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“I believe you know Special Agent Alex Ford He’s waiting there for you”
Stone gazed at Chapman “She’s with me”
The ent Chapman?” She nodded “ID please”
She produced it
“Let’s go”
They were escorted through the front gates, although Chapun
“I want it back,” she said to the confiscating officer, “in the exact same condition I’m very partial to that weapon”
“Yes ma’am,” responded the man politely
They passed by a backhoe and a crew ofthe sturounds One of the men winked at Chap and were led down the hall, Chapman whispered, “So this is the White House, eh?”
“Never been here?” Stone asked
“No, you?”
Stone didn’t answer
At that moment Alex Ford stepped froent escort “Chuck, I’ve got it Thanks”
“Okay, Alex” Chuck broke off and headed back the way they had come
Stone made introductions and then said, “Why are we here?”
“I understand you met with Sir James McElroy earlier?” said Alex
“Sir? He didn’t tell hted”
“Didn’t really want it,” remarked Chapman “But you don’t turn down the queen, now do you?”
Stone said, “Yes, I met with him”
“Just so you know, the decision for you to coencies”
“Including yours?”
“And including some other folks here”
“Who are wewith?”
“Chief of staff and the VP”
“I’m impressed”
“I think the VP is there to give it a bit ravitas”
“Have they been fully briefed?”
“Don’t know Above rade”
They arrived at a door Alex knocked
“Enter,” a voice said
“Ready?” said Alex, and Stone nodded