The president nodded. “Come and join us. Eric, you and I will meet here in thirty minutes, all right?”
It was clear to Savich the president didn’t want Hainny involved in speaking with Natalie because Hainny obviously wanted her out, plain to see, and the president didn’t want to have to deal with him in front of them. But what about Arliss Abbott?
Arliss nodded to Natalie and frowned at Savich, who rose. She turned to the president. “I could leave if there are things you wish to discuss with Natalie before I’m to be included.” To Savich’s ear, she was practically screaming to stay.
“No, no,” the president said easily, and added, “Do you know Agent Dillon Savich, FBI?”
“I know of him,” she said, and this time, because it was expected, she shook his hand, her voice perfectly pleasant.
“Madame Secretary,” Savich said, his voice pleasant as hers. Why had she come ten minutes earlier than expected? Did she know exactly where the president stood, and would she try to change his mind?
He saw Natalie was sitting perfectly still, her back ramrod straight, her eyes on the rich dark blue draperies behind the president’s desk, changed from the bright red ones of his predecessor, or perhaps she was looking at the U.S. flag on one side of the desk, to the president’s flag on the other.
“Sir,” Arliss said, not sitting, “I was informed of your decision and I have some ideas to share with you both. First, Natalie, all of us are concerned for your safety. Last night shouldn’t have happened. I will ensure no one can get to you again. None of us want anything to happen to you.”
The president said very quietly, “Of course. Let me add that I already know what your feelings are in this matter, Arliss.”
“No, you don’t, sir. The press is giving heavy coverage to the intruder at Natalie’s home last night. It looks to become a major story that will change the dynamics for us, and for Natalie, entirely—if handled properly. I now believe Natalie should stay the course, remain the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom, and I have a plan on how we should proceed.”
Natalie said slowly, “Arliss, when you visited me Thursday afternoon at my home, you wanted me to resign.”
“The president had decided to keep you on and it was hurting him politically, Natalie, and I did what I thought best. Things are different now after what happened last night. A United States ambassador was attacked in her own home, her staff injured. Whatever happened in England, there is no doubt about last night. Your surviving, and persevering in your job, can be seen as a triumph. Obviously, what happened last night validates the president’s trust in you, his brave and wise decision to support you, despite the seeming impropriety.
“It’s clear the attempts on your life began abroad, when you were in the field representing the United States government. Natalie, the State has no choice but to wrap you in the American flag and make you a homegrown heroine.”
“And there you have it, Nat,” the president said, “Washington at its finest. Arliss and her staff are right about the potential politics of this, though.” He paused for a moment, grinned at Natalie. “You’re a perfect heroine. Now, if you’re willing, we can help you prep for the press, the news networks, put you back in the spotlight on your own terms.”
Natalie wondered if Arliss would have changed her mind if Hooley weren’t lying in the hospital with a knife wound in his heart, if dozens of people hadn’t seen her in bloody pajamas in the ER. She said, “This is a lot to process, but you know I will do my best.”
“Your best will be superb, as always,” the president said. “Now, Agent Savich, what can I do to help you?”
“Actually, Mr. President, after the incident last night, Madame Secretary is providing ample security. Mrs. Black’s safety was always my primary concern.”
Arliss said, “That’s right. Our State Department agents are already at your house, Natalie, making the necessary assessments. You know, if you’d asked me, I’d have authorized the Diplomatic Security Service to protect you as soon as you arrived home.”
Natalie looked at Arliss and knew very well what her answer would have been if she had indeed asked.
“That’s done, then,” the president said. “Arliss, why don’t you show Natalie to our press office, get her started on her work with them.”
Minutes later, Natalie, Savich, and Arliss walked past Hainny’s office to see him tapping his pen on a beautiful mahogany desktop. Arliss said smoothly, “He’ll find out soon enough. There’s a private study up ahead, and I’d like a few moments alone with Natalie. Would you mind waiting for us in the hall, Agent Savich?”