This story is the first in a series called Chaos Theory.

Death of A President

by Montiese McKenzie

The United States Secret Service burst into the suite at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Jessica McDevitt screamed.

“No one move. We are on lockdown.”

Claire McDevitt looked around at the agents filling the room. This was not anything new but she sensed something was seriously wrong.

“Agent Callahan…”

“I'm sorry ma'am, it will have to wait.”

They moved everyone away from the windows. Claire and her children stood in the middle of the floor.

“Mom?” Juliette McDevitt's light brown eyes filled with fear.

She pulled her daughter close, stroking her face.

“Everything is going to be OK.” She whispered, not sure at all if she was right.

The head of her detail came into the room.

“We are going to remove the twins from the room ma'am. There are some things we need to discuss in private.”

“The hell with that.” Jessica was defiant. Everyone always said she was just like her mother.

“We are just going to the library,” Agent Kaplan replied. “The First Lady is there also.”

“No!” she screamed.

Claire took hold of both of her daughters.

“Go with the agents and listen to what they tell you, do you understand me?”

“Mom, what if…?”

“It's OK. Jess, look after your sister.”

“Yes ma'am.” They replied in unison.

She kissed their foreheads as four agents escorted them out of the room. That left ten with her. Something was definitely not right.

“Dr. McDevitt, the President-elect is dead.”

“Oh my God!” Claire covered her mouth, sliding into one of the antique chairs.

“He was found in the bathroom of Blair House this morning, unresponsive. He never made it to the hospital.”

“What happened to him?”

“Right now, the doctors believe some kind of respiratory arrest. We will not know more until after the autopsy. Justice Cisneros is going to come and inaugurate you.”

“Cisneros? What about the Chief Justice?”

Anne Martin and Claire had been friends since Harvard. They both laughed over the past couple of months that there would soon be a female Chief Justice and Vice-President…the first time in the country's history.

“Chief Justice Martin was rushed to the hospital this morning, ma'am. She complained of chest pains and the inability to breathe.”

Claire was speechless. The President-elect was dead and the Chief Justice was in the hospital. This sounded less like a coincidence with each passing second.

***

"We are on lockdown.” Natalie Carmichael told Diana Hettinger as they sat in the office of the White House Chief of Staff.

“What could possibly be happening?” Diana asked.

Nat did not know. They were on their way out of the White House; with the Inauguration in an hour, there was nothing left for them to do. The Secret Service escorted the two women back to Nat's office, telling them to wait.

“Information will trickle in slowly, as usual. This seems a bit strange with Inauguration about an hour away.”

“I'm thinking bomb threat.” Diana said.

Nat nodded, grabbing her ringing office phone.

“Yes?”

“It's Jack.” Her husband was on the other end. “I'm in my office with Nick and the President.”

“Lindstrom?” Calling two men the President began to confuse Nat months before. She was glad it would be over as of this afternoon.

“Yeah. Claire McDevitt is on lockdown in the Residence. The President-elect is dead Natalie.”

“Oh dear God, what happened? Is Dan alright?”

Daniel Kagan was set to replace her as White House Chief of Staff. He and Natalie were friends for years, working together under the outgoing Administration. The question and the tone of her voice immediately caught Diana's attention but she remained quiet until her friend hung up.

“Richard Serrano is dead.”

“Oh my God, was he assassinated?”

“Jack doesn't have all the details. He said that Dan was fine and so was Mrs. Serrano. They found the President-elect this morning in the bathroom at Blair House. Apparently, he had some kind of respiratory arrest. We could be here for a while.”

“I should call Benjamin.” Diana said, taking her cell phone from her purse. “This can't be happening.”

“It's happening, Di. The game just changed.”

***

Jack Carmichael, Nicholas Hudson, and outgoing President Paul Lindstrom put their heads together in Jack's old office. He used it when he returned to work after his aneurysm. That aneurysm was supposed to kill him, but did not. Everyone told him there was a lot left on Earth for him to do. One year ago today he returned to the White House…where had the time gone.

“I cannot believe this is happening.” Nick mumbled. He'd come to say goodbye to President Lindstrom before heading over to the Inauguration site but the Secret Service held everyone back and shut down the White House. It was just a few minutes ago that they'd learned of Serrano's death.

“We don't know anything yet Nick. It could be natural causes.”

“On Inauguration Day?” the younger man exclaimed.

“Calm down.” Paul said. “Cooler heads are going to have to prevail today.”

Nick was worried about Dan's head; it could not possibly be cool right now. The rigor of the campaign and down to the wire calls on Election Night left his best friend exhausted and on edge. If the President-elect was dead, there was chaos at Blair House. Depending on what happened next, authorities would shut down an overflowing Washington , DC as they searched for a murderer.

President Lindstrom took a deep breath, getting up and turning on the television. There was a special report on CNN. He knew that the Secret Service was keeping information about the death of the President-elect to themselves but something was going on.

