In Sheep's Clothing: An Action-Packed Political Thriller (Matthew Richter Thriller Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

part of a phone conversation between Senator Miller and the vice president.  Before the Senator closed the door, she heard him say…” he glanced down at his notes, “…‘don’t worry.  I have no intention of voting for her.’”
    The president took a deep breath.  “How does she know it was Rumson?”
    “She answered the phone, sir.  She transferred the call in.”
    “God damn it!” the president swore softly.
    Howell shook his head.  “That’s not all, sir.  I also spoke to someone in Senator Broussard’s office,” he said.  “Apparently he’s already made up his mind too.”
    “Shit!  I thought we were aligned on this!”  The president sat back and stared at the ceiling for a moment.  “He’s trying to sabotage my nomination?”
    Howell’s face was grim.  “It would appear so.” 
___
    It was cold and dark as Monahan left his office and climbed into the back of the Suburban.  Not a fan of winter, he was looking forward to the glass of wine he would have when he got home.  That would warm him up, he thought.  As the driver pulled out into traffic, he reflected on the day.  It hadn’t been too bad.  The meeting with the president had gone well, even though he hadn’t been given any opportunity to prepare.  At least that was his impression.  Unfortunately, the occasional pat on the back wasn’t Director Broder’s style.  He shook his head as he recalled Broder’s pep talk, a harsh whisper right before they entered the Oval Office.
    “Don’t fuck this up, Monahan!” 
    Motivation through fear—and public humiliation when you slipped up—wasn’t the style leadership consultants were recommending these days.  Still, Broder had let him meet with the president, which was something he had never expected.  It must have been at the president’s request, Monahan figured.  Oh well, he sighed.  Everyone has a cross to bear.  He just needed to hang on a few more years before he could retire. 
    His cell phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.
    “This is the White House Operator.  Please hold for the president.”
    Monahan sat upright; seconds later the president came on the line.
    “Pat.  It’s Dave Kendall.  How are you?”
    “Good, Mr. President.  Is there something I can do for you, sir?”
    “I wanted to thank you for the update today.  Your summary was concise and to the point.”
    Monahan smiled.
    “I know I said it earlier, Pat, but your role on this team is crucial.  While I agree with the intent of President Walters’ directive, we need to make sure that the team does not cross the line.  Okay?”
    “Absolutely, sir.  You have my word.”  In the rearview mirror, Monahan noticed the young driver was smiling too.
    After he hung up, Monahan sat back and sighed contentedly.  No, today wasn’t too bad after all.
___
    In the Oval Office, President Kendall hung up the phone.  He picked up the file on Carol Hettinger.  He stared at it for a second before dropping it back on the desk with a sigh.  Despite his conversation with Pat Monahan—the only bright spot in the last fifteen hours—his day had not gone well at all.

CHAPTER SIX
    It was almost 9:00 p.m. when President Kendall left the Oval Office.  Agents Brad Lansing and Stephanie Sartori snapped to attention and began to scan the quiet hallways for any signs of danger.  Lansing brought his hand up to his mouth and, using Kendall’s Secret Service code name, spoke into the microphone on his wrist.
    “Falcon’s moving.”
    Richter, standing watch at the foot of a stairway to the second floor residence, heard the call in his earpiece and scanned the hallway.  A moment later he saw the president round the corner, Agents Lansing and Sartori trailing behind.
    “Hey, Matthew!”  Unlike some of his predecessors, President Kendall treated the Secret Service agents who protected him with both fondness and a deep respect for their mission.
    “Good evening, sir.”
    “Did you catch the Flyers game