The Invitation(16)
“Hmm, very unusual behavior,” says Mr. Slaughter.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve been a psychologist for the FBI for over twenty years.”
“Well Sid you’ve given us a lot to work with, I want to thank you for your presentation.”
Hearing his cue to leave, Mr. Pennington replies, “You’re certainly welcome.”
“Please let me know if you have any new information.”
“I will, Sir.”
As Sid Pennington rises to go, Agent Colby says, “Thanks a lot, Sid.”
“You bet,” says Mr. Pennington as he exits.
After a few silent moments Mr. Slaughter says, “I don’t know. I don’t know what to make of it. Wasn’t Myers hospitalized when he was Governor?”
“That’s right, sir. He was broadsided by another vehicle, and was knocked unconscious. They did a brain scan, found nothing wrong, and sent ̓him home after a few days.”
“What would that brain scan tell us?” Mr. Slaughter asks.
“I don’t know, maybe something, maybe nothing.”
“I sure would like to have our people take a look at it.”
“As you know, Sir, you’d have to have a judge sign off on that.”
“How likely is that? No judge on these grounds, would grant access to the medical records of a sitting President. No, we have to keep this confidential, at least for now. Here’s the problem. This is no ordinary citizen we’re dealing with here. That person we watched on that recording is now the President of the United States. We have to be very careful. We need those medical records, Tim. Do it carefully.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Now hearing his cue to leave, Tim Colby rises to go, saying, “Sir, I’ll let you know something as soon as I can.”
“Thanks, Tim. Meanwhile, I’m going to watch this again. Oh, and, uh, this is priority, so let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Mr. Colby says, and smartly exits.
Agent Slaughter pauses for a moment then once again picks up the copy of The Yale Shakespeare, and begins perusing its pages.
Chapter Six
At 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., a man in a separate office room at the White House is making phone calls to influential senators to persuade them to vote for the President’s energy bill. A loyal ally and personal friend of the President, Vice President Scott Conner was an unlikely choice for a running mate. His career prior to entering politics was in higher education, serving as President of Ohio State University for nearly ten years. The first thirty years of his adult life was spent in academia, working as a teacher, author, and lecturer. Scott Conner also became an ardent proponent of educational reform. Frustrated with the rate of change, he decided to run for political office when he was fifty-six, and was successful in his first bid to become Governor of Ohio. Even a brief conversation with Scott Conner would convince most that he is the antithesis of the smooth, modern politician. His direct and unflinching style of speaking was a refreshing change to many of those who voted for him. His experience as a teacher confirmed in him the belief that knowledge, learning, and innovation is the only way forward to a better future for all people. Though unaccustomed to dealing with the political exigencies of being a Governor, Mr. Conner moved more adroitly than many expected in changing from academic to politician. His skill as a speaker and negotiator was instrumental in his ability to win a second term as Governor.
It was at the National Governors meeting that Scott Conner first met Ken Myers, who was then Governor of Florida. Quickly becoming friends, they found in each other a like-minded ally in the push for political reform. When Ken Myers announced his candidacy for President of the United States, he called Scott Conner the same day to ask if he would consider being his running mate. Intellectually and politically compatible, the two men forged a close bond as they campaigned across the country.
Having secured their election victory, and eschewing any further political ambitions, Scott Conner has made it clear to all interested parties that he firmly intends to retire after serving as Vice President.
Content to work behind the scenes, he shuns the notoriety, and self-aggrandizement of lesser politicians. We find him working in his White House office attempting to garner support for the President’s energy bill.
“That’s right Senator. Exactly. That’s what the results would be. Battery storage technology is the last obstacle to achieve that. Mm-hmm. That`s right, your state would become a net exporter of energy. If there was ever a case for the government to provide seed money for something good for the country, this is it.…I understand that. I know it’s a lot of money. Energy independence is going to take an investment, better to do it now than later.…That’s right. The longer we put it off the more costly it’s going to be. That’s all we’re asking, Senator Billings, an unbiased consideration of our proposal.… Well, I appreciate that. I really do. Yes I will. And I thank you for your time as well, Senator. Okay, goodbye.”