Page 10 of Power
“We’ve got first responders down there trying to create a firebreak, but with these winds and the unusually hot weather, it’s proving to be more difficult.”
“How close to residential areas is it?”
“At the moment, it’s hanging back and all hands are on deck, trying to contain it. We’ve got airtankers hitting it from above as well as personnel on the ground.”
“Casualties?”
“At this stage, none. However, Mr. President, there’s a pocket in the park where a lot of homeless live. One loose ember, and...”
“I’ll get you some help.”
“Thank you, Mr. President.” I hang up and look to Liam. “Who have we got in Forest Services?”
“Taylor, and he’s already organized more airtankers to head out.” I nod my head. “Make a call, get them some troops on the ground. If it spreads, it’ll be total chaos.”
“Yes, sir.” Liam leaves my office and heads over to his. I need to stay on top of this or it could easily turn disastrous, with many lives lost. Both human and animal. Not to mention if it hits residential areas, the devastation it would cause.
Jamie opens the door, walks over, and places a cup of coffee on my desk. “Thank you,” I say before he quietly exists.
Leaning over, I open my briefcase to grab one of the supporting files and see the one Liam gave me on Reece. I slide it out and sit back in my chair. Opening it, I take some time to read through the comprehensive findings. I pick my phone up and dial her number.
“Hello?” Reece answers in a groggy voice.
“Are you sleeping?”
“Who is this?”
“President Adams,” I announce myself.
“What?” Reece clears her throat, then yawns into the phone. “Who is this?”
“It’s Bennett,” I say slower. “Why are you asleep?”
“Look, I don’t have time for this. I’m tired, and I’m going back to bed. Whoever you are, you’re a weirdo.” She hangs up, and I’m left feeling somewhat confused. I call her number again. “No, I don’t need a new internet provider, my car insurance is fine, and if you’re a Persian Prince I have no money. Can you leave me alone now?” She hangs up.
I’m getting quite sick of this. I call her again but when she answers, I don’t let her get a word in. “If you hang up on me once more, I’ll have Mark drive down there, throw you in the car the way you are, and bring you to me.”
“Oh crap,” she sighs when she realizes I am, in fact, the president. “Morning, sir,” she says.
“Why are you still asleep?”
“Because, I’m normal. And normal people are asleep at this time of the morning.”
Reece certainly makes me smile. “I have some questions for you.”
“I can’t wait,” she says flatly. “What are they, Mr. President?”
“You had your daughter at fifteen.”
“Nope, this is a no-go zone. You don’t need to know about that.” She’s fiercely protective of Emily, and I must admit, I like that about Reece. “Do you have any other questions, or is that all?”
“I want to see you again, Reece.”
“What day would you like?”
“Tonight.”
“I’m sorry, I’m not available.”
