Again Sammy’s car drew attention, but this time only
for the better. Finne and Sarah passed
through the gates to the ground level lot between the State Department Annexes
and the Kennedy Center where they were headed. They rode in style, just as
every other dignitary parking here did in their Bentley’s and dark limousines. Different yes, but their ride looked as much
like big money as everyone else arriving with them. Jack’s care package of credentials didn’t hurt
either, allowing them through the Secret Service check points surrounding the
legendary performing arts venue that overlooked Washington’s river border with
Virginia and the many landmarks and monuments along its banks. The President had already arrived, Jack knew
given the protocols in use by the agents they encountered and from the code-words
he heard emanating from their ear pieces.
Not much time left, he thought.
Finne had prepared Sarah all day with the
information she needed. He repeated it
for the tenth time on the ride over.
Tonight they were a “couple” – credentialed plain clothed partner “agents”
from a DOD agency with complete access to all secure areas, including immediate
proximity to the President.
“Remember, keep your eyes open for whatever we’re
looking for.” Finne added as his final instruction to Sarah, mocking the fact
that they knew much less than they needed to be effective.
Before the assault on the CIA’s underground safe house,
Jack and DCI Thompson relayed a timeline of events, circumstances, and
interpreted plans that, if accurate, would culminate tonight with the
assassination of President Iglesias. The evidence pointed to someone within the
inner most circles of confidents to the President. Someone, but whom they did
not know. The last information they were
given before they escaped the firefight was to use the credentials they were
given to get close and pay attention…but not to whom.
Finne was unsure that Jack knew the answer and that
if they had not fled in the middle of the briefing he led, no further clues
would have been given. At least, he felt
so. Finne knew to trust his feelings.
Finne currently felt exposed and worried that the
same forces sent to kill he and Sarah at the CIA would be here ready to kill
them on sight.
“I’ll keep my eyes open, too, you know.” Finne said with
more assurance.
Passing the lobby, Finne and Sarah headed up the
wide red-carpeted stairway towards the VIP reception areas on the higher
floors. Brilliant rainbow accented
banners hung overhead naming the honorees of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.
Complimenting the President’s Latin heritage in this
important election year, Carlos Santana lead the names of artists to be awarded
the similarly colored medals honoring their contribution to the humanities.
Along with the legendary guitarist, Thad Nure, an albino Affrican American who
soared to comedic fame with an alluring, self-deprecating humor. And to Finne’s surprise, JeanLuc DeMarco made
the list. His legendary impressionist works
were still on display throughout the elite galleries of the world in contrast with
his most recent commission to body paint swimsuit models for Sports
Illustrated. Nice gig, Finne thought.
Surmounting the stairway the two passed through
several security checks before accessing the Presidential reception.
“This is it.” Finne stated as obvious.
Scanning the room Finne recognized the principals to
be, the President, First Lady, Vice President, his wife, The Defense Secretary,
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. All were mingling with the honorees preparing
for the pending production.
“Let’s go stand over there and look for anything
unusual among the crowd.” Finne instructed nodding towards a corner near the
far wall he determined to have the widest view of the room.
“Why, do you have to pee?” Sarah replied wondering
why they had to go stand next to the restrooms.
“No, What? Do you?”
“No.”
“Then why…?”
“Nevermind, Hey!, lets go stand next to the men’s
room because that’s where the cool kids hang out…”
Finne looked up and realized Sarah caught a detail before him. The corner he led Sarah toward was a great view, and it was the focal access point to the sole restrooms within the security perimeter. Still it was the best view, so he continued toward it.
