Day Nine

By Clayton Spann

America’s first woman president has resigned in disgrace. Using knowledge privy to presidents, Alice Naylor travels back one hundred fifty years to hit the reset button on history. She will attempt to redeem her legacy by securing world peace. Unfortunately she and the Secret Service lover accompanying her believe this requires the permanent division of the United States.

The country’s best—and most brutal—counter-terrorist agent is sent after them. Joe Mauer teams with a colleague who has secretly loved him for years. The two know they face long odds in stopping this wily president now turned traitor.

During the fateful spring and summer of 1863 the four wage their own desperate campaign to determine the outcome of the Civil War. Lincoln and Lee become pawns in a deadly game as Naylor and Mauer try to checkmate each other with the greatest general of them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clayton Spann
• Release date: Dec 4, 2011
• ISBN: 9780976086079

Book preview

Day Nine

Clayton Spann

Copyright 2011 Clayton Spann

Smashwords Edition

Discover other titles by Clayton Spann at Smashwords.com:

Exchange Rate

The Line of Eyes

Lord Protector*

Restorer of the World*

Expelled*

Two Timed

*Roger Ward Trilogy

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons (except for historical figures), living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

To the Boys in the Blue and the Gray

On Fame’s eternal camping ground

Their silent tents are spread,

And glory guards, with solemn round

The bivouac of the dead.

Guide to the Days

Day 1: October 2000

Jack Mauer, Director of ATU Los Angeles, prevents assassination of Senator David Falmer. Falmer is the Democratic nominee for president. Jack also rescues kidnapped wife Teri Mauer and daughter Kim. Nina Miller, a mole in ATU, murders Teri. Jack leaves ATU.

Day 2: May 2001

At President Falmer’s request, Jack rejoins ATU. Jack prevents terrorists from exploding a nuclear bomb in Los Angeles.

Day 3: September 2004

Chloe Bryant has joined ATU as an analyst. She works with Jack, now a heroin addict, to contain a biological attack on the United States. Jack avenges Teri’s death by killing Nina Miller. Jack is fired by ATU.

Day 4: November 2005

Jack has fallen in love with Audrey Paine, daughter of Defense Secretary James Keller. Jack is reinstated at ATU. He and Chloe prevent terrorists from shutting down the nation’s electrical grid. To get necessary intelligence, Jack leads an assault on the Chinese consulate. The Consul is killed. Chloe helps Jack fake his death after learning President Charles Rogin will have him killed to placate the Chinese government.

Day 5: February 2007

President Rogin learns that Jack is alive. Rogin has David Falmer killed, and targets Jack and Chloe for assassination. Rogin is in league with Graem Mauer, Jack’s brother, to take over oil fields in Central Asia. Jack reunites with Audrey Paine. Jack, Chloe and Secret Service agent Aaron Price combine to bring down Rogin. Jack is kidnapped by the Chinese.

Day 6: May 2009

President Wayne Falmer secures Jack’s release from the Chinese, but the Chinese in turn have kidnapped Audrey Paine. A nuclear bomb detonates in Los Angeles, with more explosions threatened. Jack’s father Phillip, brother Graem, Arab terrorists, and the Chinese are involved in this plot. The terrorists severely wound Falmer. Noah Darnell becomes president. All in a day’s work, Jack kills his brother and father, prevents war with Russia, and rescues a vegetative Audrey. Audrey does not recover.

Day 7: May 2013

An out of control ATU has been shut down. Jack is under investigation for torturing terrorists, but the FBI—in a pickle—recruits him to fight new terrorists. These terrorists, backed by a secret American cabal, threaten to deploy a deadly biological agent. Jack, Chloe, Aaron, and FBI agent Renee Weller help defeat the cabal. During this crisis President Allison Naylor suffers an invasion of the White House, and Jack saves her life. Allison’s daughter Olivia is complicit in the murder of a member of the cabal. Allison refuses to cover up the crime, and husband Henry deserts her.

Day 8: April 2015

Allison Naylor has reactivated ATU, and Chloe now works at ATU New York. Allison and Secretary of State Ethan Canon verge on concluding a historic peace treaty, but the Russians and Islamic terrorists try to sabotage it. Jack and Renee Weller are dragged in to combat the plot. Chloe is appointed Director of ATU New York. Jack and Renee fall in love, but the Russians kill Renee. Allison is desperate to salvage the treaty and tries to cover up Russian duplicity. As Jack slaughters Russians and maims U.S. agents, he almost defeats the cover up but is captured. Allison signs off on his execution. Stricken by conscience, she intervenes to save him. She resigns from office; Mitchell Hightower is president. Jack runs from both his government and the Russians.

Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.

Max Frisch

2015

Saturday, May 3

The escorting Secret Service agent led him into the ground floor elevator.

I’m glad they made things right, said the agent.

Thank you, said Mauer.

The agent smiled warmly. The immaculately groomed young man had treated him like royalty the moment he received Mauer from the federal marshals.

The marshals driving Mauer from Fort Meade to the White House had also acted cordially. Probably more in relief getting rid of a hot potato than sharing joy at his pardon. During his three weeks in custody the marshals had not known whether to regard him as monster or hero.

Despite the carnage he racked up, the Justice Department never formally charged him. The administration certainly didn’t want to bring him to trial; too much dirty laundry. He bet at one point they debated returning him to the Chinese. He wouldn’t put that past a weak sister like Hightower.

Instead President Hightower decided to declare him a hero. Mauer had after all saved the country’s bacon, even if he went more overboard than usual. Mauer would get a blanket pardon, a hundred percent disability pension, a medal, and—most importantly—a worry free future.

Mauer did not know whether the Russians had been bought off or threatened with war. The latter option certainly didn’t seem in character for Hightower; perhaps it was the Secretary of State who laid down the law. Ethan Canon certainly possessed enough savvy and balls to bring the Russians around.

Whoever engineered the pledge, Mauer was supremely grateful. The bottom line was the Ruskies would leave Mauer and his daughter alone. He would avoid witness protection and Kim could leave it.

The elevator doors opened. They were on the first floor of the West Wing.

This way, sir. The agent extended his arm to the right.

But Mauer knew the way all too well.

They turned a corner and before them stretched the corridor leading to the Oval Office. The corridor was empty.

That surprised Mauer. There should be at least one Secret Service agent standing before the door opening to the Oval Office.

He shrugged. Security here wasn’t his problem. Besides, during that nightmare day two years ago there had been dozens of agents around. Which hadn’t mattered a bit.

Two years ago he wasn’t in the West Wing to receive a medal. In these corridors he had killed invaders and saw a great friend heroically die. Though many other good men fell that day, Day 7 of the terrible days, the loss of Bill Bachman was still an open wound.

The terrible Days defined his career. Eight of them, spread over a decade and a half, which had killed or ruined everyone he loved except his daughter. Thankfully there would never be a Day 9.

After he saw President Hightower he would fly immediately to Southern California. Waiting would be Kim, son-in-law Stephen , and granddaughter Teri. Then he would enter a life completely devoid of drama. Just the way he wanted it.

Thankfully Hightower had agreed to a low-key ceremony. No press or publicity. A quick presentation, a short chat, then Mauer would be off to Andrews Air Force Base to catch a government jet to Los Angeles.

The agent slowed. Here we are, sir.

The 45-degree angle of the corridor indicated they were outside the Oval Office.

The agent rapped, then opened the door.

Mr. President, Jack Mauer is here.

Thank you, Tom.

President Hightower rose from one of the lemon colored couches in the center of the sunlit room. The bland-faced, graying man who had replaced Allison Naylor four weeks ago smiled enthusiastically. Boy, thought Mauer, they really were glad to have him off their hands.

Two other men and a woman rose from the other sofa. He knew them all. He was pleased and flattered by their presence. He was especially heartened to see Chloe.

Though this was an informal meeting on a Saturday afternoon, they all wore business attire. He appreciated this gesture of respect.

He eyed Chloe. He had rarely seen her in anything besides slacks and sweater. Chloe would never win a beauty contest, but he must admit she looked nice when dressed up. And her usually blah brown hair had luster and was tastefully styled.

Mauer wore a suit himself. He had thought he would never wear coat and tie again—or civilian clothes of any sort. He had fully expected an orange jumpsuit to be his permanent duds.

Former President Noah Darnell and current Secretary of State Ethan Canon were smiling, but less broadly than Hightower. Pale, thin Chloe sported more of a grimace. She of course rarely smiled.

The President approached with extended hand. As they shook, his other hand patted Mauer’s forearm.

Mauer disdained the forearm pat. The pat presumed an intimacy and trust that could only be earned by deed. Too often the pat marked a phony.

But he cut Hightower slack. The man was probably sincere in conveying gratitude. In addition to rescuing the country for the umpteenth time, Mauer had made him president.

Hightower swept his arm toward the others. Jack, I believe you have met President Darnell and Secretary Canon. And of course, you are well acquainted with Director Bryant.

