Read Online Presidential Shift by C. G. Cooper - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: C. G. Cooper
Tags: thriller, Literature & Fiction, Action & Adventure, War & Military, Genre Fiction, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Political, Thriller & Suspense
Ads: Link
sick man’s cohort grunted and led the way out.
+++
8:00am
The amphitheater opened its doors to the swarm of patrons. A steady stream of concert-goers passed through one of many metal detectors or x-ray machines. Some were chosen at random for more invasive searches. Most were somber and respectful, aware of the heightened presence of security personnel after the attack that injured the first lady and killed the vice president.
Much of the crowd looked to be from out of town, which wasn’t uncommon for the occasion. The typical fans for the artists performing were more left-leaning than right. The citizenry of Orange Beach was comprised of mostly southern conservatives, a group not known for their adoration of the first lady and her Hollywood friends.
There were, of course, exceptions. Some came merely to see the first lady and her entourage of celebrities. Others came because of curiosity. It helped that the event was heavily subsidized and most tickets could be purchased for as little as fifteen dollars.
Cal and Daniel watched the mass as they meandered in and found their seats. They’d talked to most of the security team and agreed that the location was as secure as it was going to get. There was always added danger in an open air event, but the prior attack in D.C. proved that it could happen anywhere.
“You getting that tingly vibe of yours?” asked Cal.
Daniel had a sixth sense for danger. He could sniff it out like he had a direct line to a higher power. It often elicited a friendly ribbing from the other SSI operators because they all knew of his quiet, yet strong, religious faith.
Daniel shook his head. “I can’t believe the president is letting her do this. They’re just asking for trouble.”
Cal shrugged. He’d tried to dissuade the president as recently as the night before, but it wasn’t to be. Despite his reservations, the president had deferred to his wife and her security team. “She’s in good hands, Cal,” he’d said. “Besides, won’t you be looking out for her too?”
It wasn’t Cal’s job to look out for the first lady, but like any good Marine, he took his marching orders with a dutiful, “Yes, sir.”
As was their manner, the Marines silently observed the growing throng, ready for anything.
+++
9:10am
Mikey had perked up during the walk to the concert, likely due to the copious amounts of alcohol consumed from the tiny bottles of liquor his partner had stashed in every conceivable place on his person.
Both men were sporting soothing buzzes as they passed through the metal detectors. The shot-sized bottles of booze had all been consumed and thrown away prior to hitting the checkpoint. Neither man set off the alarm and the agents inspecting didn’t see the need for additional screening.
+++
9:28am
The Secret Service suburban pulled up to the curb. Agents arranged themselves around the vehicle and along the path leading into the amphitheater’s holding area. The first lady, looking elegant yet modern in a form-fitting knee length linen periwinkle dress, stepped out the SUV and smiled at the large agent offering her his hand.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she smiled warmly, gingerly lowering herself onto the pavement. Her recent wounds were still raw, but the painkillers had helped.
“Right this way, ma’am.” The first lady followed, encircled by her detail.
+++
9:31am
Daniel nudged Cal. “Here she comes.”
They watched as the first lady took in the open air arena, pointing and waving to fans as she moved slowly across the stage.
+++
9:32am
Mikey watched as the first lady made her pre-event rounds. He even waved and forced a smile despite the aching pain in his stomach.
+++
10:00am
The crowd roared as the first lady stepped out with four of the country’s biggest stars, who smiled and waved, deferring to their host as she stepped up to the microphone.
“Good morning, everyone!” The masses roared back in glee. “I’m so glad you could make it
+++
8:00am
The amphitheater opened its doors to the swarm of patrons. A steady stream of concert-goers passed through one of many metal detectors or x-ray machines. Some were chosen at random for more invasive searches. Most were somber and respectful, aware of the heightened presence of security personnel after the attack that injured the first lady and killed the vice president.
Much of the crowd looked to be from out of town, which wasn’t uncommon for the occasion. The typical fans for the artists performing were more left-leaning than right. The citizenry of Orange Beach was comprised of mostly southern conservatives, a group not known for their adoration of the first lady and her Hollywood friends.
There were, of course, exceptions. Some came merely to see the first lady and her entourage of celebrities. Others came because of curiosity. It helped that the event was heavily subsidized and most tickets could be purchased for as little as fifteen dollars.
Cal and Daniel watched the mass as they meandered in and found their seats. They’d talked to most of the security team and agreed that the location was as secure as it was going to get. There was always added danger in an open air event, but the prior attack in D.C. proved that it could happen anywhere.
“You getting that tingly vibe of yours?” asked Cal.
Daniel had a sixth sense for danger. He could sniff it out like he had a direct line to a higher power. It often elicited a friendly ribbing from the other SSI operators because they all knew of his quiet, yet strong, religious faith.
Daniel shook his head. “I can’t believe the president is letting her do this. They’re just asking for trouble.”
Cal shrugged. He’d tried to dissuade the president as recently as the night before, but it wasn’t to be. Despite his reservations, the president had deferred to his wife and her security team. “She’s in good hands, Cal,” he’d said. “Besides, won’t you be looking out for her too?”
It wasn’t Cal’s job to look out for the first lady, but like any good Marine, he took his marching orders with a dutiful, “Yes, sir.”
As was their manner, the Marines silently observed the growing throng, ready for anything.
+++
9:10am
Mikey had perked up during the walk to the concert, likely due to the copious amounts of alcohol consumed from the tiny bottles of liquor his partner had stashed in every conceivable place on his person.
Both men were sporting soothing buzzes as they passed through the metal detectors. The shot-sized bottles of booze had all been consumed and thrown away prior to hitting the checkpoint. Neither man set off the alarm and the agents inspecting didn’t see the need for additional screening.
+++
9:28am
The Secret Service suburban pulled up to the curb. Agents arranged themselves around the vehicle and along the path leading into the amphitheater’s holding area. The first lady, looking elegant yet modern in a form-fitting knee length linen periwinkle dress, stepped out the SUV and smiled at the large agent offering her his hand.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she smiled warmly, gingerly lowering herself onto the pavement. Her recent wounds were still raw, but the painkillers had helped.
“Right this way, ma’am.” The first lady followed, encircled by her detail.
+++
9:31am
Daniel nudged Cal. “Here she comes.”
They watched as the first lady took in the open air arena, pointing and waving to fans as she moved slowly across the stage.
+++
9:32am
Mikey watched as the first lady made her pre-event rounds. He even waved and forced a smile despite the aching pain in his stomach.
+++
10:00am
The crowd roared as the first lady stepped out with four of the country’s biggest stars, who smiled and waved, deferring to their host as she stepped up to the microphone.
“Good morning, everyone!” The masses roared back in glee. “I’m so glad you could make it
Similar Books
