CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“Jesus, you guys are full of some great news,” frowned the man.
“Mr. Speaker, we’re sorry to bring this to you, but we’ve got to stop it now.”
“What about Denis Leon?” he asked.
“Let’s just say we have that under control. I have a team ready to board the ships containing the diverted oil. The oil will be returned to the countries from which they were stolen,” said Michael. “What we need is for you to call a special session with the president, vice president, and General Abrams.”
“There’s no guarantee that they’ll come. They could say they have something else happening, or they could delay it. If what you say is true, that two of the men involved are gone and Leon will be handled, they might suspect something.” Michael nodded, looking back at Ghost, Ian, Nine, and Gaspar.
“Tell him ten ships filled with oil were found unmanned in the Gulf of Mexico. Tell him that if we don’t claim them for the U.S., South America will make their claim. He’ll need the approval of the House to go and get them,” said Nine.
“Alright. Give me some time to make the calls.”
The men nodded, making their way across the street to wait for his call. Inside the small restaurant, they ordered enough food for ten men, but when they were nervous and ready for action, they were hungry.
“What do you think, Michael?” asked Ian.
“He’ll get them there, but it won’t be easy to convince the House of their involvement. We’ll have to show everything we have.”
“We know that,” smirked Ghost. “What do you think about him as POTUS?”
“Oh,” he laughed. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders. Solid, midwestern values, common sense. I don’t think this is what he wants, but I think he’ll take the role and do a good job.”
“You’ll support him, of course,” said Nine, staring at his old friend.
“I’ll help him if he asks, but each man has to find his own in the presidency, Nine. It’s the worst fucking job on the planet and one that can give you the greatest feeling of satisfaction. Everyone is your enemy, and everyone is your friend. You have to watch your back, your front, and everything in between.
“Those who don’t want your job want your life. Even though they don’t want it, they’re determined to destroy it. I couldn’t have done that job without Miriam by my side. The Speaker’s wife is a good woman, and they’ve three grown kids who are solid citizens. He’ll be okay.”
“What about Deanna?” asked Ghost. “Will she be okay?”
“Wilson says she’s making good progress,” said Nine. “She’s got the best doctors and nurses handling her care. She’ll be just fine.”
“Did the boys make it to Georgetown?” asked Ghost.
“Yep. They’ve got it handled. By the end of the day, Leon will no longer exist.” The door to the café opened, and the Speaker stepped inside, walking toward the men. He took a seat beside Michael and grabbed a handful of French fries.
“Well?” asked Gaspar.
“Special session is approved for six p.m. Eastern time. If this doesn’t work, I’m going to be crucified.”
“And if it does, you’re going to be sworn into the most powerful office on the planet,” said Michael. The Speaker stopped, looked up at them, and then dashed toward the bathroom. “That’s normal. He’ll be fine.”
“Did you puke when you won?” grinned Gaspar.
“Oh, hell yeah. I puked, I nearly shit my pants, I got hives, then the reaction really started.”
“I bet Miriam was questioning her choices about that time,” laughed Ghost. Michael laughed, shaking his head.
“Brother, that woman has been solid by my side through it all. I sometimes wonder what I ever saw in Melanie. She was determined to climb the social ladder of D.C. and drag me with her kicking and screaming. Miriam was different. She was there to support me but didn’t want to be thrust in front of the world. She attended the functions when she had to, when she felt it was necessary, but she never pushed for more.
“I think the thing I was most proud of was her input in balancing the budget. That woman could see numbers in ways I hadn’t even thought of. Now, we have a whole team of people who are able to do that for us.”
“We’re lucky,” said Nine. “Think of all those left behind that didn’t find their passion.” Michael shook his head.
“I don’t want to think of that.”