Midnight

competence; she the pure essence of poise. Larger than life, they made their way past waves of adoration to the front. He stepped up, and then turning, lifted her hand as she followed.
“The John and Jackie of our century,” whispered Haley to Elizabeth, who nodded appreciatively.
The President stepped to the microphone and smiled. He had no notes; this was to be an off-the-cuff speech.
“Thank you all for coming to this celebration of some of our most respected and valued contributors to the work of the executive office,” he began, his eyes scanning the room. “I am deeply honored to serve in the same branch of the government as these men and women. Their steadfast efforts have not gone in vain; we have seen the American people prosper from the fruits of their labor!”
A cheer.
“We have seen the tax cuts take effect, giving hard-working Americans more money in their pockets!”
Another cheer.
“We have seen barriers to free trade removed, and we have seen Americans exporting more goods than we have seen since the turn of the 20th century!”
Another cheer, louder.
“We have been witnesses to the significant lowering of our national debt, specifically in regards to the great five economic powers, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Germany!” He raised his fist.
A thunderous cheer, that lingered as the President stood defiant.
“Dear friends,” he continued, more quietly, and the crowd quieted, leaning to hear his next words. “Dear friends, these are fine people. These are members of the executive office who have made it their purpose and their goal to prosper the lives of Americans through sound economic research and policy. They are to be honored, applauded, revered, thanked, and valued for their tremendous service and contribution. Can we please have a round of applause for these faithful--?”
Before he could utter the final words, the room was deafened with a round of applause that shook the very chandeliers in their sockets. Elizabeth and Haley clapped soundly, proud to know a member of the CEA.
As the applause subsided, the first lady stepped toward the microphone, whispering a word in her husband’s ear. He nodded and stepped away, and she took his place.
“My dear fellow Americans,” she said, and her voice rang sweetly in the room. It was the scent of fresh daisies in March, the silken feel of a satin sheet, the taste of a chocolate strawberry. It was rather a song than a voice; it hung in the air like music, as if prodigy Mozart himself sat at a grand piano and played the keys. The people leaned in unconsciously, as her voice awakened their eyes and minds. She was a doll, a dream, a figment of the imagination, until she spoke and exhibited herself to be, in fact, real.
“I thank you all deeply for your effort in being here tonight. We honor the members of the CEA and their work. As my husband has declared, they are absolutely vital to the function of this great nation. I am deeply indebted to them—they let my husband sleep occasionally.” She smiled with her red lips and the company engaged her with rapt chuckles.
“We are bound to succeed with them at our helm—and to that, I will raise a toast. Please, ladies and gentlemen,” she said, and took into her gloved hand one of the three glasses of champagne instantly offered her by the waiter nearby, “Please raise an honest glass to the hard working men and women of this Council. They work so tirelessly for us, and now let us honor them.” She threw back her beautiful chin, raising her glass, and “hear, hear” echoed around the room as the champagne flowed.
“Now, I have been assigned the important task of recognizing those among the Council who have, this year, most especially contributed through specialized projects to the efforts of this executive branch,” she continued once the noise had abated somewhat. “It is my pleasure to announce the names of three individuals who have far exceeded the duties asked of them, who have truly devoted themselves to this cause. Will the esteemed Elaina Boonton, Joseph Spencer, and Carlos Melendez please stand, and let’s give them a round of applause for their particular contributions to this Council!”
Again she raised her glass, and the room again exploded in applause. Carlos stood quietly, and Haley and Elizabeth clapped loudly for their friend. Landon smiled proudly at Carlos and patted him on the shoulder as Carlos modestly took his seat again.
The President and First Lady returned to their seats amidst applause. More champagne flowed, and the room became increasingly fluid in the eyes of the attendees. Gowns shimmered, jewels sparkled, bubbles rose in the fluted glasses. The chandeliers above cast flattering lights on the party below, and all was soft jazz and delicate flavors and warm comfort of drinks.
Elizabeth and Haley chatted with the other members of their table. They ate and drank, enjoying the sights and sounds. There were several Generals, Senators, and Members of Congress in attendance, and even a Supreme Court Justice.
Elizabeth excused herself to go find the restroom. She had been drinking steadily and, not having had much for dinner, felt the champagne effects in a pleasant fuzziness. Having been in the Eisenhower building a few times before, she knew where the bathrooms were located. Making her way through the crowd, she slipped from the room and down the hallway with the white and black checkered floor until she reached a wooden door across from a winding staircase.
         Elizabeth fumbled at the door, leaning her weight against it clumsily. She stumbled inside--and stopped. This was not a bathroom, this was an office. She must have gone the wrong way down the corridor. Soft plush carpet covered the floor and thick drapes hung from the ceiling. Military plaques lined the wall. This must belong to some high-ranking official. Her curiosity piqued, she shut the door behind