Darnell and Canon each awarded him a vigorous handshake. Both expressed hope that he was recovering well. Recovering from Chloe’s shot through the shoulder, they left unsaid. Both thanked him for saving Manhattan from destruction and uncovering Russian authorship of the plot. That he had sunk Allison Naylor was also left unsaid. They wished him well in his future endeavors.

Chloe still hung back. He stepped and softly embraced her.

It’s good to see you, Chloe. And congratulations on being named permanent director of ATU New York.

Thank you. Then she pulled away to stand a good two yards from the rest of them. She definitely did look uncomfortable.

Well, no wonder. She was socially clumsy anyway. Finding herself in the Oval Office with two presidents had probably freaked her out. She’d never win the Miss Congeniality award, either.

But Mauer was certain the men in this office knew her true value. Chloe had distinguished herself during Day 8, when she was named interim director at New York. It had been a no-brainer to keep her in the job. So what if she were only thirty-four? She was smart, decisive, and more importantly, didn’t offer or tolerate bullshit.

Jack, said the President, why don’t we proceed to the presentation? We can do it in front of the Resolute. Hightower gestured toward his desk. I would have of course preferred we hold the presentation on the South Lawn. With the whole nine yards, including the Fife and Drum Corps. You deserve it.

I appreciate your honoring my request, Mr. President. Just hand him the medal and be done with it. The DDSM was a worthless gong anyway, usually awarded for valorous paper shuffling.

Darnell and Canon moved over the royal blue carpet to flank Hightower. Darnell towered over the other men. Chloe did not move until the President asked she join them. The group stood around the seal of the United States embroidered in the carpet.

Then Hightower removed a black case from his suit jacket. The case bore gilt lettering. Mauer came to attention.

On behalf of the people of the United States of America, said Hightower, I hereby award John Phillip Mauer the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for acts far, far above and beyond the call of duty. His bravery and devotion to protecting this country are awe-inspiring. We can never repay our debt to Agent Mauer. We can, however belatedly, offer our profound respect and thanksgiving.

The President’s soft cornpone voice reduced the praise to near parody. But Mauer didn’t care.

Hightower handed him the case. Mauer did not open it. He would chuck the case and the medal within soon as he got home. He wanted no reminder of the Days.

Hightower shook his hand again, as did Darnell and Canon. Chloe pecked his cheek.

For a moment they stood awkwardly. Then the President motioned toward the facing couches.

Jack, please have a seat.

The men once more offered benevolent smiles. Chloe did not.

Chloe knew him better than anyone else now, including Kim. She knew how much he disliked idle small talk. She knew he wanted out of here, and fast.

Mauer almost said, thank you gentlemen, but I have a plane to catch. Of course he didn’t. Mitchell Hightower had after all restored his life. And the man was only being gracious in not immediately dismissing Mauer. Mauer must be gracious back.

So he sat on the very comfortable couch. Through the tall window to the left of the President’s desk Mauer saw Marine One perched on the South Lawn. Guilt pangs stirred. He was so eager to bolt that he hadn’t considered the President’s own plans.

The helicopter surely waited to whisk the President and First Lady to Camp David or some other spot. The pair would already be gone for a weekend break if not for this presentation. No doubt Hightower too wanted to wrap this up.

Thank you again, Mr. President, for the pardon. And for intervening with the Russians.

When FBI caught him a week after Naylor resigned, Mauer knew at best he faced a life in the Colorado supermax. Now he had all those sunny tomorrows ahead. The last time he envisioned such a future was before Day 4, when he and Audrey were in love and he was free of ATU.

Barbed wire pulled through his intestines. He wished he had not thought of Audrey. Audrey would forever live in her own supermax, that of a catatonic state.

The least we could do for you, Jack.

Then Hightower’s smile faded. Ditto for Darnell and Canon. Chloe looked even grimmer. Heavy silence pervaded the Oval Office.

Hightower cleared his throat.

Jack, have you even been to Camp David?

Mauer blinked. What did that have to do with anything?

No, Mr. President.

Darnell also cleared his throat. Camp David is probably the most secure location in the country. Even more so than the White House.

Mauer knew the facility sat on top of a mountain somewhere in western Maryland. But again, why tell him this?

Unease stirred, then he relaxed. Hightower was probably about to invite Mauer there for the remainder of the weekend. As a further demonstration of gratitude. A fine honor—which Mauer wondered how to reject diplomatically.

Jack, said the President, you know I have also pardoned Allison Naylor. I have caught heat, but I am convinced it is best for the country. We have had enough national trauma over the past dozen years, and criminal trial of a president would only add to it.

I understand, Mr. President. Mauer would have hung her from a lamppost, but mostly for personal revenge.

