Washington, DC
Rock Creek Park
The stars twinkled in the cloudless, early morning sky while the citizens of the city slumbered in their beds. The only noise was from the insects and animals in the park. Suddenly, a vortex opened in the sky. It hovered there for a few minutes before disappearing as swiftly as it appeared.
The two-seat time pod with a special coating of light-absorbent material made a stealthy landing in a clearing surrounded by tall trees. A slight hiss from the engines after they shut down was all the sound it produced as it settled. The door creaked open and two figures emerged.
Paulette, straightened up and shook her brown curly hair out of her face. She pulled down on the coarse shirt that kept making her itch. “These clothes they wore during this era were dreadful. How could they stand this scratchy material?” she whispered.
Oliver glared at her and hissed back, “Be quiet. We don’t know if anybody is out here.”
Paulette stretched her aching shoulders and stepped away from the time pod. She peered out into the wooded forest. A deep breath of refreshing clean air made her smile.
Oliver swung the pod door shut. He clicked a button on a small device from his polyester slacks causing the light-absorbent material to shift and make the time pod disappear. He straightened his tie and put on his suit jacket then gestured for Paulette to come.
“Yeah,” she snapped. “You don’t have to command me to come to you like I was some dog.”
“I can, and I will.”
Paulette rolled her eyes and flicked an errant strand of hair out of her eyes before bothering to answer.
“Sure, whatever you say,” she said with a snarl.
Oliver, exasperated at her tone, clenched his fists and bellowed back, “You will not talk to me like that. Do you hear me?”
Paulette balked at his tone, stepping back and reassessing the situation. “Fine,” she promised with a controlled smile.
Oliver’s whole body relaxed. “You know more about this city than I do. Although, I am in charge here, you will need to assume the lead for most of the journey. But you will do what I say. Understood?”
Paulette gritted her teeth and nodded.
“I recommend we work our way out of this area and find some transportation,” he said.
“You think we can just get a car or something? How do you suppose we do that?”
“This is your expertise. You’ll discover something and make it work.”
“As I told you when we went over our plans in the quantum physics lab, that’s stealing.”
“I don’t care. The mission comes first.”
Sighing, she said, “Follow me then, like I actually know where we are.”
Paulette was glad she had a sweater over her blouse for it was a frosty November morning.
She stomped off in a south-easterly direction expecting to locate the edge of the forest that would lead out to a housing area. She only vaguely recalled the torn and weathered map she looked at. Oliver had procured an old map from what seemed to have been an old encyclopedia that had survived the cataclysm. She would have to pull it out of her waist band occasionally to gain her bearings. Thankfully, her compass worked.
They marched through the eerily quiet woods for what seemed like an eternity. Just when Paulette thought she had made a wrong turn, there was an opening in the woods. In front of her was the housing area they were looking for.
“Great, you got us out of the woods without becoming lost.”
Paulette sneered. They rounded a corner and stood in a secluded neighborhood where several cars were parked.
They had produced a fake 1960-style license plate prior to leaving the City of Technology, to replace the one on the car they would take if they found one. Stealing a car did not thrill her at all.
Oliver slithered up to a 1950 Chevrolet Bel Air and tested the door. To his surprise, it opened. He motioned for Paulette to come over to the driver’s side.
“Okay, get this thing running. You’ll be driving.” He looked toward the rear of the vehicle. “I’ll switch out the plates.”
Paulette scrunched her eyebrows and her lips curved downward, not happy to be told what to do. Despite her unhappiness she got down and began yanking wires from under the dashboard. Locating the correct wires, she cut and stripped them with a knife. She wrapped the red wires to provide power to the electrical systems. She then took the two brown wires and touched them together, causing the engine to turn over. It roared to life. She taped each of these wires separately, tucking them back under the dashboard. She dusted herself off and then slid in, shutting the door.
Oliver plopped into the passenger seat and pulled the door shut.
Paulette shifted into drive and quietly pulled away from the curb. They had a few hours yet before they could contact the president they had come to save. She decided getting downtown and as close to their target as feasible was the best course of action.
