Secret service

Alyssa was settling already in the White House, assigning members of the Secret Service to their designated posts and looking to memorize the layout of the building so that she knew every exit, entrance, room, hidden room and the location of every surveillance camera.

Her hair was pulled back in a sleeker back ponytail and she was dressed in a black tight knee dress with heels. Her eyes were framed behind glasses. But not just regular glasses. The E23 model was the latest development of Homeland Security with face recognition software. She paced down the corridor towards the central hall of the House where the Secretary of Homeland Security expected her to drive to the U.S. Capitol where the inauguration would take place.

“I’m ready to go.” She said to the tall grown man in a tuxedo in front of her. He nodded and moved to the exit. She followed and slithered into the limo.

Her eyes raked through the paperwork that accompanied her new position. Fortunately, Alyssa had a photographic memory. She could easily memorize most information. The circumstances under which the President was to live the White House were the thing that intrigued her the most and confirmed the statement of him being the most powerful man in the world.

When they reached the Capitol, Alyssa jumped out of the car and headed straight for the room where she had been informed the President was getting ready in. She’d thought it was better to introduce herself before the inauguration. Four more men escorted her inside. More were scattered around the platform outside. All at the disposal of the man behind that door. She knocked. A deep and stern voice echoed through the door. “Come in.”

Richard Davis was about 6’3 and 47 years old, graduated Harvard Law on a student loan and completed his master in Columbia University where he studied Global Politics. There he met his wife, the First Lady, Katherine Davis, to whom he has been married for almost 8 years. He had served as Senator for the State of California before he decided to run for President. And he won. He stood before a long mirror with his exceptional suit on adjusting the tie around his neck. He had the perfect smile that earned him his office and the confidence of power.

“Mr. President, my name is Alyssa Pope as you may already know, Director of U.S. Secret Service.” She extended her hand and he shook it with no hesitation. For a second their eyes met and something clicked in his brain that made the smile falter.

“Always a pleasure to meet you Ms Pope but I’m not yet President, not for about…” The watch dangled on his wrist as he shook his hand, “19 minutes.” He exhaled returning to the mirror to fix his tie. Alyssa could see him struggle but yet she stood there unmoving like a ghost, observing the wall across. “Can you help me, please? My hands got sweaty.” He chuckled nervously. He was an attractive man. A powerful man. Alyssa was the babysitter of the most powerful man in the world.

She nodded and approached him running her fingers through his tie. She had learnt how to make the perfect tie knot in the navy. She could do it with her eyes closed. In two seconds, she was done. She felt eyes prying on her face and when she raised her eyes, his brown warm gaze pinned her. He cleared his throat and took a step back, “Thank you. You can go.” He blurted out but then not his lip realizing, “You can’t go. Ever. Right?”

Alyssa nodded. “I just came here so that we could set off in a more peaceful start. The first few days will be packed with press meetings and inaugural balls, where you will always have to be escorted by me and four other agents. Twenty more will follow in the cars behind us. At all times.”

“Ok.” He put on his blazer and closed the two buttons. “Will the Secret Service structure of my personal escort be adaptable?” Richard sleeked his hair back with his fingers.

“Depends on what adaptable is defined as, Mr. President.” The title rolling off her tongue made him feel a weird kind way. He enjoyed it. His eyes scanned her. She had the posture of a soldier and the coldness of a marine. And her green eyes looked focused on him behind her glasses. “Most likely not. The number of agents is set. Sometimes, an ambulance will need to follow on our tracks but that is purely up to the individual situation.” Her phone dinged. It was almost time. Five minutes to get him to the platform for his oath.

“Honey!” Katherine Davis entered the room heading to hug her husband. He hesitated but returned the hug. “It’s time! Can you believe it?!” Her eyes settled on Alyssa and the smile grew wider. The weapon of every First Lady. “Katherine Davis! Nice to meet you!”

“Alyssa Pope. She is the Director of the Secret Service.” Richard interrupted before she could answer. She simply smiled and shook Katherine’s hand.

Alyssa was tall. Standing at 5’8 and 37 years old, she was an intimidating figure. Her pulled back dark brown hair cascaded down her back in the ponytail accentuating the sharp angles of her face. Her cheekbones and jawline were sharply carved. She had but one simple on the left side of her smile. She was not conventionally attractive, yet she had something intriguing about herself.

“We better go.” Alyssa checked the digital watch on her wrist. “Jayson, is everything in place?” She talked to the earpiece waiting for a reply. ‘Positive.’ His voice came in and she nodded. She looked at the couple and motioned them towards the door.

She claimed her seat on the side of the platforms, on the fringes of the party just enough so that she wouldn’t be in the TV picture. Inauguration lasted for about 47 minutes. With poets and intellectuals paying their respects to the new President and reciting some of their work for his honor.

It was still pretty early. 10.45 AM and the President with his wife were followed by swarms of press as they were led to the parking where they boarded the presidential limousine. Alyssa was behind them. Jason was their driver. She followed in a black SUV with six other same cars flanking her side.

She spoke in the earpiece, “Vehicle 2 stick behind the limousine. I will get in front of the limousine to pave the way for the White House. Vehicle 3 and 4 drive around. The rest of you fill every remaining gap.” She pushed her led against the pedal accelerating and rushed before the limousine. She raced vehicle 1 for the position and reached the place.

Shortly, they were in the main entrance of the White House before it’s grandiose column arch. Richard and Katherine Davis walked inside. Their suitcases had already been delivered as with every other asset they may need. Katherine Davis ventured towards the East Wing where the chambers were. She wanted to make the House look ‘warm and cozy’ as she’d said to Richard.

The Counselor to the President arrived and escorted him to the Oval Room. Alyssa short on their trails. She closed the door behind them and stood outside the room with her hands evened behind her back. When the counselor exited, he turned to her and told her that he’d ask for her.

Her eyebrows furrowed. When she realized, her eyes fell to the ground but her hand moved to the door handle and she entered the room, knowing it would be a mistake.