exceptional woman he had loved for more than a decade, through their own ups and downs. Loved passionately once; then, when his gift and his job came between them, loved with respect even as they decided to live separate lives. “Gear up?”
“Yes. And one other thing.” She set her wine glass down. It was a calculated move, carefully considered; he could see it in the play of her muscles, and the way her lips were slightly parted, and the way she leaned forward as she crawled over to—
whoa.
Kiss him.
Full and firm, lips soft against his, her red-wine tongue dancing into his mouth. The feeling of it was at once familiar and novel, the electric brush of her upper arm against his as she leaned in, and the smell of her in his nostrils.
She held the kiss long enough to make it clear that it wasn’t a friendly gesture, a peck between old lovers. When she broke it, she looked into his eyes and said, “I’m proud of you.” Then she picked up her wine glass and crawled for the exit. Over her shoulder, she said, “Fix it.”
Huh.
Huh.
Huh.
PRESS BRIEFING
BY PRESS SECRETARY HOLDEN ARCHER
11/24/13, James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
Mr. Archer:
Good evening, everyone. As you all know, the situation continues in Cleveland, Fresno, and Tulsa. However, President Clay is personally overseeing recovery efforts.
The president asks that during this season of adversity, we come together as Americans, with the resolve that defines our national character. He has the highest confidence in the National Guard, as well as in the people of Cleveland, Fresno, and Tulsa.
With that, I’ll take a few questions. Jon?
New York Times:
It’s been four days since the hijackings. Do you have further information on the Children of Darwin? And is the president considering military action against them?
Mr. Archer:
Our intelligence community is the finest in the world. I can assure you that this government knows a great deal about them, and that no stone will be left unturned in the hunt for those who so vilely attacked our nation.
Like all terror attacks, the goal was to cause chaos and suffering for ordinary Americans. In that light, these can only be judged a failure; while they have led to temporary shortages, our nation is stronger than ever.
New York Times:
And military action?
Mr. Archer:
Internal security is handled by police, the FBI, and the DAR. I can’t comment on their individual plans. I refer you to them. Yes, Sally?
Washington Post:
What about allegations that—
New York Times:
I’m sorry, a follow-up. Defense department sources confirm that Secretary Owen Leahy has urged military, I repeat, nonpolice, response. Has Secretary Leahy called for the deployment of US troops on American soil, and would the president consider that?
Mr. Archer:
I’m not going to respond to a blind quote. Sally, your question.
Washington Post:
What about allegations that the Children of Darwin are planning further attacks?
Mr. Archer:
I can’t comment on the intentions of a terrorist organization. But I can say that all efforts are being taken to keep American citizens safe.
CBS:
Are the Children of Darwin connected to theNew Canaan Holdfast in Wyoming? Are they affiliated with Erik Epstein?
Mr. Archer:
We’ve seen no evidence of that. And let’s remember that the people who live in New Canaan, Mr. Epstein included, are United States citizens. This government respects the rights of all law-abiding citizens, normal or gifted.
NBC:
People in Cleveland are saying that the National Guard has no food to distribute.
Mr. Archer:
The National Guard is setting up camps in parks, churches, and gymnasiums. We ask that everyone exercise good sense when they visit, and understand that their neighbors also need help right now.
NBC:
I’m sorry, you didn’t answer my question. Is there food available in Cleveland?
Mr. Archer:
I, ah, it’s difficult to—I would refer you to the National Guard for operational
“Yes. And one other thing.” She set her wine glass down. It was a calculated move, carefully considered; he could see it in the play of her muscles, and the way her lips were slightly parted, and the way she leaned forward as she crawled over to—
whoa.
Kiss him.
Full and firm, lips soft against his, her red-wine tongue dancing into his mouth. The feeling of it was at once familiar and novel, the electric brush of her upper arm against his as she leaned in, and the smell of her in his nostrils.
She held the kiss long enough to make it clear that it wasn’t a friendly gesture, a peck between old lovers. When she broke it, she looked into his eyes and said, “I’m proud of you.” Then she picked up her wine glass and crawled for the exit. Over her shoulder, she said, “Fix it.”
Huh.
Huh.
Huh.
PRESS BRIEFING
BY PRESS SECRETARY HOLDEN ARCHER
11/24/13, James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
Mr. Archer:
Good evening, everyone. As you all know, the situation continues in Cleveland, Fresno, and Tulsa. However, President Clay is personally overseeing recovery efforts.
The president asks that during this season of adversity, we come together as Americans, with the resolve that defines our national character. He has the highest confidence in the National Guard, as well as in the people of Cleveland, Fresno, and Tulsa.
With that, I’ll take a few questions. Jon?
New York Times:
It’s been four days since the hijackings. Do you have further information on the Children of Darwin? And is the president considering military action against them?
Mr. Archer:
Our intelligence community is the finest in the world. I can assure you that this government knows a great deal about them, and that no stone will be left unturned in the hunt for those who so vilely attacked our nation.
Like all terror attacks, the goal was to cause chaos and suffering for ordinary Americans. In that light, these can only be judged a failure; while they have led to temporary shortages, our nation is stronger than ever.
New York Times:
And military action?
Mr. Archer:
Internal security is handled by police, the FBI, and the DAR. I can’t comment on their individual plans. I refer you to them. Yes, Sally?
Washington Post:
What about allegations that—
New York Times:
I’m sorry, a follow-up. Defense department sources confirm that Secretary Owen Leahy has urged military, I repeat, nonpolice, response. Has Secretary Leahy called for the deployment of US troops on American soil, and would the president consider that?
Mr. Archer:
I’m not going to respond to a blind quote. Sally, your question.
Washington Post:
What about allegations that the Children of Darwin are planning further attacks?
Mr. Archer:
I can’t comment on the intentions of a terrorist organization. But I can say that all efforts are being taken to keep American citizens safe.
CBS:
Are the Children of Darwin connected to theNew Canaan Holdfast in Wyoming? Are they affiliated with Erik Epstein?
Mr. Archer:
We’ve seen no evidence of that. And let’s remember that the people who live in New Canaan, Mr. Epstein included, are United States citizens. This government respects the rights of all law-abiding citizens, normal or gifted.
NBC:
People in Cleveland are saying that the National Guard has no food to distribute.
Mr. Archer:
The National Guard is setting up camps in parks, churches, and gymnasiums. We ask that everyone exercise good sense when they visit, and understand that their neighbors also need help right now.
NBC:
I’m sorry, you didn’t answer my question. Is there food available in Cleveland?
Mr. Archer:
I, ah, it’s difficult to—I would refer you to the National Guard for operational
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