Chapter One

21st December, 1998

The White House

The White House, the government building that serves as the office and residence of the President of the United States of America sat peacefully in the heart of the nations capital, Washington D.C.

This building housed the most powerful and the most respected man in the world: President Freddie Rawlings. President Rawlings rose to power after serving as a senator representing his constituency and having done well, with the support and encouragement of the people he contested for the office of the presidency and won.

During his first year in office, he performed wonderfully well giving free education to those who couldn't afford it and providing free medical assistance to the ill. A tall well-built man with raven dark hair and bright blue eyes like the ocean,  he won so many awards in his youthful days and once graced the cover of the New York times because of his exemplary feat.

He was currently sat in the oval office with the governors of all fifty states of the country, deliberating on issues affecting each state. It was a very long and stressful meeting and by now the President was already pissed off. A short bulky man with auburn hair and freckles on his face stood up, adjusted his tie and addressed the gathering.

    "Mr President, I don't think we need to stress ourselves anymore as the solution is to disburse the required amount to all state governors so that each can judiciously use the money for the rest of this year and the first quarter of next year".

      "Well said Governor Collins, thank you" President Rawlings said.

Governor Collins, the governor of Chicago, a well respected man took no insult especially when it was directed to his state. Most people nicknamed him the "iron man" because of his disciplined nature. He was down to earth and always came out with the truth without fear or favour.

He was also a very close friend of the President as they both finished school together. He was solidly behind him and supported him throughout his campaigns. He and the President mostly shared secrets no one knew about.

  "In the absence of any other issue, this meeting has come to an end. I will see you all after the holidays.Good day gentlemen and have a wonderful Christmas holiday".

Some of the men nodded while some muttered;

    "Merry christmas" and left the office slowly, having been a long day.

  "Governor Collins, I would like to have a private word with you please" said the President.

The governor nodded and waited for all the other governors to leave before closing the door and making his way to the president.

      "What's up buddy" said the governor, putting all formalities aside.

     "I don't know man. I'm just having a bad feeling".

      "Well, you know what I always say. Be calm and when trouble comes face it like a man" governor Collins advised.

        "I know, you've said that to me more times than I can count. I feel like my daughter, Lana isn't safe".

     "That's ridiculous Freddie, you know too well that she's the safest kid on the planet right now with the secret service always watching her".

    "I know" the President said still not feeling at ease.

"You know, there's this Christmas party downtown she's been invited to. I'm having second thoughts about her going".

  "Look, Freddie you've got to stop worrying. She's going to be fine. Its your mind just messing around with you".

   "My instinct doesn't mess with me and they don't lie" said the President slightly annoyed.

     "Chill man, you've always been the serious type since way back college. OK, you know what?, why don't you double the security at the venue of the party if that would make you feel better".

     "I guess I'll do that. Thanks man".

     "Anytime. I best be on my way now or Betty will have my head if I get home late" governor Collins said.

      "You better. Say hi to Betty and the kids and tell her the pies were lovely".

     "I will" governor Collins said as he made his way towards the door.

"We'll come visit when this tedious work allows it".

  "Perks of being a President" said the governor, grinning.

   " see ya buddy ".

  "Au reviour" said the governor, trying to put on his best French accent.

   "You suck at french Gregor".

   "Says who always got an "F" in French" said governor Collins poking his tongue out before finally closing the door.

    "What will I ever do with him" President Freddie muttered as he slowly made his way to the family quarters in the White House.