan turned and walked towards Richard's SUV. Andrew Barrowman, the president's principal Secret Service agent, accompanied him towards the vehicle, gun in hand.
"Jack." I acknowledged the president's chief of staff.
"Madam Vice President." he replied. "We have identified the intruders in the White House while he attends the conference."
"Seems weird that he's back in two day's time." I replied.
"The Afghan government is grateful upon the contributions made by the G7. The Taliban however..."
"The negotiations broke down." I say, shaking my head. "We have been there since the 2000s. This has to stop somehow."
"You went with the troops. Say no more."
"Negotiations with the Taliban will need time." I remarked.
"Ready?" the president asked, approaching us. "In case anyone asks, I'm hitching a ride with the VP."
YOU ARE READING
Russian Roulette
Mystery / Thriller"This is a crossroad Isabella." he said. "There will be no return if you were captured." "Can I even turn back?" I asked.
