Call my bluff

Alyssa was pushing her panties up and patting her dress down when Richard unlocked the door. It had been almost an hour. Her desk was a mess and she hissed at him to not open the door until she got that fixed. “Help me.” She ordered and he did as told. The President of the US kneeled collecting documents at his mistress’s wish. That’s how much she had over him.

She tidied the desk arranging the computer wires and the keyboard whilst Richard staffed the papers and pens and pencil cases cautiously. He knew Alyssa was an organization freak and he remembered to leave everything as it was. Her shoes had rolled off to the edge of the wooden desk leg and she was quick to slide her feet in there as he flanked the door open. Carl appeared unfazed and he nodded at Alyssa before escorting the President outside of the room.

She sank to her seat and checked the time. She would have to meet with the General in an hour. That meant that Richard would already have resigned to the East Wing with his wife to get ready for tonight’s gala. She texted Melissa informing her of the success in getting the General alone. She’d get back to her as soon as their conversation was over.

She was thirsty. She headed to towards the kitchen and fished a cold bottle of water from the fridge. The Press Secretary was standing two feet away from her enjoying her coffee with a bagel. They smiled faintly at each other. She was watching the news playing on the TV. Alyssa turned to observe for a bit. A story about the President and his electoral success was covered by national news.

“Mr Davis deserved this office. I haven’t seen such passion in a long time.” She said munching on her food.

“He did. He did…” Alyssa’s mind trailed off to the night before the final voting day. To the secret meeting of Katherine, Erik, Merlin (chief of staff) and Theodore(campaign manager) to which she was invited. They’d been worried about whether he would win the election. The chances were low with the opposition turning states red. Alyssa knew that the Republicans would win. It was a matter of economic and political instability. She remembered of the phone call that she made to an acquaintance of hers in the CIA.

“Everything okay?” The woman asked sipping on her coffee. Alyssa shook her head slamming back to reality and chuckled.

“Yes! Sorry I just zoned out.” She opened the water bottle and poured some into a glass before downing it at once. The silver watch dangled on her wrist. She’d never taken it off since he bought it for her. It was their something. No matter what had happened between them she’d always wear it. “Enjoy your coffee.”

She walked down the hallway to Merlin’s door. His secretary must have been on her break or at the restroom because she wasn’t at her post. She knocked and entered. His head was buried between his hands and he cursed under his breath.

His neck craned at Alyssa’s entrance and he sighed in relief.

“Thank God it’s you.” He said and offered her a seat. His face was swollen from the lack of sleep and so were his eyes full with dark circles.

“You need rest.” She extended her hand and he grabbed caressing it gently. Merlin was a father like figure to Alyssa. A wise oak. She trusted him and he trusted her. They were the ones in Richard’s team that had gone to the very end for his election. And of course he was one of the three people who knew about her and Richard.

“Well the President’s mind is not entirely his. And I have to be there doing twice the homework he has to do so we don’t appear as useless.” Alyssa felt a little bit embarrassed at the first comment even if she knew he never spoke with bad intentions. He was right. She should have stood her ground, should have shown him the door.

“Don’t worry Merl. Everything will be okay. But you do need to rest or you will not make until the end of his term. Also, don’t worry about the UN conference I will prepare him for that on the plane.” She reassured him.

“You’re a political mastermind. You should be in that Oval room.” He chuckled and she smiled scoffing playfully at him. “Now, tell me about the General issue.”

“There are rumors that he has been feeding special forces opium and other drugs to enhance their performance.” Alyssa’s jaw clenched. The past was replayed. America was doing the same mistakes.

“Credible sources?” He enquired.

“I wouldn’t pursuit otherwise.” She guaranteed and stood up. “It’s time I settle in the Oval Room. Thanks for that by the way.”

She exited the office and walked down to the right where the entrance of the Oval Room was. Tom, the other permanent bodyguard of the President was outside. He nodded and opened the door for Alyssa. The energy of the room was majestic. It was the office of the most powerful man in the world. And it radiated this sense of authority.

She roamed the room and circled his desk. Pictures of his wife and him, him in the army and him with Merlin, Theodore and her decorated the back. She peaked into the documents laid out on the desk. Afghanistan wrote one folder. She hesitantly picked it up and run through it. They’d retreat the troops. Richard has signed it. Her heart sank a bit.

She let it gently back where it was. She needed to be focused and sharp. She couldn’t let this cloud her judgement. At 7.00 PM exactly the General walked in through that door.

Alyssa having her back towards him let out a breath and cleared her throat. After he’d taken two steps in, she turned. A middle aged white mediocre man looked at her with a smug superiority that didn’t reflect on his height and presence. He thrived in his authority and power and that showed from the way he carried himself.

“General.”

“Ms Pope, to what do I owe this pleasure?” He smirked. A woman couldn’t have possibly called him here for something important. Alyssa brushed away the anger his sexist tone hinted and continued.

“I think you know General. It couldn’t remain hidden for long. Soldiers speak, especially those under the influence.” She beat around the bush just enough to see him tickle a bit. He approached and took a seat at the couch across from her.

“And what do these soldiers say? Because frankly I’m not aware of what you’re implying.” He scoffed dismissively.

“There are evidence and testimonies supporting that you have initiated an opium prescription to soldiers of Special Forces to enhance their performance.” Her tone was stern and unyielding and it took the General aback.

“I don’t recall initiating anything like that.” He denied. Classic.

“Then why did you deadlock the US Attorney’s investigation? If you’re not guilty, then let them know your innocence.” She pushed and she could see glimpses of his composure falling apart.

“I just don’t like them messing with my business. There’s nothing for them to find so I killed their investigation.” He went on to parade his act.

“General such an accusation would enact a Congressional meeting and your dismissal above all. The story would become a headline in all national news agencies and the legacy you’ve tried so hard to maintain will be ripped away piece by piece by greedy reporters and journalists. Soldiers will talk, even these who didn’t dare to in order to earn publicity and be named national heroes and saviors and patriots. This administration will condemn your name and your family would be put under the microscope. Your twins will be bullied and your wife will be subjected to harassment. And that’s the mild reality.” She said in one breath looking him dead in the eye.

“You have nothing to base this accusation on. You have nothing!” He jumped out his seat.

“Don’t raise your voice at me. And don’t forget who I am. I served in the army as a marine during my first years, I know people. I have served in the CIA and made friends within the FBI. I could infiltrate your office and you wouldn’t realize who was until you were behind bars wondering who was the mole.” She closed the distance between them. She was taken than him. Not much but taller. “Let the US Attorney’s investigation continue. Find a scapegoat. Someone to blame if you can’t bear the consequences of your own actions. You have 36 hours.”

“And if I don’t?” He challenged her and she smiled.

“I dare you to call my bluff.” She replied crossing her arms. “Oh and if I find out you’re continuing this menagerie of drugs, there won’t be a warning. Goodnight General.” He headed towards the for without looking back.

Alyssa was in great need of a cigarette. She knew Richard would have something even better. She found a packet of Cuban cigars under liquor table. She poured herself some whisky and lit up a cigar. She reached for the TV remote and pushed the ON button.

“THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY AT THE GALA!” were the headlines and she took every image of them in with a drag of smoke and liquor. It was 7.45 PM. Still pretty early. Once she’d finish smoking she’d get up and get straight home.

She lived in an apartment compartment. She’d manage to secure one on the top levels of the building with a stunning view. Not too large. But not too small either. It was perfect for her lonely residence. A mixture of classical and modernist style. And at the back on the library shelf, a picture of them. The only trace of the relationship ever.

They never took pictures. It left digital footprints.

And devices could be hacked.