She drove down Blagden Avenue to 16th Street, NW, and took a left. If she remembered the map correctly, 16th Street should take them to H Street, NW. Then she could cut over to 15th Street, NW, and then to Pennsylvania Avenue. She drove at the speed limit or just below, trying to eat up some time. Oliver tapped his fingers on his thigh. He was either anxious or impatient. She couldn’t tell which and wasn’t about to ask, fearing his anger.
The scenery changed from housing to stores and government buildings as she continued to roll at a relaxed pace down the street. She caught Oliver looking at her from the corner of her eye. He was frowning, and the tapping had increased. She couldn’t take it anymore.
“What!”
“Why are you driving so slow?”
“I’m driving the posted speed limit, and besides, we need not spend several hours just sitting in the car.”
“Who cares if we have to wait?”
“Really? You can’t keep calm for a brief drive, but you’re saying you can sit in the car for several hours while we wait for everyone to wake up?” She shook her head in disbelief. “I think not.”
Oliver’s hand shot out and seized her right arm. “You don’t talk to me like that. Do you understand? I am in charge here, and if I say drive faster, then you drive faster. Understood?”
Paulette snatched her arm from his grasp and stomped hard on the brakes causing Oliver to fly forward. Idiot didn’t have his lap belt on.
She then fired back, “I may be forced to do what you tell me, but if you prefer to remain under the radar, we need to drive the speed limit. Otherwise, we may get stopped by the police. You don’t want that, do you?” Paulette’s entire body was shaking, and she wiped the spittle from her mouth as she started driving again.
She smiled inside when she saw Oliver rubbing his forehead where it had impacted the windshield. He eased back in the seat and fumbled with the lap belt. She heard it click in place.
“That was uncalled for,” he said.
Paulette continued to drive down the street. In some ways she was glad to be back in a world with a lot of people and buildings, even if it was the wrong era. A few minutes later she came to the stop light at 16th and H Streets. When the light turned green, she took a left. She drove a block and then noticed that 15th Street, NW, was one-way and she couldn’t turn right. She proceeded to 14th Street, NW, then made her right turn. Still having several hours to wait, she pulled over next to a small coffee shop and parked the car. She wasn’t looking forward to sitting in the car with Oliver.
“Why did we stop?”
“Because we’re close to the White House, and it’s still too early.” She rolled her eyes and huffed.
“Fine. What time will we head to the White House?”
“In about two hours.”
She watched as Oliver unbuckled his seat belt and reached for the door handle.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“I have been nowhere but the City and our apocalyptic world. I want to stroll around and check things out.” He opened the door then said, “Besides, you can’t stop me.” He exited the car and slammed the door. She watched him walk down the street, his head swiveling back and forth trying to take everything in. Paulette decided this would be an excellent time to take a quick nap. Besides, if Oliver got lost, she might be able to get back home without him. Her mood lifted at that prospect. However, the devastation he could do if she left him there wasn’t worth the opportunity to take off with the time pod. She silently cursed. No silent trip home for me. She knew keeping an eye on him was the only way to keep him from doing something stupid.
Sighing, she got out and trotted to catch up to him. She realized how interesting it would be seeing 1960s D.C.
Oliver twisted around and growled, “Why are you following me?”
“So, you don’t get lost. That’s all we need right now.”
“Oh, you think I’m stupid, is that it?” He glared at her, his fingers flexing at his side.
“No, it’s just that, like you said, you haven’t been in an actual city before. This place can become confusing fast. I just want to make certain we can find the car again. Plus, it’s still dawn. The sun is just beginning to rise.”
She could see him relax. He simply replied, “Oh,” as he turned back and continued walking.
Surprised with such a brief answer, she scampered to catch up.
They made it back to the car with no mishaps. Oliver got in and shut the door. Paulette felt her skin crawl, knowing Oliver was watching her every move. She quickly touched the two wires together, and the car fired to life. She ducked from under the dash and slid into the driver’s seat.
“Are you ready to do this?” she asked him, while shifting into drive and pulling away from the curb.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be? You’ll do a lot of the talking but only when I tell you to, understood?”
“Of course.” Her hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel.
“You need to calm down, or this won’t work.”
Taking a deep breath in, she exhaled, counting one, two, three, breathe. She did this several times and finally stopped shaking. “Do you have your card out?”
