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Chapter 27
That evening the news was buzzing on
every channel about the events of our day.
From one channel to the next, the story about the threat on
Margie’s and my life was all over the nation, with full live coverage,
that was now being replayed over and over again.
We were in different surroundings now too.
This was a big screen television we were watching, with a beautiful
bedroom that was well appointed with dark cherry wood furniture and trim,
beautiful full white curtains with subtle gold colored patterns of
elegance, a very plush feel from this posh hotel.
This was much fancier than anywhere I had stayed, as a sales rep.
Even my old company didn’t spring for hotels like this, much less
the upper floor suite that we were now staying in.
This was where the Secret Service had told us to stay tonight.
There were men outside our door now too, all in apparent matching
black suits, starched white shirts and dark colored ties, probably
complete with bullet proof vests as undershirts and holstered government
issue pistols under their arms and no telling where else.
We knew there were two of them posted outside our door, one on each
side, one at the end of the short hall past the elevator, and one
downstairs in the lobby. They
all had radio communication to each other; advanced electronics that I
imagined was monitored at the central dispatch headquarters, for back up
if they needed it.
We finally had a moment together, and
as the moments of the day soaked in, I turned to Margie and asked her,
“Are you alright?” “Yes
Goldie, I am. I was really
frightened when that truck blew up.”
I realized we could have still been in that truck if we were not in
a hurry.” “Yeah, I know.
That was my immediate thought.
Are your knees alright from hitting the ground when I pulled you
down? I’m sorry to pull you
down so hard.” “It’s ok
Goldie. I know you were just
trying to protect me.” “I
was so relieved to see you were alright after that explosion and all the
confusion. You are alright,
right?” “Yes Golden, I am.
You can quit asking me. I
am still a little bit shaken though. Our
lives are considerably different now.
Has this changed your thinking any?”
“Well… …I also have something to tell you Margie.
You know when you wanted to know who called?”
“Yes.” “Well, it
was evidently the person who placed the bomb in the truck.”
I paused, as I knew we both had a big day already, and this would
be the icing on the cake for Margie too.
She had to know though, so I proceeded.
“He said I shouldn’t be running for President.”
“Who is he to say that Goldie?
Who does he think he is, to try to force someone out of running for
President?” “He said he
wouldn’t miss next time Margie.” There
was a long pause after that, as we both just reeled in the wake of all the
noise and confusion, excitement of the day.
Nothing was said. This
was all more than we both could have imagined happening, and one of the
most exciting days of our lives, in a not so desirable way; the police,
the explosion, the call, the secret service’s dramatic entrance.
The reporters, it was just nearly overwhelming at any point, and
still kept happening. Margie
broke the silence.
“I have a confession Goldie.
Don’t think I would ever want anything to happen to you, or me
too I suppose.” “What is
it Margie?” The bed we were
in was huge. Very high
compared to our old bed, it was large and pretty firm.
The covers although smelled different felt good.
This was all a high class comfort we were not used to.
“Today… …was
actually kind of exciting.” “Your
kidding me! You thought today
was exciting? In what way?”
“Well, with all the people around that were actually helping us;
and everyone was, I felt the center of things, yet sort of secure, even
with the truck blowing up and all. It
kind of felt like a James Bond moment, just like in the movies.
There were cameras and reporters everywhere and they were all
pointing at us. The secret
service has actually been extraordinarily nice and accommodating, all
fussing over us, the police, the ambulance crews, all serving and
protecting us. For this to
happen in any other life, we probably would have gotten a taxi home, but
we were really fussed over. It
was sort of exciting in a fun way.”
“You’re kidding me, Margie!
Well, I guess you’re right in a way, but I was more worried about
how you would feel. I didn’t
have any idea all afternoon, except for the fact that you were alright in
an apparent way, just didn’t know how you were feeling on the inside.
This surprises me for sure.”
“Don’t get me wrong Goldie.
I am worried about this man that is threatening us.
But I really think it is one person, and with all the secret
service around now, he won’t have a chance like that anytime soon.
I am sure the secret service will make sure of that.
They told me they were sticking with us now until the election, and
if we win, will be working for you. Do
you still want to continue Goldie?”
“I don’t know Marge. Do
you want me to?” “We can
sleep on it for tonight, but right now I say sure, that is if you want to
Goldie.” “Yeah, we can
sleep on it tonight. I am
still reeling from all the excitement and my ears do hurt just a little
from that explosion. How are
yours?” “Just fine.
My knee hurts a little from hitting that hard concrete when we
dropped, but just a little bruise. That
was loud, wasn’t it?” “You
aren’t kidding! I could feel
it in my chest! Well for
tonight, let’s get a little rest. We
haven’t been in a place like this in a really long time, if ever really.
Look at the dark cherry dressers and the wardrobe set.
Nice, isn’t it?” “This
bed feels good too. I am going
to sleep real well Goldie, how about you?” “I think so.
My ears will keep me company, but that is a pretty typical night.
You do feel good. I
love being with you, no matter where we are.”
“You do too Goldie.”
At
that moment the cell phone rang again.
I looked at it not wanting to answer, but thinking it might be
Dwayne, I answered it. “You
OK?” The voice on the other
end asked. “Sure, who is
this?” not having a clue. “This
is your Vice Presidential running mate.
Boy can you get publicity on the news!
What else do you have in mind to dominate the news?”
“Believe me not my doing, it is all just happening to me for
sure.” “Just checking in
on ya. Hasn’t scared you out
of running has it?” “Naw,
don’t think so.” “Don’t
think so? Better not!
You wouldn’t let me down over a little thing like that would ya?
You made me a promise. Now
you keep your promises, don’t ya?”
That booming voice of Senator Noble was as strong as I had ever
heard it, sounding pretty demanding, approaching imposing.
“Don’t worry Senator. We’ll
be fine, just need some rest now.” “Well
get your rest, and you’ll be fine in the morning.
We are getting closer to the election and sure don’t want a big
wrench thrown in our program, just checking on ya.
Get some rest and I’ll talk to ya tomorrow.”
With that he hung up. It
looks like we are in it for the long haul, at least not without a whole
new set of problems. I am
feeling at the moment that it is the lesser of two evils, the man with the
bombs, or the man with governmental power. I
am not sure either would be easier. For
this moment I am here with Margie, my love of my life.
I am going to relax and enjoy this moment. “I
love you Margie. I am glad
you’re not…” There was a
pause. “I love you too,
Goldie.”
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