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  “This used to be the president’s office when the West Wing was erected in 1902,” Jaxon said. “Later it became a waiting room of sorts when the Oval Office was built in the center of the building. FDR moved the office to where it is today in the southeast corner.”

  “Is that why it’s called the Roosevelt Room?” Reddic wondered.

  “Yes, Nixon gave it that name.”

  Ducking back into the hallway, they continued walking until they arrived at the junction between the Cabinet Room on the left and the President’s Outer Office, commonly known as the Gateway to the Oval on the right. The Outer Office was where the personal secretaries worked, and where most people who came to meet with the president waited.

  “You’re right on time,” said Betty Hadfield, the president’s secretary. “The president is expecting you. Go on in.”

  A marine standing post at the door to the Oval Office nodded politely and opened it for them. As they nervously entered the world’s most famous office, they were met by three people standing in the center of the room chatting.

  “Mr. President,” Madison Jenkins said, noticing them first. “Allow me to introduce you to Jaxon and Reddic Smith.”

  “Gentlemen,” Rutherford said, shaking both men’s hands. “So glad you could make it on such short notice. Come join us on the sofas.”

  President Rutherford took his usual spot in a leather armchair just under the portrait of George Washington while Reddic and Jenkins sat opposite Brooke and Jaxon on the couches.

  “Madison has filled me in on your courageous efforts in rescuing and protecting Dr. Hansen,” Rutherford said. “The country owes you both a debt of gratitude.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Jaxon replied, beaming from ear to ear.

  “As you know, today is an important day. In about ten minutes Dr. Hansen will speak to the world from the Rose Garden. Because of her brilliance and determination our world will be revolutionized, and our planet’s health will be prolonged. We can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President,” Brooke said. “I only wish Dr. Feldman could be here to see this day, but I know he will be looking down on us.”

  “I have no doubt of that,” Rutherford agreed. “Well, it’s almost that time,” he said, after a short pause. “I’m happy that I had the opportunity to thank all of you in person before things get much busier later today.” He stood from his chair and faced Jaxon. “Now, would you mind escorting Dr. Hansen to her seat in the Rose Garden?”

  “It would be my pleasure, sir,” Jaxon answered with that silly grin again plastered on his face. He shook the president’s hand vigorously before taking Brooke by the arm and leading her through the east door to the colonnade bordering the garden.

  Reddic stood to follow until Jenkins lightly touched his arm to stay behind. Rutherford came to his side and looked him right in the eye as he spoke.

  “I don’t know how you do this,” he said.”

  “Sir?” Reddic questioned.

  “You know I’m an avid basketball fan, right?”

  “Maybe your best quality, sir,” Reddic teased playfully.

  “So I’ve been told,” Rutherford said through a smile. “In all seriousness, I’ve seen you play several times on TV. You have a bright future.”

  “Thank you.”

  “But Madison tells me that your athletic talents pale in comparison to what you do for EOS.” Reddic glanced sideways at his boss. He suddenly felt grave concern about his future. He was under the impression that his identity was to never be revealed.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Jenkins interjected. “You have nothing to worry about. The president and I are on the same page.”

  “With all due respect, what page is that?” he asked.

  “I can assure you that nobody outside this office will ever know about your capacity within EOS,” Rutherford stated. “I also want you to know that as long as I occupy this office I will be in your debt.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” Reddic said. He was genuinely at a loss for words. Never had it crossed his mind that the President of the United States would think to owe him a personal favor. “Thank you, sir,” was all he could get out.

  “No. Thank you.” Rutherford took his hand and shook it warmly.

  A soft knock on the door leading to the Rose Garden interrupted the moment. Anita Baker, the Press Secretary, poked her head in. “You’re on in sixty seconds,” she said.

  President Rutherford nodded and turned back to Reddic. “Perhaps you’ll come back and visit me with your team sometime soon,” he said with a wink. He was speaking of the tradition of the president hosting teams that won major championships.

  Reddic nodded and watched as Rutherford disappeared through the northeast door, leaving him and Jenkins alone. As soon as the room was clear she pulled a flash drive from her pocket and handed it to him.

  “What’s this?” he asked.

  “Your next assignment,” she said. “Tech analysis scrubbed all of Cushman’s files. We found a call he made to General Travnikov three weeks ago. The president has asked the Pentagon to invite him over next week for a visit. While he’s here we will arrange to have a nice chat with him.”

  “Sounds fun,” Reddic replied.

  “Not for him,” she said. “Also, on this drive you’ll find a list of all numbers that called that basilica to meet with Cushman as the Priest. The list is extensive. Rutherford would like EOS to track down every one of them and confirm if they have anything to do with these secret oaths and pacts.”

  “And if they do?”

  “Then we’ll hold nothing back.”