“The sliding doors lead to a glassed-in terrace, which is well placed to avoid surveillance or attack,” Phyllis said. She opened the doors. “The glass, like all the glass in the building, is armored and triple glazed, and the outside of the windows has a coating of film which makes them mirrored, so that no one can see in. Would you like me to find you a secretary?”
Holly thought about that. “No, thank you, I have a secretary at Langley that I’ve hardly met. I’ll have her come up here.”
“We have residential quarters that can house her comfortably,” Phyllis said.
“I know, I’ve stayed here a couple of times in the past.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you before the nine o’clock meeting?”
“Yes, if you could go back to my temporary office, close my briefcase, and send someone up here with it, that would be very helpful.” Phyllis left, and Holly sat down at her desk. Everything was very nice in her new office. She picked up the phone and called her secretary, Heather, known as Scotty, at Langley.
“Assistant director’s office,” she said.
“Scotty, it’s Holly.”
“Good morning, Director.”
“I’m not the Director.”
“It’s protocol for how you are addressed, just as a lieutenant governor is addressed as ‘governor.’”
“I see. I don’t know what your personal situation is, but I’m about to disrupt your life.”
“I’m single, and I live alone, if that’s what you mean, Director. I don’t even have a cat.”
“That’s what I mean. I’d like you to go home, pack a couple of bags, and get yourself to the New York station by the fastest available means.”
“The director is choppering up this afternoon.”
“See if you can hitch a ride.”
“How long will I be in New York?”
“Indefinitely. Housing will be provided.”
“I’ll see you this afternoon. If I have to travel commercial, I’ll let you know.”
“See you then, Scotty.” Holly hung up. So the director was coming up, unannounced. Her phone rang. “Holly Barker.”
“Holly, it’s Kate. I’m coming to New York this afternoon.”
“Very good, Director. May my secretary hitch a ride with you? I’m bringing her up for the duration.”
“Of course. If you would have a car at the East Side Heliport for us at three, I’d appreciate it.”
“Certainly, ma’am.”
“And Holly, I think we know each other well enough now for us to be on a first-name basis. From now on I’m Kate, except on official occasions.”
“I’m meeting with the police commissioner and the FBI’s AIC and their people at nine in our situation room here. We’ll be available to conference with the White House situation room, if necessary.”
“Good. You may ask Stone to join you, if you wish. He’s cleared for that.”
“I have already done so,” Holly said.
“I’m glad you’re taking hold up there,” Kate said.
“Thank you, Kate.” They hung up, and Holly walked around her new office suite, exploring every nook and cranny.