Frankie’s Choice

Chapter Nine, Part II

The big day dawned. Tim Hunkstone’s entourage, of which Frankie and Alberic were now a temporary part, left the rented mansion in the same convoy order as per their journey from the airport, making their way into Washington DC. The closer their small convoy got to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the slower their progress became. Photographers and camera crews seemed to be everywhere, all striving for pictures of Tim and his girlfriend Samantha who, both being very accustomed to the attention, were smiling and waving so as to ensure the images that would be splashed around the world in seconds would be flattering and would therefore support their carefully-constructed personas.

Behind the stars’ limo in the entourage van, Frankie and Alberic sat slumped in their seats, trusting that the tinted glass and the fact they held zero interest for the assembled paparazzi would ensure they were ignored. The moment they stepped into the White House, they’d be required to divest their weapons. This would leave them horribly vulnerable but it couldn’t be avoided.

Eventually the convoy reached the security entrance of the White House and, one by one, each vehicle was inspected by Secret Service agents. Frankie watched as they moved mirrors underneath, presumably looking for explosive devices. It seemed rather low-tech to her and besides, wouldn’t…