Storm Unleashed

Chapter 3

Chapter 3FOR THE FIRST TIME in Fritz's memory, Ashley had decorated his two-story Cape Cod. Christmas lights were everywhere, and life-size statues of Old English carolers greeted them at the front steps.

As they emptied from Fritz's new car, the front door swung open and their grinning host stepped out. “Fritz, leave the baby's stuff in the car. Come on in.” Jane waved as they came up the walkway.

“Like what you've done to the place,” said Fritz.

“It seemed a bit lacking.” Ashley swept his arm toward the neighbors' houses.

“Keeping up with the Joneses?”

“No, actually.” He pointed to three houses. “Smith, O'Reilly, and Steinberg.”

Linda said, “Don't start. Let's have a quiet dinner.”

“Yes. Let's.” Ashley held the door. “Please, do come in.”

Linda handed TJ to Jane and took off her coat. She looked at Ashley and laughed. “You did it.” Standing in the living room were James Williams, Mel Zack, the president and First Lady, and the vice president and his wife.

When it registered, Fritz shook his head. Even more shocked were his parents, who were introduced by the president to those they hadn't met. Ashley had told Jane to suggest an evening off and invite them for dinner. At the back of the room, Tony Almeida stood with a cup of eggnog.

“So may I offer anyone a libation?” Ashley asked.

“Jack and rocks for me,” said Fritz. “In fact, I may have more than one.” The president asked for sparkling water.

With drinks in hand, Ashley offered a holiday toast and announced, “Dinner is served.” A complete baby corner, with a swing and a playpen, had been set up in the corner of the dining room.

“When did you get this stuff?” asked Linda.

With his smile broadening, he said, “Jane suggested it. She said we could have you here more often, although I can't imagine why.”

“What's for dinner?” asked Fritz. “I'll decide later if I want to come back.”

“This evening's entrée is the chef's specialty, Beef Wellington.”

“You made it?” Fritz asked.

“I did. And it looks terrific. The president said this is a test, and if I pass, I have a job at the White House.” Ashley had made broccolini, homemade French fries, and a large salad. The table was dressed with linen napkins. He had bought expensive china and glassware, as well as new silverware. The dining room had white twinkle lights on anything that didn't move.

“Fritz, you're awfully quiet,” said the president.

“I'm not sure where I am. This can't be Ashley's house.”

“I heard that,” said Ashley from the kitchen. “It's your fault.”

“How's it my fault?”

“You told me I was changing, so I just added a few details.” Jane and Tony delivered bowls and serving pieces. With a large platter in his hands, Ashley followed, wearing a tall white chef's hat and carrying the main course.

“Where did you get that?” asked Fritz, trying not to laugh as he snapped a picture with his phone.

“A gift from the White House. Even autographed.”

Fritz looked at the president, who held up his hands and shook his head. “I didn't sign it.”

“I can get his autograph anytime,” Ashley said. “The head chef signed it. Jane brought it back with her.”

“Good thing you have big ears. It would be over your face otherwise.”

“Please take your assigned seats, as indicated by the placecards I have so carefully … placed.

The vice president said, “Mr. President, you were right. I think this is gonna be fun. We weren't sure you could match an embassy party, Ashley.”

“But the chicken, excuse me, chicken-in-chief, didn't bring his sneakers,” said Ashley.

When they finished the meal, Ashley wheeled in a cart with two ornate pitchers of coffee and decaf and a platter of cannoli for dessert. A selection of liqueurs stood on the bottom shelf.

“When did you get all this stuff?” Fritz asked.

“When I became civilized. On Wednesday. Jane and I went shopping after school.”

“Now I know I'm in the wrong place. You went shopping, spent a bundle, and had your own state dinner. I can't wait to find out what's next.”

Ashley nodded to Jane at the far end of the table. She lifted her left hand, and on her third finger, a diamond sparkled. The noise that greeted her woke TJ, who chirped. Linda started to get up, but the vice president motioned her to stay seated. “I'm closer. I'll get him.”

Everyone found their way to the kitchen. Stacked plates in the sink, counters covered with all the glasses and silverware, and the cookware still on the stove, Jane and Ashley held hands, leaving the clean-up until later. “Did you see this coming?” Fritz whispered to Linda.

She nodded. “Maybe not yet. But uh-huh, and Christmas is such a good time for it. I'm surprised he didn't tell you.”

“Me, too. I wonder when he decided.” He called across the crowded kitchen. “Hey, goofball, when did you decide?” The room was suddenly silent, except for TJ.

“Actually, in September. But I had to wait.”

“Why?” asked Fritz.

“I had just met her that day.” Jane kissed his cheek.

The laughter almost drowned out the president's ringtone.

“HI, CHARLIE. What's happened?” The president listened as the secretary of defense reported. “Casualties?” The night became silent. He frowned at the response. “Okay, keep me advised.” The president told them a destroyer, one of the ships headed for Korea, had blown up in San Diego. The explosion damaged two other ships. “They're still on fire.” The president looked around. “Sorry, Ashley, but we have to leave. I need to find out what happened.”

“Do you want to use the portal, Mr. President?” Fritz asked. “I have keys to the school.”

“If you don't mind. We have the generator in the car. We should all go. Tony, you can come back when you want. I'll keep the plane here for now. Sorry about the inconvenience.”

“No problem, sir.”

Jane asked, “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No. I'll let you know when.”

WHEN FRITZ AND TONY returned, Linda, Ashley, and Jane were cleaning up. Fritz's parents sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee.

“He just doesn't get a break,” said Fritz.

“After we got to school and Fritz opened the portal, the vice president saw the Oval Office and sounded like he was choking,” said Tony. “The president laughed at him. He said, 'Pretty cool, huh?' I think the vice president was speechless for the first time in his life.”

“Jane, what do you think this means?” asked Linda.

“Unless some kind of accident set off the explosion, it's an act of war or domestic terrorism. Let's check for any news,” Jane said. Only one network had video, taken by a tourist who happened to be filming the harbor at night. They saw the initial explosion in the distance, followed by others when the ship's munitions detonated and hit the other ships.

Jane squinted, looking for what might have caused the explosion. “If they were set to go to sea, it would have been easy to miss seeing the explosives being set, especially underwater. They could have set them days ago.” She pointed to the place where they first saw explosions. “It looks like the charges detonated where the most explosives are aboard. Someone knew the right spot.”

“Will they be able to find out?” asked Martha Russell.

“Maybe. A lot more cameras than people know about are focused on that harbor.” Jane pointed to the shops along the walkway as the news camera panned. “Quite a few analysts will be working overtime. They'll send divers in once the fires are out. I wonder who took the pictures?” Jane was asking, but mostly talking to herself. “Was it really a tourist?”