Chapter 3: BACKUP ARRIVES...

The Chief of the  United States secret service had frustration boldly written on his face. What could be wrong with the president? He wondered . He knew clearly that the worst thing that could happen to the nation was to lose their president at a time as critical as the one they were facing.

" Sir. " Secret service captain Clinton called as he walked up to him near the fountain where he stood. "  We have checked everything."

" Is there any flop?"

" No. The security is tight in every corner "

" That's a relief. "

" But except for—"

" What do you mean by that? Except for where?"

" The West wing. "

" The West wing? I personally gave orders to mount enough men on the west and east wings . How come the East wing is secure while the West wing is leaking?"

" I really can't say, sir. I spotted leakages there. But you have nothing to worry about. It has been fixed already. More men have been positioned there. "

" Hmm.." the chief exhaled.

" Sir , even from your exhaled air, one can say you are going through a lot mentally."

" What is that supposed to mean?"

" Your exhaled air even has weight in it. "

The chief smiled . " If you were in my position, you would have no choice. Greater responsibilities come with greater heights. There is nothing particularly sweet about being the chief of the highly esteemed United States Secret Service. What do you think people will say? It was in my reign that the nation was made to go through all the troubles."

" Sir, with due respect, it doesn't work that way. I mean, how is that supposed to be your fault?"

"  You know,  someday, you might taste this position. "

" Nope. I have no interest in it. I will retire early."

" Any good reasons?"

" So, I can have plenty of time to spend and take good care of my wife and kids."

" Are you even married ? You are not."

" I am looking forward to that."

" When?"

" Prolly , after this national crisis. Speaking of that sir, how is the president?"

" He is being taken care of. "

" I hope he recovers from this."

" He will. Your president is a strong man. "

" I think there are chances that  he is infected."

" Infected with what?"

" I can't say. But the coughing bout came out of the blue. He looked healthy all through the recent times."

A police sedan pulled over and parked before some feet away from them. A high ranking officer stepped down and marched towards him.

" Chief  Christopher Balor. " The officer called him as he approached.

" Mr Joe. We are glad to have you here. "

They shook hands.

" Chief of police Joe Maxwell."

" Of course, I know who you are." Chief Chris said.

" For formality sake." Mr Joe smiled.

" Meanwhile, just call me Chris. "

" Chris."

" Yeah . Chris. I prefer that. This is one of the closest agents to me. "

" Oh. That is great. What's your name, young man?"

" Captain Clinton. " He extends his hands.

" That's a good name. Hope you are as good as your name sounds?"

" Hopefully. "

" Not hopefully." Chief Chris cut in. " He is one of the best officers in the secret service."

" That's a great commendation. And what were you doing when members of the Congress were gradually taken?"

" You can leave now. " Chief Chris said to Captain Clinton.

" Just kidding. " Mr Joe spoke as the young man left.

" What is the situation of things currently?"

" Everything is under control."

" I doubt. What I saw on TV does not really look good. Are you aware of what harm that could cause for everyone?"

" The safety of the president is every citizen's top priority."

" You can't be so sure. Not everyone is interested in doing security jobs. "

" It ought to be so. They chose him . We chose him. And if I need to remind you, protecting the president is not just the duty of one body called the United States Secret Service. Never. It is also your duty in times of crisis. Every security related office was summoned to handle this issue by the president himself. So, do not think too highly of yourself ."

" Sir!" Someone spoke into the Chief's ear device.

" Right here ." He replied.

" There has been another issue tonight."

" What is the matter now?" He asked

" A missile dropped at Philadelphia a few moments ago."

" What?! When did this happen?"

" Not long ago. The information reaching us says clearly that there is a great probability of the nation losing someone good tonight."

" And who is that?"

" The governor of Philadelphia."

" Governor Tom Wilson? Never. Do not take your eyes off the wheel. We got this."

" Doesn't sound good. " Mr Joe said.

" It is as bad as it seems." Chief Chris replied.

" What is the case?"

" Philadelphia has been attacked."

" What? When?"

" A few moments ago, a missile landed there. "

" What the hell is going on?" Mr Joe said frustratingly.

" The information getting to me says governor Tom Wilson was in the scene. "

" Tom Wilson? Did he survive it?"

" This incident just occurred not long ago. By now, units must have been dispatched. In no distant time, we will confirm his state." He breathes out. "But to be frank, I doubt he will make it. "

" Not just him. Everyone in the scene will hardly survive. The hard truth is that this definitely is not over yet. "

" I doubt it will be . I won't see any other threatening case as a result of this crisis as a shocker. No. Never again. I have seen enough."

" Where is the president right now?"

" Not to be disclosed . But do know that he is in safe hands."

" I did not mean you should disclose his location to me. I was invariably asking to know his state at the moment. "

" If it is about that, we should just hope he will be alright. "

" And the vice president?"

" He is safe. Now, we all need to kick off the duties again. Till the enemy is known and caught, there will be no such thing as a moment of rest in this nation. "

" Let's begin right away. " Mr Joe said and they started walking in.