An attendant opened the door for him and slid into the driver’s seat. He would park the car and turn it over to security personnel who would check for any suspicious devices, including bugs or tracking transmitters. It would then be washed, vacuumed and ready for him when he returned. It was the same for every car that parked in the White House garage.
Harper took the elevator up to the main floor. When he stepped out a Marine checked his credentials and saluted. He walked to his office, greeting people along the way and chatting about various subjects. When he got to his office, his secretary took his coat and hat and went to bring in a pot of coffee.
Still standing, he went through the stack of calls he needed to return and quickly scanned the mail. Ten newspapers were neatly piled on the coffee table, just like they were every morning. He turned on the four television sets, lowered the volume and sat down. The conversation with Adam Carter was still rolling around in his head. A general who answered to no one could be a potential loose cannon.
So who would someone like that answer to? The Secretary of Defense? That is the only other person he could think of with the power to hide secret government projects. It had to be Craig Hollister. He was the newly appointed Secretary of Defense and Harper didn’t think he was the right man for the job.
Already they had crossed swords on two occasions. It wasn’t bad blood yet, but it could certainly turn out that way with a few more confrontations. He hated to call Hollister and ask him if he was over the operations at Area-51 but who else could he ask? Why not ask the President during a private moment? If he didn’t know, no one would.
He decided he would wait until the President was alone after this afternoon’s meeting and ask him. If the President didn’t know who it was, then someone had damn sure better find out and right away.
He continued to work in his office, making notes, reading, and getting ready for the daily noon meeting. This President was different from past ones. He liked to have the morning meetings with others from his staff and have the cabinet members hold their briefing in the afternoon. He felt that by waiting, the members would have a better handle on all situations rather than trying to quickly analyze what went on the night before.
Right or wrong, he was the President so that is what they all did. Harper was uncomfortable with the arrangement at first but it was becoming routine now and he could see some merit in having more time to prepare.
His secretary stuck her head in the door and said, “Five minutes sir,”
He looked up, lost in thought, “What?”
“Five minutes,” she said again.
“Oh yes, five minutes. Thank you,” he said and started gathering up his materials.
As he started down the hall, she handed him a stack of copies he had wanted for the meeting. When he arrived at the oval office the President was already seated at one of the couches talking with the Secretary of Transportation.
“Larry. Right on time as always. I like that,” he said, glancing at his watch. Harper was two minutes early by his watch. He never wanted to be late; it was a thing with him.
“Good afternoon, Mr. President,” he said, taking an overstuffed chair that was so soft it didn’t feel like leather.
Within minutes the room had filled with those who had a standing command performance with the President. Each person gave his or her report and the President would ask questions or give directions as the situation warranted. Harper spent much of his time trying to look interested.
Clouds had started to roll in and they had the appearance of snow. It was just what they needed in D.C. at this time of year. Another snow storm that would bring traffic to even more of a standstill than usual. He was still watching the clouds when the meeting was over and the others had stood to leave.
“Larry, something on your mind?” the President asked.
“Sir, if I may, could I have a minute of your time?”
“Of course you can. Stay and I will be right back. Even the President has to pee once in a while,” he said and Harper chuckled, “Yes sir, I suppose he does.”
A few minutes later the President returned and took a seat across from Harper.
“So what’s on your mind? I could see something was bothering you during the meeting.”
“Sorry sir. I didn’t think anyone noticed. I apologize,” he said.
“Don’t be silly. I doubt if anyone noticed but me. What’s on your mind?”
“Sir, we have a General Devin who is in charge of the Nellis Gunnery Range in Nevada. He is also in charge of all other projects taking place there. Nellis is where Area-51 is located and the CIA Skunkworks. No one seems to know who he answers to. I thought you might know something that I didn’t.”
“Well he answers to someone. We don’t have generals just doing any damn thing they want. How did you find out about this?” the President asked.
