Chapter 28The White House Rose Garden bordering the Oval Office was a favourite place for senior staff to unwind, or to meet informally with colleagues. In springtime it was resplendent with daffodils and tulips, but the President’s favourites were the magnificent Chandos Beauty roses with their glowing pink-tinged white flowers and bewitching scent that dominated the garden throughout the summer. Almost thirty years earlier Tessa had chosen the same rose for their wedding service, and he had seen its presence at the White House as a good omen for his term of office.
It was the President’s usual hideaway whenever he and his Chief of Staff wanted some peace and quiet together, a place to chew over whatever was on their minds. But to a junior like Chuck Pavel it was hallowed ground, the pri
