President Jarrett walked into the Situation Room with Cal Dixon and sat down. It was ten minutes before midnight.
“You’re telling me that this … Game Changer … can reach us, here. One of the most, if not the most, protected and secure communication hub on earth?”
Dixon stared at him and spoke not as the Chief of Staff but as an old friend. “Dan, I don’t know what to make of this. I’ve never experienced or heard of anything like this. But, I know that if Game Changer reaches us here, then we must listen. The capabilities that Grace created are beyond comprehension and this would help validate that. I pray that my gut is right and that this Game Changer is a good guy.”
“Well, we only have to wait a matter of minutes to find out just how powerful this Game Changer is,” President Jarrett said.
They sat across from each other, lost in their thoughts until precisely midnight when a voice announced that Game Changer was on the line.
President Jarrett nodded. “Put him through,” Dixon said.
“Hello, this is Cal Dixon, I’m here with President Jarrett.”
“Thank you Mr. Dixon. Mr. President, it is an honor to be speaking with you. I am called Game Changer, and I hear that you have been looking for me.”
“My Chief of Staff filled me in on his conversation with you. It sounds like you may be on our side.”
“I want to be on your side Mr. President, but the murder of Dr. Grace by the government or those paid by it is an issue that at the very least generates mistrust.” Will was exercising all the control that he could muster. “I wanted to speak with you directly, to assess this matter.”
“I actually appreciate that. How did you penetrate our security?”
“The technology that I have is quantum leaps and bounds above anything known to man.”
Jarrett looked around the room before he continued. “Cal said that you told him that Dr. Grace was murdered by Ben Larkin. Do you have proof?”
One of the computer screens on the wall lit up and the text that was sent to Dr. Grace was displayed.
I’m on the run. Two SUVs showed up at my house, but I managed to get away. They overheard me talk about Slim. I’m so sorry. Look up what happened to Bo Ridley. Be careful. I’ll contact you when I can.
“Dr. Grace’s assistant was murdered, too. He received this text the day he was poisoned. That’s why he ran.”
“Is there more?”
“Yes.”
Will displayed emails between Logan and Larkin that suggested a cover up of the murders. President Jarrett twisted in his chair and grimaced. He looked at Dixon who could practically read his mind. There was a rogue operator in their camp that would need to be dealt with.
“Game Changer, I need to do some house cleaning. To do the job right, I need to understand who this Black Jack is dealing with.”
“Mr. President, I’ll contact you in forty-eight hours to let you know what light I can shed on the situation.”
“I need to look at my schedule so I can let you know–”
“Mr. President.” Will interrupted. “I’ll find you. It won’t be a problem.”
Jarrett and Dixon looked at each other.
“Is President Jarrett safe?” Dixon asked with concern.
“If you are asking if President Jarrett is safe from any actions that I may take, the answer is yes. If you are asking about others, I don’t know.”
The president stared at Dixon. “Game Changer, I have no choice but to trust you. I can assure you that you can trust me. Get me the information on Black Jack, and I’ll fix the mess.”
“Very good Mr. President.” Will terminated the call.
“My god.” The president rested his head in his hands with his elbows on the table.
“It’s fragile, but I think he’s on our side,” Dixon said, trying to reassure his boss and dear friend.
“I think so, too. And, we damn well better keep him there.” Jarrett paused then added, “I want the cancer cut out of this administration, Cal.”
“I’ll make it happen.”