Chapter 62

Chapter 62—The press conference aftermath

10:46 a.m., Friday, December 30

Roger had observed the whole press conference. And, as is the manner of a good Secret Service agent, he did not allow his facial expression to reflect what was going on inside his head, or his heart. At its conclusion he had followed Allison up to the apartment, but had remained outside the door, assuming the posture of a century guarding a gate.
Even though the apartment door was extraordinarily thick, and even though he did not attempt to eavesdrop, he could not help but hear the shouting going on inside. He did observe that the only voice piercing the door was the high-pitched screams of Allison.
He would have been concerned had other voices risen to that level. He knew that Allison’s screams were her way of venting anger, and did not represent distress. He had experienced similar shouting episodes on numerous occasions in the White House. He thought for a moment, then realized that this was the first time he had heard Allison this worked up when Bob was not the target.
“Rog, Al is having a difficult time,” James said on his way out of the apartment. “I’m sure you’re already aware of that. I’m headed home. You know how to get hold of me if you need to. Don’t hesitate to call me.”
Roger nodded, making eye contact with James, but he did not say anything. He knew that it was always best to keep a tight lid on his mouth.
As James walked away, Roger pulled up a chair outside the apartment door, and sat down.
Inside the apartment Allison’s private telephone rang. All of her phone circuits were supposed to be secure. Allison immediately recognized this as the line Bob used when he wanted to talk to her. She intentionally allowed the phone to ring three times, then picked it up.
“Hello.”
“Al, what the hell is going on? You’re on every TV. Even the business channels. What’s this talk about you and James? And why did you have that stupid press conference?”
“It’s complicated. We can’t talk about it over the phone.”
Allison knew that her phone lines were as secure as the Government could make them, but she did not trust them anyway. She knew that for every security measure taken, there were very smart people staying up nights figuring out ways to defeat it. But even beyond her skepticism about phone security, she really wanted to air this whole thing out with her husband face to face.
“Can we get together? Right away?”
“Sure,” he said. “Where shall we meet?”
“How about here?”
“I’ll be deluged. No good.”
“What works, then?” The tone of Allison’s voice was not harsh or loud. Not only was she no longer angry, but she truly did wish to seek out Bob’s advice. Even more than the wisdom of James, she always respected what Bob had to say. She knew that once she explained why they opted for this strategy, and why James thought it necessary, Bob could be useful. Besides, she understood that her husband had a vested interest in a successful conclusion to the whole matter. They were, after all, still husband and wife; even though that relationship was frequently strained, particularly by Bob’s numerous affairs.
“I’ll swing by and pick you up. Who’s working? Is Rog around?”
“Yes, he’s sitting outside my door right now.”
“Really! Call him in and put him on.”
Allison detested whenever anyone ordered her around. Anyone, except for Bob. He was her first love, and her only love. And the same could be said for Bob. They both had more than their share of extramarital flings, resulting in some of the most vicious fights ever known to have occurred off a battlefield; but neither of them ever doubted their mutual love for each other. So, when Bob told her to go get Roger, she immediately complied.
She set the phone down, walked over and opened the door. “Roger, Bob wants to talk to you.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
Roger entered the apartment, as Allison secured the door behind him. He felt a little uneasy, allowing her to escort him. Typically it would have been him holding the door for her.
“Over here,” Allison said, directing Roger to the phone.
“Hello.”
“Rog, how are you?”
“Well, Sir.”
“Wonderful. Wonderful. It’s great to talk to you again.”
“Thank you. Sir. It’s good to talk to you as well.”
“Rog, Al and I have to get together, and right away. I need your help with it.”
“Yes Sir.”
“This is what I want you to do.” Bob paused to gather his thoughts. “I’m going to swing by there in one hour. I’m not coming up. I’ll let you know when I’m ten minutes out. Allison is going to ride with me. You follow with my agent. Drive separately if you wish. But the fewer cars the better.”
“Yes, Sir. Do I need to know where we’re going?”
“Soon as I do.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Would you put Allison back on?”
“Yes, Sir,” Roger answered, as he handed the phone back to Allison.
“Bob,” she said.
“Here’s how we’re going to do this. I’m going to stop by in an hour. Roger will escort you down to my car, and he will ride with my agent.” Bob paused, but only for a couple seconds. “Put Rog back on.”
Allison called to Roger, who had walked over toward the door. “Roger, Bob wants you back.”
Roger briskly returned, and Allison handed him the phone.
“Yes, Mr. President.”
“Rog, I want you to ride with my security detail. Okay?”
“That’s fine, Sir. Who is on for you today? If I might ask.”
“I have two today. I think you know them both—Smith and Harmon, male and female. You know them, right?”
“Yes, Sir, I do.”
“Okay. I’ll call this number when I’m ten out. Then I’ll call again as I arrive. You accompany Allison to my car. Then you ride with my detail. Right?”
“Yes, Sir. I’ll wait for your call.”
“Let me have Allison again. It was great talking to you again. I look forward to seeing you.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Roger said, again handing the phone to Allison, but not saying anything, as Allison had already reached out to receive it.
“Bob, things are not as they might seem.”
“Don’t say anything else. I’ll be there in an hour. We’ll talk then.”
“Where are we going?”
“Someplace really nice. And private. I’ll fill you in when I get there.”
“Great. I have always loved your surprises.” As was always the case, her husband had a way of making even the worst of circumstances seem bearable. For the first time that day Allison was starting to feel confident that James’ plan might work. Even though Bob did not come up with this strategy, she believed that once Bob was fully engaged, it had a chance. She was not smiling, but something close to a smile had emerged on her face. Roger even noticed it.
“I’ll wait outside,” Roger said, after Allison had hung up the phone.
“I’ll let you know when Bob calls back.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.”
Roger then walked through the door, and assumed his position outside.