Page 170 of Depths of Destruction
"For what?"
"It's probably best if I don't disclose any more."
Carter shifts on his feet and deeply inhales. "Son, are you sure you know what you're doing? It sounds like you're playing with fire."
"Yes, sir."
His face hardens. "All right. Get in, and we'll go to the White House. The President has me on his schedule at 2:00 pm. Would it be safe to say it's best if your brother isn't involved from this point going forward?"
I glance at Javier. "That's correct, sir."
"Say your goodbye, and I'll meet you in the car."
I open the passenger door and get in.
"Well?" Javier asks.
"He's already set up a meeting. It's at 2:00 pm."
"Great. Let's go."
"No. You go back home."
"To Florida?"
"Yeah. You never knew anything about this."
He hesitates. "You sure you don't want me to stick around a few more hours? At least until your meeting is over?"
"No. Go home to Gabriella and your kids."
"Andre—"
"Call Blaise. Send another message so Naomi knows I'm alive. Tell him to tell her I'll be home soon."
He nods. "Okay."
I lean in and hug him. "You've done well, little brother. I'm glad you have so many good people in your life."
"Good. When this is over, you're going to let me know, right?"
"Yeah. I'll call you."
"Thanks. You going to stay in Bermuda after this is over?"
"I don't know. My guys are still out there."
Javier and I exchange a knowing look.
He smiles. "Well, wherever you end up, let me know. Since you now have mad diaper skills, I'll drag the family over for a vacation."
"Sounds like a plan. Thanks for everything."
"Anytime."
I get out of his car and into Carter's. We don't talk much, and it takes about twenty minutes to get to the White House.
Security takes another ten minutes, and once we are through, we are whisked down the hall into a waiting area. At precisely 2:00 pm, a woman comes into the room and tells us the President is ready to see us. She leads us into his personal office, and Carter and I take a seat on the couch. "He'll be right with you." She leaves.