She saw Oliver nodding as he reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out the CIA ID card they had made prior to leaving.
A moment later, they were pulling up to the Pennsylvania Avenue guard gate. She rolled down her window. “Good morning,” she said to the guard. She noticed that his name tag read, “Gary.”
Gary had short-cropped black hair and wore his outfit with pride.
“Morning ma’am,” he said, as he leaned down to get a good look into the vehicle. “How can I help you two today?”
Oliver spoke up, “My name is Agent Oliver Payne. We’re from the CIA, and we need to speak with the president. It’s about an urgent matter.”
Gary looked first at Paulette, then at Oliver, before he said, “ID cards.”
Oliver handed his card to Paulette, and she picked up hers, then handed both to Gary.
Gary swiped the cards out of her hand and inspected them. “I haven’t heard of no woman CIA agent before. You the chauffeur or something?” he asked, as he walked back into the guard shack.
Paulette shook her head, frustrated with the way she was being treated. How could he be so arrogant? she thought. Then she remembered where she was and realized that many woman were still housewives. Breathing in a deep breath and exhaling, she calmed down before Gary came back.
Gary strolled over to the vehicle, “Ma’am, sir, they have asked me to find out what your actual business is here at the White House before I let you in.”
Oliver hissed under his breath, but before he could say anything that could ruin it for them, Paulette said, “Gary, we have an urgent, top-secret message for the president’s ears only. Tell your superiors that this a national security matter.”
Gary swiped at an insect buzzing near his face as he stared at Paulette. He seemed to be thinking about what she said. Without a word, he pivoted and went back into the guard shack. She just shook her head and sat there, waiting and hoping that they would be admitted.
She peered into the guard shack and could just barely see Gary. It was as if he were animated with his hands and arms flying around while he talked on the phone. A moment later she saw him put the phone down. He straightened his uniform and walked back out to them.
“I’m so sorry ma’am, sir. If you had told me your intentions up front, it would have made things a little easier. They told me to let you in. Also, the president will meet with you at 7:30 a.m., if that works for you.”
Oliver leaned over and said, “Thanks, that works great for us. Have a pleasant day.” He sat back in his seat with a forced grin on his face.
“You too. Proceed to the West Wing parking area, then enter through the West Wing entrance.”
Paulette didn’t wait another second. She pushed the gas pedal and sped up toward the West Wing parking lot and parked. They got out of the car and headed inside.
Upon entering, the guards searched and patted them down. They produced their cards for inspection and once cleared were escorted to a waiting area.
Oliver’s mouth stood agape as he looked at the ornate walls, pictures, statues, and other items as they walked down a hall in the West Wing to a waiting area. Paulette had to tug his arm and mouth the words, “Close your mouth.”
She could see his eyes were still wide as saucers. She could only imagine what was going through his mind. Paulette noticed how he took in everything in the room as if he wanted to get up and touch it all. She knew she would need to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn’t do anything out of character for his role. Paulette looked at things with interest, but not like some kid in a candy store, like Oliver was doing.
At 7:30 a.m. sharp, a youthful man with short-cropped, blond hair, wearing a black suit, walked up to them. “Agents Payne and Brown, I am here to escort you to the Oval Office.”
Paulette offered her hand to the man, but he just looked at it, then turned and walked away. With that snub, she and Oliver followed the man.
The man escorted them into the Oval Office. “Mr. President, I introduce to you, Agent Payne and Agent Brown of the CIA.”
“Thank you, Brian. I’ll take it from here.”
Brian stepped back out, closing the door behind him.
The President walked up to Oliver and Paulette and offered his hand. “Welcome Agents Payne and Brown.”
After shaking hands, the president motioned toward the couch in front of him. “Please, have a seat.” The president sat on the couch across from them.
Oliver and Paulette took a seat on the proffered couch, getting as comfortable as they could.
“I was told you had an urgent, national security matter to discuss with me.”
Oliver cleared his throat, straighten his jacket, then said, “Yes, Mr. President. My associate here has uncovered some dire information that you need to hear.” He looked at Paulette and nodded his head slightly, indicating she should now talk.