Since I pardoned her, she has been staying at Camp David. She requested a couple weeks there, as refuge from the public and press. I felt it would be good to have her out of sight too.

I see, said Mauer.

I will be departing for Camp David before evening. Hightower paused and didn’t quite maintain eye contact with Mauer. I would like you on Marine One with me.

Mauer was sure he had misheard the President.

Sir?

Darnell cast his deep baritone. I will be accompanying the President. As will Ethan.

Mauer didn’t understand. Or maybe he did. His stomach quickly soured.

He was finally getting it: this medal presentation had been but a ploy. A deception to get him in this office which reeked of call to duty. To plead he undertake another mission, a mission which was of course vital to national security.

Their gall was amazing.

Over his career he had sacrificed much and gained little. In his euphoria at receiving the pardon he had thought the President only trying to balance the ledger. Dropping his guard was inexcusable. When had not everything in this world been quid pro quo?

What dirty work at Camp David did they have in mind? To pry some state secret from Allison Naylor, pry as only he could?

Mauer stood. Sir, I have that flight. At four-thirty.

I know, Jack. I apologize for how this looks. The pardon and pension are completely sincere on my part, and free of any obligation on your part. But a situation has developed.

That is not my concern, Mr. President.

Chloe had risen to face him. Her too close together eyes were full of foreboding.

It’s everyone’s concern, Jack. Please listen.

I wouldn’t think you in on this bait and switch. He bore his eyes into hers. From these—politicians—I expect it. Not you.

Hear them out. Please.

I’m leaving. I’m going home.

Mauer circled the couches to head for the corridor door. With surprising agility Noah Darnell blocked his path.

Allison is going to fuck us all, he said.

Darnell, linebacker big, looked ready to keep him from exiting. Mauer of course could make short work of Darnell. But aside from the absurdity of subduing a former president in this hallowed room, he’d blow his pardon and pension for sure.

Mauer checked his wristwatch. Quarter of three.

You have fifteen minutes. Then I am out of here.

Please sit, said the President.

No, I’ll stand. He again gave Chloe a malevolent stare. She bit her lip.

Aaron Price accompanied her to Camp David, said Hightower. You know Agent Price.

Of course. Aaron was one of the finest men ever in the Secret Service. More than once he and Mauer had teamed during the terrible days.

Did you know he has become romantically involved with her?

"With Naylor?"

Yes. For at least a year. They were extremely discreet. We have only become aware of the liaison in the past few days.

Soon after Day 5 Aaron had retired from the Secret Service. But he came back on duty during Day 7. He had been instrumental in obtaining evidence against Naylor’s daughter Olivia, when she conspired to murder a federal prisoner. Olivia was still serving time.

Surprisingly Allison Naylor had kept Aaron on White House duty after her daughter was arrested. Mauer had thought she only did that to not appear vindictive. A romance was the last thing Mauer expected to bloom.

You have to be kidding.

It’s confirmed, said Chloe.

Again he gave her a hard look.

Then he shook his head. So this is the crisis? What crisis? She’s out of office and can sleep with whoever she wants.

Even in office she had been a free woman after her divorce. She would have been violating only convention by having a lover in the White House.

Jack, what I reveal from this point stays between the five of us, said Hightower. I want your pledge beforehand.

Of course. But it didn’t matter what Hightower said. Mauer was going home.

Hightower sighed. No other way to say it, but to say it. Even if you think we are deranged. Jack, Camp David is a front. An astounding discovery was made in 1942, when the place was just woods near a summer camp for government employees. Shortly afterward FDR closed public access and proclaimed the area a presidential retreat.

What had they found there? Uranium? Gold?

His mind raced. What if the discovery was a huge deposit of gold? Large enough to devalue the world’s the other gold holdings? That might cause a financial panic. Was Naylor threatening to disclose that knowledge?

Mauer told himself to slow down. Let Hightower fill in the blanks. Then Mauer could make his evaluation.

But it was Darnell who took up the narrative. Hightower seemed relieved. This president did have that rap, a man adverse to confrontation and decision. Hightower sagged into the couch next to his Secretary of State.

By contrast, silver haired Canon sat erectly. His posture and vigilant eyes reminded Mauer of an eagle. Which he was. Ethan Canon had excellently served the country in the two highest cabinet posts and as White House chief of staff.

Chloe sat tightly coiled, her knuckles white. Was she so tense because she feared she had lost Mauer’s good will? Or was there merit to the situation? Please, let it be the former.

Mauer remained squared off with Darnell and his bushy eyebrows and meaty face.

Camp David sits atop a geological—and gravitational—anomaly, said Darnell.