Presidential Disease

By Robert G Hrib

Robert retires from the Paterson Fire Department to take a job as Public Safety Director of the Federal Government in Washington DC. His second day on the job he wakes up to find the President and the first family has been murdered. It is a terrorist plot against the United States Government.
The Director and his staff try to solve why the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Aug 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643451428

Book preview

Contents

About the Author

Dedication

1. Robert Starts His New Job

2. The Director Meets a Woman

3. The Director Has a Date He Will Never Forget

4. The Fires In New Jersey

5. The Attempted Assignation

6. The Director And His Nurse

7. The Bureau Put The Big Push

8. A Shooting At The Chinese Embassy

9. They Find Chow

10. The Kidnapping

11. The President’s Speech

12. Turmoil For The Director

13. The Good Bye

About the Author

Robert G Hrib was born in Passaic New Jersey on July 24, 1955. His family moved from Haledon, New Jersey to a small town in Northern Jersey called Little Falls. At the age of three, he wanted to help people as an EMT or a firefighter. He attended schools in Little Falls. Robert always disliked school and his best grades were Cs but mostly Ds. When he reached the age of sixteen he joined the Enterprise Fire Company in Little Falls. Two years later he became a civil defense firefighter in the City of Paterson, New Jersey. About ten years later he passed the civil service test for firefighter and was hired by the Paterson Fire Department. He was promoted to the position of captain in 1990. Then in 2002 he was promoted to the rank of battalion chief. He retired in 2009 after servicing 25 years. He has two children a boy and a girl, Robert Michael and Shannon Michael. Currently he lives in Brick Town, New Jersey and Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

He has written three other books: The Third Beginning, The Third Beginning Part 2 According to Robert and Karen, and The Third Beginning Grand Finally. He is working on a fifth booked called Capturing the Toucan.

Dedication

I am dedicating this book to one of the most important person in my life. She has always been my friend. She has in the past, encouraged me to improve myself and to be strong. She has always accepted my decisions right or wrong. She has always been beside me all the way. She never led me or followed me. It was her job to help me when she could. She was a therapist, a coach, a friend, someone to lean on, and most important she was there for me. This is the fourth book I am dedicating to her. She deserves them all. It is the highest tribute I can give her. Thank you Joanne Lamanna. I cannot thank you enough. We don’t see each other anymore. We might not even talk to each other for months. I do know she is there for me if I need her.

I wrote most of the book in Philipsburg, Sint Maartin. Lucy Sanchez was there when I needed her. She would let me write when I had an idea. It was very hard, but very easy to write on the island. It was hard knowing the Caribbean was only five minutes away. I still wrote most of it there. The weather was ideal for writing. She helped me unwind when I got writer’s block. That was every day. I always walked the beach with her to get ideas. I have to dedicate the book to her also. Thank you for everything.

When I was not in Sint Maartin I was in Brick Town, New Jersey. I had no one to tell an idea to except Giavanni Scott. I know she has been studying very hard with her school work. She would listen and tell me it sounds good go with it. Sometimes that’s all it took to get me motivated. I dedicate the book too her also. Thank you for your encouragement while I was doing my writing.

Thank you Evelyn Stratton for all your help. The meals, wine, and proof reading were all fantastic!

Chapter 1

Robert Starts His New Job

It was New Year’s Eve. I was driving to Washington DC to start my new job as Public Safety Director on January first. It was not a job I wanted or even applied for. It happened that my old boss who is Chief of the Fire Department gave my name to the old Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey. He is now Vice President of the United States. I do not like the management end of the government job that I am taking. I was a hands on Fire Chief not an administrator. I really did not even try to be a Deputy Chief, due to the fact it was more administration than fighting fires. I got to the base of the Delaware Memorial Bridge I knew I was leaving New Jersey going to uncharted waters. I was leaving a state that I was very comfortable in. Going to the District was where people that would stab you in the back to advance themselves.

I drove Route 95 south only to stop at a rest stop to pee and stretch my legs in Maryland. I walked around the rest stop wondering if I was doing the right thing. The money was great. More than twice of my pension now. I got back into the car and drove south. Traffic was light because of the holiday and the time of the day.

I pulled up to the gate of the address that I would be living at. The guard walked over to my car. He was a White House police officer and he had a smile on his face. I rolled down my window.

