Chapter 88

Cindy brought them breakfast about five the next morning. Even so she had to lightly shake them to get them to stir.

John stretched.

“Mmm ... Hi babe. Back for more?” he asked.

“Nope. Your four days are up. You’ve got a date with the President.” Cindy said, scooting out of range as John reached for her.

“Okay ... but I won’t enjoy it as much, he’s not my type ... Four?” John asked.

“It is now the morning of the fifth day since you entered this room.” Cindy said.

Judy stretched like a cat and looked up hungrily at Cindy.

“When you change your mind ... You really change your mind!” Cindy chuckled, looking a bit scared.

“Did I hear you say it was morning ... the fifth morning?” she asked, groggily.

“Yes, about five AM.” Cindy said, putting a plate on a tray, staying outside of range.

She swung the tray around over John and moved warily to the other side to repeat the operation.

“Why so early?” Judy asked, unconcerned over the lost day.

“We board a helicopter in just about an hour. So eat quick. We all have a date with the President.” Cindy replied, swinging the tray around.

“What would the President want with me?” Judy said, slipping out of bed.

Cindy retreated to a defensible corner, which just happened to contain the table with the coffee and mugs.

“I haven’t a clue. Maybe he’s after more secret weapons.” Cindy replied, pouring the coffee and keeping a wary eye on Judy as she passed.

“I thought I told Bill he would have to wait?” John said, sitting up.

“That was three days ago. He rescheduled. Bill said if we miss this flight they’ll send federal marshals to collect us.” Cindy said, boldly taking a cup to John.

She wasn’t quick enough and he caught her, pulling her into his lap, almost upsetting his breakfast. Cindy barely set the mug down in time.

“John! We don’t have time for this!” she giggled.

“We will always have time for this.” He said softly.

She caught his tone and quit her struggles. They gazed into each other’s eyes a moment and John softly kissed her once, then released her. She stayed.

“I just wanted you to know how I felt.” he said, giving her a little push off his lap.

“I know how you feel. But this one is going to cost you.” she said.

“Name it.” John said.

“One; We’re booked to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom tonight. You and I. I would like very much to make love at least once in that four poster bed.” she said.

“I’m fairly certain I can guarantee that. Granted.” he said.

“And ... I want at least a week of your time for a little side trip on our return. Just you and me ... in Minnesota.” she said, shyly.

John looked at her a moment.

“If I understand you correctly; Make it two, if she’ll have us.” he said, softly.

“Thank you.” she said, softly in return.

“No, thank you.” he said.

She found her eyes misting over.

“You’d better eat. I’ve packed for you and laid some things out.” she said.

“I love you.” he said.

Cindy sat on the edge rail and softly kissed him.

“And I love you. Now eat.” she said, slipping away.

She caught Judy on the way back from the bathroom. She pulled her into a soft kiss and said: “Welcome again to womanhood. I’m glad you had a good time. Now eat quick.”

Judy smiled radiantly at her and nodded. Cindy slipped out, wiping her eyes.

“You know, you really should marry that girl.” Judy said, slipping in and swinging her tray back around.

“I intend to, soon.” John said, looking after Cindy.

They sent a large helicopter, too big for the silo roof. It set down off to the side, kicking up a cloud of dust, despite the new paving in the compound. They let the blades spin down before boarding to avoid dirtying their outfits. They were a few minutes late taking off, but the pilots had instructions to make up the time.

The trip to Hill Air Force base was somewhat somber, as everyone was a little groggy except the farm girls. They chatted jovially, excited about meeting the president again. Telling Candice about their first time.

The executive jet was warmed up on the end of the runway, the helicopter set down by it and they waited till the blades stopped before crossing over. Airmen hustled luggage over for them as Bill tried to hurry them.

No sooner was the last person belted in when the plane was given clearance and began its take off. It lifted gracefully and gained altitude, angling towards the East.

Some of the group napped on the plane. Sheila and Bill worked on their laptops.

Cindy sat snuggled to John’s arm. They didn’t talk much, but seldom lost body contact.

The triplets sat watching the terrain below. Theresa doted over Kevin.