‘House Speaker Damian Crutchfield was found dead in his office on Capitol Hill this morning. Currently, there seems to be no sign of foul play but police are still investigating the scene. The Speaker's office appeared normal and there was no sign of forced entry when authorities arrived on the scene about an hour ago. An anonymous phone call of a crime being committed is what brought them here. They discovered the Speaker's body while investigating that call. As you know, with Democrats winning back the House, as of today the Speaker was to be Speaker no more. We will bring you more information as it becomes available. Again, House Speaker Damian Crutchfield found dead in his Capitol Hill office, marring what was supposed to be a good day for President-elect Richard Serrano. Back to you, Miles. '

Paul turned down the volume and looked at Jack. Nick did the same, looking as if he might be sick.

“What the hell is happening?” he asked.

“Someone is killing politicians,” Jack said. “God help us all.”

***

“The President-elect, Speaker Crutchfield, and Senator George Crosby, sure to be confirmed as the next Secretary of State are dead. Chief Justice Martin is clinging to life at an undisclosed hospital.”

“Oh dear God.” Regina Lindstrom clutched her husband's hand.

President Lindstrom and his immediate staff sat in the Oval Office with Secret Service Special Agent Jay Monroe.

“Where is Claire McDevitt?” Jack asked.

“The President is safe in the Residence. She was sworn in a few hours ago by Justice Cisneros with two bipartisan witnesses. This is getting ready to hit the press. Right now, we are on DEFCON 4 and the Situation Room is ready. The White House will have to issue a statement.”

“How can we do that?” Nick asked. “We don't even know what's happening.”

“The four victims were poisoned and it seems to have been slowly, over the course of a month to six weeks.” Jay turned to the President. “Sir, we have to take blood and urine.

You need to be tested.”

“Whatever you need Jay.”

“I would like to speak to President McDevitt as soon as possible.” Jack said.

“Not now sir, we are on lockdown indefinitely. No one is coming or leaving this White House. We don't know how many more potential victims there could be. Mrs. Carmichael , we would like for you to speak to the press.”

“Alright.” Nat nodded.

“Agent Miller, please take the President down to the infirmary.”

“I'm going with him.” Kevin Bridges stood up. He had been the President's constant companion and one of his most trusted confidantes for the past seven years.

“Kevin…” Jay began but the President cut him off.

“We are in the White House kid, I think we're safe.”

“With all due respect sir, the President-elect probably felt the same way. None of us is going to be alone right now. I don't trust anyone, especially the Secret Service. No offense, Jay.”

“I agree with Kevin.” Diana said.

“Take Kevin too.” Jay replied.

Regina kissed her husband. She was afraid of letting him leave that room. Jay Monroe said it was poisoning but what if they put a bullet in Paul's head as soon as they were out of sight. Kevin could not beat a bullet. She said a small prayer as they walked out. Regina had no idea when she woke up this morning that she would be in a war zone. This was their last day in office.

“For the time being everyone else stays here.” Jay said. “Mrs. Carmichael, when it is time to address the press Mrs. Hettinger will escort you. If you feel safer in numbers that is fine with me because your safety is my top priority.”

He left the room and they all just looked at each other. Words failed as the whole world crumbled beneath their feet and trying to grip smooth walls on the way down into the depths of hell was impossible.

“Where are Dan and Maggie?” Diana asked.

“They were at Blair House this morning with the President-elect, his family, and a few staffers. I would imagine they still are.” Natalie replied.

“We have been in this situation before.” Jack said. “ Washington is shut down…no one is going anywhere.”

“But who is running things Jack? Is Paul still President?”

“Jay said Claire was sworn in.” Nick said.

“We haven't seen her. What if she is dead too?”

“Calm down Di.” Jack said. “We cannot get paranoid right now.”

“I think now is the perfect time. We are trapped in the White House!”

“We don't have a Vice-President or a House Speaker.” Natalie said. “We don't even have a Secretary of State. There is no Cabinet…if something happens to Claire; the 25th Amendment is out the window. This is Armageddon, Jack.”

“I'm going to talk to Claire.” He said, placing his hands on his Natalie's shoulders.

“How?” Nick asked. “She's over there and we are over here.”

“Does anyone else have an eerie feeling about the Secret Service?” Diana asked. “I feel like I'm in the pages of a Clancy novel.”

“Don't say that.” Regina said. “My husband and future son-in-law just left with them.”

“Jay Monroe is above reproach and we all know that.” Jack replied. “We are going to be fine. We just have to make it through the night.”

***

The President of the United States was a virtual prisoner in her new home. She watched Natalie Carmichael on television announcing the deaths of the President-elect and two other prominent politicians. National Security was at DEFCON 4. General David Setzer, head of the Joint Chiefs, along with Undersecretary of Defense Melinda Harper, was in the Situation Room trying to figure out what happened and what would happen next.