The officer said Good afternoon Director how your drive from New Jersey?

I smiled and said Not much traffic due to the holiday.

He said Pull in and proceed to the lower level and park in space 301 or 302 they are both yours.

The gate went up I drove to the lower level I found my spaces were right next to the elevator. Two police officers from the District met me there. I got out of the car.

One of the officer said Welcome, we will take any luggage you have and show you to your apartment.

They each took two suit cases and I took one. We got on the elevator and went to the third floor. One of the officers opens the door with the key and handed it to me. They placed the luggage on the floor of the living room.

He said Your house keeper will be in to show you around and get anything you need. She will get her key from the Desk Sergeant in the lobby.

I thanked them and they left right away. I walked around and was impressed with my new living space. I went into the kitchen and looked into the refrigerator it was well stocked with food. The cabinets also had food in it. I heard a knock on the door. I went to the door and opened it. It was a middle age women with short black hair.

She smiled and said Welcome Director I am Thelma you housekeeper.

I welcomed her in. She asked if she could show me around.

I said to her Go ahead.

When we finished with the tour we sat down at the kitchen peninsula, and she opened her note book. We went over all the food she bought for me and then added a few more things.

Thelma said I arranged for a turkey dinner to be sent over tomorrow for your dinner.

I thanked her and she went on her way. I unpacked and sat down in the living room to go over tomorrow’s itinerary.

I woke up to the phone ringing. It was the Desk Sergeant down stairs, telling me it was my six o’clock wakeup call. I was shocked I fell asleep in the chair all night. I even missed the New Year coming in. I showered and got dressed. The telephone rang again it was the Desk Sergeant telling me my ride was outside waiting for me.

I went to the elevator and met a women in her early forties waiting for the elevator. She was well dressed with long brown hair. She was very attractive.

She said Good morning Director. I am Elizabeth Halbrick your Assistant Director.

I was shocked. I had not known I was getting an assist. I also did not know anything about her duties. I smiled and told her I was sorry I had no idea I was getting one.

She laughed and said She just found out she was the Assistant Director three days ago.

I asked her if she knew where we were going. I told her I did not even know where our office was.

She laughed and said Our office is across the street from the White House. It is in the same building as the Vice President’s office. We are on the first floor. His offices are on the second and third floors.

We got into the car. It was driven by a plain clothes District Officer.

The officer said Good morning. I am your driver. My name is Sergeant John Donavan. The other driver is off today with the flu. I will be taking you to the FBI building.

We drove to the FBI building it was only about a five minute ride from our apartment. We both got out and walked inside. An FBI agent walked us down a hallway and led us to the briefing room. We went inside.

The Vice President walked up to me and said Hi Robert.

He shook my hand. He turned to Elizabeth shook her hand and told her he was glad to meet her. We sat down at the table. The FBI Director, both White House and District Police Chiefs were there, and The Fire Chief of the District. The Vice President did the introductions.

The Vice President said He was very surprised we both were approved by Congress so quickly.We were both his first choices, and both from New Jersey.

He explained to everyone Elizabeth was from Chicago. She was born and raised in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. That was his old Congressional area. We both thanked him for the job.

The Vice President said I know you both did not apply for the job nor did you know anything about it. I know you both did not I even want it. Thank you for taking it.

The door opened it was Supreme Court Judge Thomas.

He walked in and said Let’s begin.

We both raised our right hand and put our left hand on the Bible and he swore us in. It was over in a few seconds.

Judge Thomas said Now let’s have breakfast before I have to go.

We were escorted down the hall to where the food was. We sat down at a very big round table. There was one waitress for two people. Plus two more were serving coffee and tea. Elizabeth started talking to The District Police Chief. The Fire Chief came right over to me. He invited me to all the fire stations and told me they would be glad if I stayed for lunch when I came by. I told him, I would take him up on their offer. I sat there thinking that this job was going to be good after all. Having lunch every day in a fire house. Life does not get any better than that.