Paulette kept her face as neutral as possible. “Mr. President, we are here to tell you that your life is in danger and that you should cancel your parade in Dallas.”
President Kennedy blinked and leaned toward Paulette, resting his chin on his hands. “I see. How did you come by this information?”
Paulette pursed her lips as she thought about what to say next. She had to be careful not to divulge too much information. “Sir, I received this information from an anonymous source in the government.”
“What exactly did this anonymous source have to say?”
“They said your life was in danger and that you should cancel the Dallas parade.”
“You can’t be more specific? Maybe give me some details?”
“Mr. President, it is believed that one, maybe two gunmen are going to attempt to assassinate you that day.”
“I can’t cancel the parade, not without more concrete evidence. Plus, the Governor of Texas is expecting it,” he said, while sinking back into the cushion of the couch.
Paulette tried pleading with the president. “Please, Mr. President, you have to. I uncovered a plot to take your life while you are on the parade route. This plot reaches to high levels in the government. We are not sure who all is involved, but we feel it would be best that you do not go to Dallas.”
President Kennedy just sat there, hands laid on his lap, head tilted down, and shaking it back and forth, before he squared his shoulders and said, “I will be going. You haven’t presented any real evidence, and this parade is particularly important. Isn’t there a way you can find the people involved before the twenty-third?”
“Mr. President, I can’t guarantee that we could find the person or persons involved in time.”
“I could increase my security team. They can do extra sweeps of the area...”
Paulette interrupted, “Sir, that won’t guarantee your safety either. They could still miss something.”
“What do you think, Agent Payne? You’ve been pretty silent.”
Oliver flinched in surprise. “Umm, Sir, I really think you should stay here.”
The President seemed to be thinking when he got up and walked over to his desk. He picked up his phone, hit a button, and said something then hung up. Soon Brian, the man who had escorted them in, entered the Oval Office.
“Brian, these agents have told me that my life is in danger in Dallas. Is there anything you can do to keep me safe?”
Brian looked at Oliver and Paulette, then back at the President. “Sir, we can beef up security. I can have the Dallas police bring on additional officers, we can add more secret service agents, and we can do a complete building-by-building search before cordoning off the area. Will that work?”
“Yes, Brian, I think that will work fine.” President Kennedy looked at Oliver and Paulette. “I think that should do. No one will get through the extra security.”
Paulette’s eyes misted as she said, “No, I still don’t think it will be enough, but you are the President and have the final say.”
Oliver wasn’t happy with the outcome and jumped from his seat and said, “You can’t go, and that’s final!” Paulette interrupted before he said anything else. She didn’t want him to blurt out all the details of how the president would be killed.
“Please sit down, Agent Payne. That is no way to address the President of the United States. I will handle this. Is that understood?”
President Kennedy glowered at Oliver. Turning to Brian he said, “Escort these two out of my office right now.”
“Yes, sir,” Brian said.
Paulette stood, and before Brian led her away, she said, “Mr. President, I apologize for my colleague’s rudeness, but I implore you. Please don’t go to Dallas. I beg this for your own safety.
The President regarded Paulette for a moment, then said, “Paulette, I plan to go to Dallas no matter what. If what you say is true and my life is in danger, then you and Agent Payne better darn well stop it before it happens.”
“But, Mr. President, that only gives us twelve days to find who is behind this and put a stop to it.”
“Well, I suggest you get busy, the both of you.”
Brian, snagged Oliver’s arm and escorted both Oliver and Paulette all the way to their car. He stood there watching as they drove away, making sure they left the White House grounds.
“Now what!” Oliver snapped.
“I don’t know. You’re the one that had to assert your domineering personality and screw it all up.”
“Me, screw it up! I don’t think so. That guy would go no matter what we said.”
“You don’t know that. I may have talked him out of it had you not been so so...”
“So what?”
“You.”
Paulette was racing away down the road eager to get back to the time pod and the City of Technology, for now anyway.
“Slow down. You want to get us pulled over?”
Conceding to his demands, she slowed down.
“What do we do now?” Oliver demanded.
“You heard the president. He has now tasked us to stop whoever is planning to kill him.”
“How are we going to do that?”
“First, we have to get to Dallas. Then we make our plans to stop the assassination of the President.”