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Quinn says, “I’ll announce you.”
“Don’t bother.” She nods to the Secret Service agent, who unlocks the door and swings it open quietly.
Hannah remembers a prayer from her younger days, says it silently, takes a deep breath, and walks into the Oval Office.
CHAPTER 133
PRESIDENT KEEGAN BARRETT is sitting behind the oldResolutedesk in the Oval Office and decides to hide his anger and aggravation as he stands up when CIA Director Hannah Abrams comes in, unannounced and uninvited.
He plasters a fake smile on his face—easy to do after years of practice—and comes around the desk, offers his hand.
“Hannah, good to see you, but still, this is quite a surprise,” he says.
She gives his hand a quick shake, her hand firm and dry, and says, “Sir, there’s a number of urgent emerging issues taking place that I need to discuss with you. Please, may I take a seat?”
“Absolutely,” he says, pulling a chair free from the side of his desk, putting it in front, at an angle, so she has to twist her body to look at him. He resumes his seat, puts his folded hands on top of theResolutedesk, and says, “That sounds pretty ominous. Do go on but make it quick. My schedule is pretty full.”
Hannah nods at him, looking like a schoolteacher about to issue a detention slip.
Go ahead, little lady, there’s nothing you can do to touch me, or harm me.
She says, “Sir, I’ll begin by saying that the American people—including myself—have admired the strong and decisive way you assumed the presidency this past January. There were no traditional bumps in the road or embarrassing incidents during the transition, you began your work that afternoon, even skipping most of the inaugural balls, and you set a tone of service that quickly became most admirable.”
Barrett nods with satisfaction. This certainly isn’t what he is expecting from this spook, and if he had his way, she would not be here. But Carlton Pope can’t be reached, so he decided to give her just a few minutes, just to keep the situation calm.
Even though he was in charge of it a couple of years back, he’s never trusted the CIA. He’s sure the agency killed JFK, crippled LBJ’s presidency with Vietnam, tried to take down Reagan via Iran–Contra, and for the past couple of administrations, illegally spied on candidates and subsequent presidents.
So he’s watching this serious-looking older woman and seeing a coiled rattlesnake sitting in front of him.
Hannah says, “Sir, you have had an admirable beginning to your term. But I’m in possession of key evidence that shows you have violated numerous federal statutes, as well as your oath to the Constitution, during the subsequent months. You had the background, experience, and passion to be elected president, sir, but you don’t have the temperament to govern as one. Like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, your managing principle was to ‘move fast and break things.’”
She shakes her head. “That principle may be admirable in business. But it’s sheer poison and a disaster for a president.”
Barrett frowns. “And you couldn’t tell me this over a phone call, and save us both a lot of time?”
“No, sir.”
“Why?”
Hannah says, “Because, sir, I needed to tell you to your face, that for the good of the nation and your legacy, you need to resign as president of the United States.”
CHAPTER 134
THERE,HANNAH ABRAMS thinks,I’ve tossed it out.
All the fictional tales about presidents being forced out, compromised, blackmailed, fromSeven Days in Mayand up toHouse of Cards,well, those disturbing fictions have now become a stone-cold reality this fine summer morning.
The director of the Central Intelligence Agency is trying to force a legitimately elected president from office.
She waits.
How will he react?
Barrett stares at her with focused eyes, and then smiles, leaning back in his chair.
“Hannah, that’s one hell of a joke,” he says.
Keeping her face set and impassive, she says, “This isn’t a joking matter. I’m quite serious, sir.”