We finished breakfast and the party was over. Before we left we had to get our picture taken for our identification badges. We both left and Sergeant Donavan took us to our office. The building was located across from The White House on the first floor just like Elizabeth said. We each shared a receptionist. We did have our own secretory and our own office across from each other. My office had a hot water maker for my tea and a coffee maker. My desk was filled with files on it already. I was thinking it is New Year’s Day we can start in the morning. I asked Elizabeth if she was going to stay or would she like to join me for a turkey dinner.

Elizabeth said I will tell Thelma I am going to eat with you.

She asked if she could bring the wine. I told her that would be nice.

Elizabeth said Thelma has a Cabernet and a Chardonnay ready for us.

I said Thelma is going to be very good taking care of us.

We both left our office and the officer locked up behind us. I asked her if she would like to walk back to the apartment she said That would be nice.

Our car followed behind us about a half a block away. I told her this job is well organized and that the old director had it running smooth.

She said I was also told that. One of the reasons we were picked was that we both were good at our work and we were fair with the men.

I told her I was not an administrator at all. I just learned how to use a computer and a smart phone.

She laughed and said I would help you any way I can.

We got in to our building and she told me she wanted to change before she went to dinner.

I said Jeans are fine.

She went to her apartment and I went to mine. Thelma was in the kitchen when I opened the door. I told her Elizabeth was joining us for dinner.

She said I knew it already.

I asked her if she would like to have dinner with us.

She said That would be very nice.

She added another place setting to the table. I changed and sat down in the living room at the chair I had slept in. Thelma brought me a glass of wine, on the way out I heard her say to me, not to fall asleep in it again. The doorbell rang Thelma answered it and let Elizabeth in. She sat down and Thelma brought her a glass of wine. When dinner was ready, Thelma called us and told us dinner was on the table.

We walked into the dining area there was music playing and the candles were lit. Thelma told me she knew I like no television while dining, and candles on the table. Dinner was great, the turkey was cooked at Thelma’s house and sent over for us. The three of us ate and we just talked about us, nothing about work. We all cleaned the table off and Thelma chased us out of the kitchen. She cleaned up and left to go home.

Elizabeth said Good night and thank you for the nice time.

I decided that I was going to bed and not even sitting in the chair. I found a glass and a bottle of Port Wine next to my bed. One glass of Port and I was out like a light.

I woke up at six o’clock to the telephone ringing. It was the Desk Sergeant with my wakeup call. He stated Elizabeth and I would be sharing a car this morning to work. I shower and was amazed that they even knew what kind of soap I used. The telephone rang again the Desk Sergeant told me that the driver was early today and here. I did not have to rush.

I left the apartment at a few minutes to seven. Elizabeth was waiting in the lobby for me. Sergeant Donavan opened the door for us and we got in. He handed us two folders on what happened last night in the city and in the country. Our office is only about ten blocks from our apartment. The ride went quickly. The sun was just starting to rise.

We pulled up to the front door and we did not wait for Donavan to get the door. We went inside and our staff was standing there waiting for us. The receptionist is Linda Dorsey, Elizabeth’s secretory was Cyndy Norris, and my secretory was Susan Terrell.

Our secretaries walked us into our offices. I sat down at my desk and asked her what the first thing I had to do today was. She handed me my tea and told me the FBI is sending an agent over with my cell phone, badge, passport, ID, and gun. I have to take a safety course before he gives the gun to me. I asked who is giving the course and when is it going to be given.

Susan said He is and it will be at eight o’clock.

She left and I got to read the daily report I was giving in the car. At eight o’clock Susan called and told me, the FBI agent was here with my things. He came in and sat down to give me the course. He was very good and explained everything to me. He showed me how to load the gun and fire it. He told me if I fire the gun keep pulling the trigger until the gun is empty, then reload it right away. We were done by nine o’clock and I thanked him.

He walked out the door and in came Susan with the attendance report. She explained to me how to read it. There was a star next to one man’s name, a Carl Davenport. I asked what that meant. She handed me his attendance report for the last eleven years. He has never been late or sick. Now he has not even called in. I asked her to have someone go to check on him.

Susan said The White House police has sent the local police to check on him.

I asked her to inform Elizabeth about the problem and to follow up. She told me Elizabeth’s secretary has informed her of it. She will let us know the outcome. I started to think this is micro managing things. This is not for me.

I went to open the first folder there was a note on it from the past Director. The note just read Give the job a chance. You will be notified about everything.