Stewards offered breakfast, but all declined. Most had coffee though. The stewards seemed disappointed. They were used to VIP’s, but this flight was different. There was a plethora of stunning women, all clad in stunning outfits. Even a famous actress.

Shannon graciously signed autographs for them. To the delight of the triplets and the surprise of the others, they asked everybody for their autographs. John signed one for each, and then turned his attention back out the window. He didn’t feel like a hero, no matter how much he was treated as one.

John’s definition of a hero, was a person who put themselves in harms way by choice, and then performs exemplary in that situation. John had not chosen to be in the position he had found himself in. Yes, he had dealt with it in the best manner in which he could have, given the facts of the situation, but given a choice, he would have happily avoided the whole occurrence. It wasn’t his choice. Thus, he didn’t feel like a hero.

These and a dozen other thoughts occupied his brain as the jet flew into the morning sun.

Bill took a break and moved forward to procure a soda. He sat back next to Andrea, who took his hand and squeezed it, kissing him on the cheek.

“So, are you going to tell us what this is all about?” she asked.

“I don’t rightly know. I guess we’ll all find out in a couple of hours.” Bill replied.

“Will they let us sleep together?” she asked.

“I don’t know that either.” he replied.

“So what do you know?” Andrea asked, giggling.

Bill looked at her.

“I know I love you.” he said.

“We know that, we all love you too.” she said.

“I know that too, but ... I was referring to you specifically.” he said.

This earned him a long, warm kiss and the envy of all the stewards.

“So, do you feel different, now that you’ve been deflowered?” Sally asked Judy.

“Not much, in some ways, very different in others. This is the first time I’ve ever felt... connected to another. Before I just experienced relationships. Now it feels like I belong in one.” Judy replied.

“I can understand that. I feel the same way.” Sally said.

Judy looked at her a moment, considering.

“Yes, I’ll bet you do. We share ... a special bond, you and I. The same wonderful man took our maidenheads.” Judy mused.

Sally took her hand and squeezed it softly. She was reserved in her affections as they had all learned to be away from the silo.

“If they give us our choice of accommodations, perhaps we could explore that bond more fully.” she said, seductively.

“Yes, that sounds quite nice ... I feared I had done you in yesterday ... or I guess it was the day before.” Judy chuckled.

“You almost did, and I fully enjoyed that. But somehow I prefer the intimacy of one on one encounters.” Sally said.

“I quite agree ... but I wouldn’t have missed the last five days for the world.” Judy said, rolling her eyes.

“I’ll bet, nor would I have missed my time with him ... every moment of it, then and now.” Sally said.

“Funny, men all over the place. Some very good ones —as witnessed by Kevin and Bill—, yet all of us end up falling for the same one.” Judy said.

“That’s understandable. He’s quite a hard act to follow, as you well know.” Sally chuckled.

Judy nodded in understanding.

“How soon would you like to get started at my place.” Shannon asked Sheila.

“Oh, Well, we have three complete machines ready for the next salon when we found a suitable location. I could have one shipped out and set up as soon as all this blows over.” Sheila replied, looking up from her laptop.

“Why not two or three?” Shannon asked.

“Gosh, I wouldn’t want to impose. You’re being kind enough as it is. I didn’t want to expose you to an overwhelming situation. It’s likely to be slow starting up anyway, until the word gets out to your friends.” Sheila said.

“Phooey. With the way you’re booked at your other salons, I could easily keep all machines humming as many hours a day as Catarina and Bianca are up to. And it’s no imposition to me. The guest house is quite adequately removed that it won’t bother me a bit how busy it is.” Shannon replied.

“That’s very kind of you. What about the business license end of it? Won’t that take time?” Sheila asked.

“I figure a week, realistically. You may want to do some remodeling to the guest house, but there is a large family room area that would be perfect for a reception area, and several small private rooms where you could set up the scanners and spinning machines.” Shannon said.

“I’m sure it would be fine as is ... Gosh, are there any bonded storage facilities nearby? I just realized that this would be a special situation to deal with; all the mannequins representing celebrities.” Sheila said.

“There’s a large, secure double garage you could use for temporary storage and many bonded storage facilities at your beck and call. They’ll pick up. With all the large estates in the area, it’s not uncommon for people to put their belongings into storage while they winter in warmer climates. I quite prefer the winter where I am.” Shannon mused.