Claire was on her way down there shortly to strategize the next move of a stunned nation. Was this terrorism or some kind of international intrigue? Were the culprits possibly in their own backyard? Three people were dead and one of Claire's best friends was barely hanging on. One of the most secure cities in the world was on the brink of dissolving into chaos.

“Madame President?”

The sudden voice in the room startled her but Claire did not let that show.

“Yeah?”

“Jack Carmichael is here, ma'am.”

“Alright.”

Jack walked in and the two old friends hugged. He felt as if some of this were his fault. It was he and President Lindstrom who pushed Dan to pick her as the Vice-Presidential nominee. The Hispanic war hero and the distinguished African-American female scholar with decades of foreign relations experience…it was the best of the Democratic Party. They were all surprised that they won. Now she was paddling alone through shark-infested waters.

“It is alright to admit fear.” Jack said as they sat down.

“Only to the Lord and my shrink. I want to get out there and do something. Jack, what the hell is happening? The Secret Service is hardly telling me anything. I don't like it.”

“Keeping you safe is all they care about right now. Three people are dead and God knows why. You are the President of the United States …this is not a test.”

Claire smirked, wishing she had not quit smoking two years before.

“Can I ask a favor?”

“Anything.” Jack said.

“Stay with me. I know that everyone has a life and plans for the future were made, but I am strong enough to admit I cannot do this alone right now. I have been in the game a long time but I don't trust many people. I don't even trust those people outside my door and I've known some of them for almost a decade. I could be next.”

“I will stay and try to convince everyone else to do the same, at least for the time being. We will get back on the horse.”

“I'm on the horse Jack. I'm not a shrinking violet…I am ready to lead.”

“You go girl.”

“I need a Vice-President.” She said.

“You need sleep. We will conquer the rest in the morning. Serrano already tapped Edward Casey for Speaker so there will be someone on our side in case we need to invoke the 25 th Amendment for any reason. We are trapped in the White House at least until morning so…” he sighed. “Are the girls OK?”

“Scared but Jess is doing her Claire thing, you know. I will protect them.”

“Yeah I know. We have all been thrust into something we are not ready for. Whoever is responsible knew that.”

“They didn't know us. We will beat them at their own game. We will triumph and excel. I don't know if I was Richard's first choice, but he picked me. He trusted me enough to know if something happened to him, I was going to be ready. I'm ready. I need a speech.” She handed him a piece of paper. “I've jotted down a few things; thoughts and feelings. The American people need to be assured we are not under attack. I need Ben Hettinger.”

“I'll call him tonight. The Lindstroms are returning to New Canaan in the morning. I have to go back to the White House.

Claire nodded, watching him leave the room. She could do this; she could be strong for her country and family. The risks were high and the choices few. Nothing would ever be the same again.

***

“Hey there.” Jack tapped on the door, came into the Chief of Staff's office, and closed the door behind him.

“Hi.”

Natalie sniffed, wiping her eyes as her husband sat beside her. He pulled her close and more tears came. It was the first time all day for a moment alone. In front of the others and of course on television, Natalie's stoicism and professional armor shined through. Now alone, she clung to Jack and he did the same.

“I want to go home.” She whispered. “I want to see my kids.”

“Kyle is there and they are safe. Jay put two teams on the house.”

“I don't care; I want to be with them.”

“We'll go home as soon as the sun comes up I promise. Baby, I need to talk to you.”

Nat sat up, wiping her eyes again. Their moment was over and it was back to politics.

“The President asked us to stay. She needs us.”

“Yeah.” She nodded.

“I don't know for how long but I'm sure it won't be the whole term. We intended to stay in DC for a while anyway, so I figured…”

She wanted all of this to be over. Both she and Jack promised to take time off and spend it with the children before Jack Jack started school in the fall. Now they were embroiled deeper in politics than Natalie ever wanted to be again. Still, Claire McDevitt was there for her every time she needed her over the past eight years. Returning the favor was the least she could do.

“I'm not staying here another four years.” She said it in that tone. Jack knew negotiation was not an option.

“I know. Claire is ready; she just needs people she can trust during this unruly time. At the moment seeing the sunrise is what matters most.”

“Yeah. I love you so much John Malcolm Carmichael.”

He took her face in his hands, kissing her softly.

“I love you too. We are going to see the other side of this.”

Natalie nodded though her mind saw no end to this madness. Taking a deep breath, she tried to stop the wheels from turning too quickly.

“We need an inaugural address,” she said.

“I've already spoken with Ben. The President will be on television tomorrow night, prime time. How about some food? You must be hungry.”

“I'm starving. Can you just put your arms around me again? Everything else can wait.”

Jack held her, leaning back on the couch. She exhaled and listened to the thump of his heartbeat. Natalie stroked his chest and prayed for the strength to hold this together. Life outside the White House was not beginning as she hoped. She wondered if they would ever be free of the constraints of duty.