He was right about that. The second folder was a list of lawsuits against the Public Safety Department. I was surprised how few there were. All were from the public except one. I opened that one to see what his beef with the government was. His name was Thomas Ninja. He was forced to retire due to his age. He had a great pension with full benefits. He was seventy two and unable to do his job. I noticed he was never late nor out sick. Everyone who works in The White House must like their job.

I picked up the next folder when Elizabeth knocked and walked in.

Elizabeth said The police went to Carl Davenport’s house and found him dead. The paramedics reported it looks like he was suffocated. They are treating it as a crime scene.

I said Why don’t you take a ride over and see if they need any assistance.

She replied that she already has sent for her car. I offered her my car. She thanked me but her car was on the way.

She left my office and The Vice President called my phone. He wanted to know what was going on with Davenport. I briefed him on what I knew. He asked me to see if the FBI would assist with the investigation.

The Vice President said I knew the kid. He was a very good lad.

I told him Elizabeth was on her way. He was happy about that and to keep him informed.

I heard sirens of fire engines sounding. The phone rang. It was a Fire Alarm notifying me of an alarm for The White House. I walked outside and went across the street to the command post. It was Battalion Chief Carrie.

He said Good morning Director, we have an alarm sounding in the kitchen area.

I smiled and said When it is all over notified The Chief that I would like a radio in my office.

He asked if I wanted him to get a police receiver also. I nodded yes to him. He called on the radio to Fire Alarm, and said Five Hundred is requesting a police and fire receiver installed in his office.

I said Is that is my call number?

He said It has been the Director’s numbers from day one.

Than over the radio it came POF. Return everyone. I turned to him and asked him if that was a pot of food? He just smiled and nodded his head. I returned to my office.

The District Police Chief called and asked if he could take me to lunch. I told him that sounds good. He informed me Donavan knows where we are going to eat. I started out the door.

Susan said to me Are you carrying your gun?

I smiled and said No.

She said You better wear it you will be with the police.

I went back and put in in the holster. I met Donavan in front he asked if I had my gun.

I said Susan reminded me to take it.

We went to a small restaurant in the District. We had Italian food and a glass or two of wine with lunch.

The Chief asked if I knew anymore about the Davenport kid. I told him I knew nothing new yet. He told me due to the fact he was working for The White House, it will be an FBI case. I told him Elizabeth is on it and they were notified about it.

The Chief said Everything is taken as national security with them.

We finished eating and walked outside. It looked like rain or snow was on the way. I thanked him for lunch and we both went back to work.

Elizabeth came into my office just as I was sitting down. I asked her if they knew anything else.

She said He definitely died from lack of oxygen. But no other signs of foul play.

She handed me his folder and told me he was a war hero and was wounded several times. He was in the construction end of the Army. He saved several wounded soldier’s lives that were guarding him while he was repairing some equipment. He then was shot four times. He was hired as a White House Police Officer, but later transfer to build maintenance HVAC department. He headed that department but still maintained his police status. He has clearance at The Capital, The Pentagon, as well as The CIA buildings. He has a higher clearance than you and I.

We finished up our day at six o’clock and we went back to our apartment. I showered and went right to bed. I was very tired and drank my Port Wine in bed. I fell right to asleep.

The phone rang at about five o’clock in the morning. I heard sirens from police and fire going past the building. It was a call from the down stairs. The Desk Sergeant informed me that there was an emergency at The White House. I got up and my cell phone was ringing. It was The Vice President.

He said The President and the first family are all dead. Get over there right away."

I have not been on the job one week and all hell has broken loose. What have I gotten myself into?

I got dressed and went to the scene The White House which was surrounded by District Fire Department vehicles. The Hazmat Team was just leaving the building. I went to the command post and met with the Deputy Chief in charge. Chief Morris informed me they found nothing. The FBI is sending in their crew now. Elizabeth came up to the command post and asked if someone can check to see if it looks like they died from lack of oxygen. I looked at her and thought was it possible they died the same way as Davenport did. Chief Morris called on the radio to have the paramedics report to the command post.

The four of them reported to the command post. Elizabeth asked them if there was a chance it could have happened. All four told her the same thing, yes. Elizabeth told me she was going to notify the director of the FBI about it. I told her I will call the Vice President. The four paramedics started to walk away when Chief Morris told them do not leave the scene.