“From what Sally’s told me, it sounds like a lovely estate. I’d love to see it.” Sheila said.

“I’d be very pleased to have you stay for as long as you’d like, anytime you’d like. In fact ... Why don’t you take some time after this shindig is done with and come check out the guest house? Then you can see for yourself what it might or might not need.” Shannon invited.

“Depending on what this is all about, and how it turns out. I think that I’d like that very much.” Sheila said.

“You know, it’s not just about business -although I expect to make a bundle off this. Quite frankly I enjoyed our time together very much. Both with Bill and last night.” Shannon said.

Sheila smiled at her warmly.

“Yes, I did as well. I’m sure I would have a wonderful time.” she said.

“So what do you think this is all about?” Shannon asked.

“Beats me. But I can’t imagine it’s bad if the President isn’t distancing himself from us.” Sheila said.

Catarina considered her sister. Bianca seemed calm enough, for now. She’d spent an active night with the triplets again, in preparation for the trip. They applied her last treatment just minutes before they had to shower to make the flight.

Even so, Catarina worried a bit over accommodations and whether or not they’d have the freedom to deal with her sister’s addiction when she felt the craving.

Bianca smiled at her reassuringly and squeezed her hand before she went back to looking distantly out the window. She was a little worried too.

“I wish this was all over with. I’m sure our customers wonder where the hell I am.” Mae said.

“Now don’t you go fretting. The girls can deal with it very well, and you know it, as you trained them. I’m sure our customers watch the news too. They’ll realize that you’ve been kept away, not of your own choosing.” Candice reassured her.

“Ah, there you’d be very wrong. I quite enjoyed my stay at the silo and all the wonderful time we’ve had alone. I just feel a little guilty about enjoying myself so much while neglecting our customers.” Mae said.

“Well, you didn’t neglect them out of choice. And as far as being there, you know yourself that if’n you had been, then you would have been spending all your time dealing with the press, and still not the customers.” Candice said.

“I know ... and you’re right. Thank you.” Mae said.

“Anytime, babe, anytime.” Candice said.

“How about as soon as we’re alone.” Mae demurred.

Candice smiled and nodded.

The plane touched down easily and taxied to a location nearby a waiting Executive helicopter. Bags and personnel transferred, the bags by military crewman, the personnel by themselves.

During a short flight to the White House, the women checked their make-up. John felt comfortable enough. Bill fretted, Kevin seemed more concerned over Theresa.

Much to John’s surprise, the red carpet was rolled out, bordered by the White House Honor guard. The Vice- President and his wife met them and shook all their hands before guiding them into the stately mansion. Apologizing that the President himself hadn’t been able to meet them as he was detained by matters of state.

“I hardly expected him to. I am unsure as to why we are here at all.” John replied.

“Oh come now, no need to be so modest, Mr. Stevens. I have been fully briefed on all your heroic deeds.” replied the Vice-President.

“A hero I am not. I was saving my own skin. It was pure coincidence that I happened to save Sheila and Catarina’s lovely skins as well. Now Lieutenant Waters, he’s a real hero. He laid his life selflessly on the line for the woman he loves.” John replied.

The Vice-President looked at him curiously.

“Yes, we are quite aware of Lieutenant Waters heroism. I feel you are being too modest yourself. That’s okay though. It will play well with the press.

If you will just step this way we’ve arranged for a private tour of the White House until the President is free to meet with you all.” the Vice-President said, turning to lead the procession and effectively cutting off further debate.

The silo residents followed in semi-awed reverence for the fine old building as the tour progressed. They hardly noticed the metal and explosive detectors that scanned them as they passed into the building, or the very watchful eyes of the Secret Service agents who accompanied them. They looked upon John with wary respect. None of them had ever actually killed anybody. They were all fully aware that John had.

The tour was pleasant and interesting. When they toured the Lincoln bedroom, Cindy and John were notified -as a by the way- that they would be spending the night there. Cindy beamed, John was thoughtful over how well an unmarried couple spending the night in the Lincoln bedroom would “play with the press.” He silently chuckled to himself over it.