The Replacement by Craig Martelle

Author:Craig Martelle [Martelle, Craig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“Big brother is watching you.” –George Orwell

“This is an absolutely ridiculous time of day,” Jenny muttered while standing out front of the hotel in Alexandria, a few blocks from her brother’s house and a short taxi ride from the cemetery.

“I love this time of day. Kudos to Jimmy for picking it.” I smiled and bounced. Only one cup of coffee in case it took a while to make it wherever we were going.

The cab arrived, and we traveled in silence to get dropped off at the entrance to the Arlington National Cemetery. Sunrise was imminent, preparing to spread its glory over the solemnity of the rolling hills. Equipment and a small detail of workers suggested there would be a burial that day. Maybe more than one.

I couldn’t take my eyes off them until Jenny nudged me. “Our ride is here.”

A black Suburban drove up and stopped. The man we’d talked to jumped out of the passenger seat and opened the back door for us. Jenny climbed in first. Once we were settled, he closed the door and returned to the front seat.

“Hi, guys!” I said as jovially as I could.

They dutifully wore their sunglasses.

I had to talk to them because it was a game. I had to see them crack. “I served in the Corps,” I started. “And I understand you. Loyal to the Vice President, but that doesn’t mean you can’t retain your humanity. I’m sure you guys are Chatty Charlies when you’re alone. We won’t tell your secrets. Where are they hiding the alien bodies?”

The man in the passenger seat turned and faced me. I stared back without blinking until he turned away. I blinked rapidly and rubbed my eyes, proud of my effort. Jenny elbowed me. Through the windshield, downtown loomed before us. We passed various monuments on the way to Pennsylvania Avenue but then turned away. We followed a route that led toward Dupont Circle and then away from the downtown. We accelerated to the northwest along Massachusetts Avenue until we arrived at the Naval Observatory, home of the Vice President. The agents pulled up to the side entrance, where a canopy protected the identities of those exiting a vehicle.

Jenny’s door opened, and she climbed out and scanned the area before us. I followed her into an entryway covered with vinyl and through a single door with thick bulletproof glass. Jenny pulled it open, and we walked through. I reached behind me to close the door, but the security guard was there, mirrored sunglasses and all.

We put our minor possessions on the table and walked through the metal detector. The security guard buzzed the detector as he walked through, staying close to us while we recovered our goods. He moved in front of us.

“Please follow me.” He took us into the building and through the back passages into an area away from the living quarters where the Vice President maintained an office where he could meet guests. Jenny gripped my hand so tightly it cut off the circulation to my fingers.

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