Two FBI agents came up to the command post and told the paramedics they had to go with them. Chief Morris nodded to them and said it was all right. The President and First Lady were transported to the hospital but their two children still remained in The White House in their beds. I notified the Vice President of Elizabeth’s findings, he did not say too much! The FBI hazmat team came out of The White House and told the Incident Commander it was all clear.

It was almost nine o’clock and The White House staff should have reported in by now. I asked Chief Morris where the incoming staff was being held. He did not have any idea if any of the staff has reported in yet. I asked him where the Head Usher was. He told me all the staff on duty was located in the new press area. I asked him if he could have him brought to the command post.

The Head Usher came over and I asked him how many of yesterday’s staff has reported to work. He looked at me kind of funny and told me he has not seen any one of them. I asked him if he had the attendance records from yesterday. He said if they let him inside he will get them. Chief Morris nodded and told him to go ahead but take one of the firefighters with him. He left the command post and went inside with one of the Hazmat Crew. They came outside with The White House attendance report from yesterday.

He started calling some of the workers at home, but got no answer. He finally got an answer from one of the one of the family members. She told him her husband was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead. The Chief of Police said he will notify all the surrounding hospital to report the names of anyone who has died in this manner. Chief Morris asked the District Police Chief if this was a terrorist attack on our government.

He said We are not going to rule out anything, but it does not look like it.

I said Let’s not jump to any conclusions yet.

The Battalion Chief Costa came up to me and asked if we had information officer. The news media and the press core have been asking question.

Deputy Chief Morris looked at me and said, This is all yours.

I told Chief Costa to set up a press conference in the staging area for the White House tours.

Chief Costa said It will be ready in ten minutes."

Chief Morris asked if I have done any press conferences like this. I told him this is my first one. He gave me good advice, Don’t let them walk over you.

Chief Costa came up to me and said they are ready for you. I walked away from him saying Wish me luck.

I walked up to the podium and said Good morning. I am the new Public Safety Director. I just started yesterday on the first. My name is Director Hrib. I am going to give you the facts and tell you what has happened. Please be patient with me. The President of The United States, The First Lady and their two children have died. We have had the building check by The District Hazmat. The FBI has sent in their hazmat teams too. Both teams found nothing wrong with the air, food, or water. At this time we are not going to state or even speculate what happened to them. The FBI has taken many samples from inside the building. The samples have been sent to their labs in Virginia. I was told at this time there does not too seem to be any foul play. We are not ruling anything out. I will take questions but make them good and keep them on the subject.

A BBC reported stood-up and asked Who is in charge of the country.

I said The Vice President has been on the phone several time with me this morning. He is in charge.

Everyone knows the President and the Vice President were very close friends. They knew each other from their college days.

A Washington Press reporter stood-up he asked me Was this a terrorist plot against our government?

I said This is the kind of question I do not want asked. Next question.

He stood–up again and asked for an answer. I turned to a District Officer standing next to me and asked him to remove that reporter and to take his White House press pass away. I said it loud enough for everyone to hear it.

There was total silence in the room. He was removed from The White House grounds.

I said Again let’s stay to the subject and not ask questions like that.

The Morning Call reporter asked Are the children still inside?

I told them they were and when the FBI is done investigating they will be taken out and an autopsy will be performed on them. I said I would take one last question.

A young lady from The United States Free Press stood up and asked Will you be I having another press conference soon?

I said If anything new comes up we can text you. Please give Battalion Chief Costa your phone number. He will be in charge of it until the fire scene is secure. After the Fire Department is done it will be the normal channels.

I thanked them and ended the conference. I got back to the command post and my phone rang. It was The Vice President. He wanted to know why I removed the Washington Press reporter. I told him it was a matter of national security. He only said ok. Before he hung up he wanted this mystery solve he did not care what I had to do to get it solved.

A White House police office came over to me. His name was Barney Peel. He told me there was a reporter from the United States Free Press, which had some information she wanted to give to me. I told him to bring her here.

She came over to me and introduced herself. Her name was Gayla Anderson. She said that she knew of something like this happened in China. Twenty two hundred were found dead and there was no