Free In Sheep's Clothing: An Action-Packed Political Thriller (Matthew Richter Thriller Series Book 1) by L.D. Beyer Page A

with the help of her uncle’s connections. 
    After almost twenty years, Julie still referred to Rumson as her uncle, as she had since her father’s death.  Rumson considered Julie the daughter he never had. 
    He studied her for a few moments.  As if she could read his mind, the sparkle was gone.
    “Jane, I need your help.”

CHAPTER TWELVE
    President Kendall glanced at his watch.  In ten minutes, he was scheduled to meet with Rumson.  Their weekly lunch had been cancelled for the last three weeks due to both his and the vice president’s travel schedules.  Outside of a few short meetings about the budget and one on his State of the Union address, this was their first private meeting in several weeks. 
    He stepped to the windows overlooking the South Lawn.  There was no mistaking that it was winter in Washington.  There were several inches of snow on the ground and the overcast skies seemed to hint that more was on the way.  He noticed the wind blowing through the bushes, the snow piling up.  And he noted once again that it was difficult to tell that he wasn’t looking through glass but through a very heavy, glass-clad polycarbonate that was designed to withstand the force of a high-caliber bullet.  The Secret Service had assured him that he was safe in the Oval Office.  He shivered.  Despite the glass, he suddenly felt uneasy.
___
    “Hey, Dave.”  Rumson said.  “Before we begin, I wanted to apologize for the meeting several weeks ago.  The meeting with Phil Perry?”
    Despite Rumson’s apparent sincerity, the president was wary.  Nonetheless, he smiled back.  “The election meeting?”
    Rumson nodded.
    “I remember,” the president said evenly.
    Rumson sighed.  “Listen, Phil and I only wanted to make sure that the team we put together and the plan we developed were the best.  We thought with everything you had going on that we were being helpful.  But,” he held his hands up in a conciliatory fashion, “we didn’t consult you first or ask for your input.  I’m sorry for that.”
    The president smiled again. “Thank you, Tyler.”   
    “The reelection team, the strategy, the plan….well, it’s your call.”  Rumson paused.  “Look, things have been a little tense lately, and I want to apologize for that too.  I know you don’t think I’m behind you on Hettinger’s nomination, but I wanted to let you know that I’ve spoken to a number of people over the last few days.”  He paused and smiled.  “I think we have the votes we need.”
    “Really?”  The president feigned.  Although the vote wasn’t scheduled for another week, Charles Howell had told him the good news that morning.
    Smiling, Rumson nodded.
    “That’s great news!  Thanks, Tyler.  I appreciate your support on this one.”
___
    Thirty minutes later, when their meeting ended, Kendall walked back to the window behind his desk.  The meeting had been cordial, and he and Rumson had discussed a number of issues, including the economy and the Global Free Trade Agreement.  He had subtly asked questions, trying to determine Rumson’s position.
    “I’m behind it, Dave.” Rumson had smiled.  “You know, I wasn’t a supporter of NAFTA when it was first announced.  I was certain that we would lose jobs to Mexico.  But I was wrong.  NAFTA has been good for the country, and I think the GFTA will be as well.”
    Kendall had smiled back.  “I’ll need all the support you can help me drum up on this one.  It’s going to be a challenge in Congress.  Too many lobbyists have already lined up against it.”
    “I can definitely help you there,” Rumson had said confidently. 
    Yes, he had seemed sincere, the president thought as he stared out the window.  But he couldn’t shake the feeling that Rumson was playing chess.  The problem was, he wasn’t sure what move Rumson had just made.
___
    Vice President Rumson walked out of the Oval Office and, with a brief nod at Charles Howell, turned towards