Chapter 454

It was a hot night with the all the girls before I finally fell asleep with Vicky. All of us got up early and were eating breakfast when the commotion started outside.

Bob was outside with the dumpster company putting dumpsters near the tunnel entrance. He had taken my pressure seriously. There were two roll-offs by the box. The crane was setting a portable generator on the other side of the box.

On my way out the drive, I stopped to talk to Bob.

“The guys round-tabled last night before they went home. The electricians think they can do a quick visual inspection of the spool and tube wiring, then cut it loose from the panel on the other end to isolate it from the hidden panel, just to be safe. It might be old but there are literally millions of places that still have it in service,” Bob said then added.

“Then we will power it up from the generator on this end. We will know pretty quickly if it is OK. With the 10 foot height, no one is going to get into it, plus we will make everyone aware. If it works it will speed things along by several days,” Bob said.

“With lighting, the clean out can start today and the electricians can start their part,” Bob added.

“On your way to Washington?” Bob asked.

“Yep, it’s going to be a busy day,” I replied.

“Pick up a couple of the area papers. You are front, second and third page news and the same with local TV,” Bob added.

Just as we were talking, a TV truck pulled to a stop in front of our driveway before it turned into the gym.

“I can see why you want a rush on this now,” Bob replied.

“Bob, that’s only a small part; there are a thousand things going on that hopefully no-one ever has to find out or experience. Just as an example, the SUVs that the girls and I ride in have 1 in thick special bullet proof glass, the floor, sides, doors and top are hardened armor plate and the tires are special run flat in case they are shot,” I replied.

“Damn, it’s that serious? I had no idea,” he replied.

Even after the delay I was walking through security at the White House at 0635. The secret service agent who had a fit yesterday was working the security station today.

“No need to put your tools in the locker today, the director says you are good. By the way, I’m Greg Archer,” he said then he added.

“Coffee and donuts are already on your meeting room table for you.”

“Thank you Greg,” I replied.

The GSA had been true to their word; everything looked nearly done. There was even a break counter with two old Bunn coffee percolators that looked like they just came out of a mess tent somewhere and a case of Marine Corp issue coffee. There was also a microwave that looked new.

Eric or Frank must have told someone what I liked for coffee, strong and black.

There was also a tray of things to ruin a great cup of coffee; coffee mate, sugar, artificial sweeteners and other additives.

The first thing I did was to rinse and fill the coffee makers and start coffee brewing in one of them. The strong coffee that I liked would carry me through the long day I was expecting.

There were a couple men working to get the big flat screens working correctly with the computers. From the terminology they were using, they were IT techs.

“Before you leave, there are some questions I need answered,” I said to the one who was acting like the team leader.

I went to work finishing the meeting agenda. I was anxious to see just how cooperative all those agencies would be sitting at the same table. I expected all those high strung agencies to still be secretive - Presidents orders or not.

The coffee had finished just in time; I was ready for a refill. At the first sip I knew it was perfect.