Elijah Deville in Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Acknowledgment

I'd again like to thank Adam Diestelkamp for his work on the cover. Without you, I'd never have been able to do it.

I'd like to dedicate this book to my grandmother, who passed away this year at the age of 90. She was loved by many, and will always be missed.

A Note to the Reader

This is the third novel in the Elijah Deville mystery series. Even though each book is a separate story, the series follows a sequential timeline. The other two novels in order are: Coasting to Death, and Judged Worthy of Death. If you enjoyed this installment, I'd encourage you to read the rest of the series as well.

Chapter 1

The Threat

Defense of the nation is always on top of the agenda for any leader of a country. Do you respond to a threat militarily or diplomatically? Are troops involved or are drones the weapon of choice? Are the people caught on the battlefield given criminal trials, or are they held indefinitely because they're considered too dangerous to be let go? These are all issues that our leaders must grapple with on a constant basis. But if you are the President of the United States, and the leader of the last remaining superpower on earth, these questions take on a whole other dimension; because you aren't only responsible for your own national defense, but you are often expected to take the lead in the protection of other nations as well.

The Oval Office is usually ground zero for decision making by a President. It has often been said by visitors that the intimidating nature of this room provides the President some of his immense authority, a feature that the occupier often exploits to their benefit. With every new President, the room has taken on a different appearance, from the carpets, right down to the pictures on the wall.

This incarnation of the Oval Office has the traditional navy blue carpet containing the Seal of the President, and the iconic Resolute desk sitting in front of the large window on the south end of the room. On the walls, hang the President's favorite pictures: an 18th century painting of General George Washington, a 19th century portrait of President Thomas Jefferson, and a copy of John Trumbell's 1786 depiction of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The rest of the room was decorated by the First Lady, as was clearly evident by the ornate red curtains on the windows, and the various flower arrangements found throughout.

Meetings usually took place in the middle of the room, where the President would sit on a blue upholstered wing chair, flanked on both sides by two large white couches.

And sitting in the chair for this four year term was Jack Lankford, a man who came to office with very high expectations, expectations that through the first three years of his presidency, had not been met. Part of the problem was that despite his six foot two frame, and his trademark custom-made Armani suits, he did not have the commanding presence that former Presidents have had. He was seen in the Congress as wishy-washy on the issues, while allies abroad merely saw him as weak.

Bogging down his presidency was the unemployment rate which had been excessively high for the past four years. The latest financial recession had been the worst that the country had seen in decades. It was exacerbated by the fact that both the public and private sector clamped down on hiring, wishing instead to work on improving productivity. When business focuses on productivity in the middle of a recession it is always terrible news for any President, because it means that unemployment is going to remain high. Even though Lankford claimed that he had been successful in accomplishing many of his goals to stem the tide of unemployment, that argument was going to be a tough sell to an American public still longing for good paying jobs.

On this particular chilly, fall morning, the economy wasn't the topic of conversation in the Oval Office, as President Lankford, along with Chief of Staff Brad Kenny, were getting their daily security briefing. Providing the briefing this particular morning was General Jennica Perryman, Chairwoman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Ms. Perryman was the first ever woman to head the Joint Chiefs, and was an avid supporter of a European missile defense system, the main issue monopolizing the meeting.

What do you think the Russian reaction to the shield will be? asked Lankford.

Anger, to put it bluntly, Perryman replied.

Will they react militarily? Kenny responded, shifting nervously on the couch.

They'll probably mass some troops on their own border, but we don't think they'd attack the shield if that's what you're asking.

It is, Kenny said.

Besides troop movement, is there any other retaliation they might attempt? Lankford asked.

There has been some chatter that we've been monitoring, but nothing that we're all too concerned with, Perryman responded.

If I may interrupt you General, said Jerome Griffin, Director of the Secret Service, but we are very concerned with the communications that we have recently been intercepting. The number of death threats against you have greatly increased in the weeks after the announcement, Mr. President. It is the strong recommendation of the Secret Service that you not go to Prague.

That is not an option, Kenny said. The trip has been announced. Any changes on our part will be seen by the international community as reluctance, and even weakness.

So I've been told, Griffin said in resignation. With that being the case, the Secret Service will be moving ahead with extraordinary security measures prior to your trip to Prague. There will be three motorcades, yours and two decoys, that will travel from place to place in order that no one knows which one is carrying you. There will be additional security at the hotel, and at the Prague National Theater. These agents will be carrying high tech equipment that will be able to monitor everyone in your vicinity. Metal detectors will be set to extra sensitive, so no weapons will be able to get into the building. Surveillance will be set up around the city, and a one square mile perimeter will be set wherever you go. We will make this the most secure trip of your presidency, sir.

When will this all be set up? Kenny asked.

The trip is in six weeks, so we'll begin the process in about two weeks.

I really wonder if this entire missile shield thing is necessary. I mean, the Cold War is over, and we've rounded up dozens of high level terrorists; isn't this just an unnecessary standoff between two countries that should be allies? Lankford said, as he removed his glasses, and leaned back in his chair.

Mr. President, with all due respect, Perryman interjected, I don't think you have a firm grasp of the global situation. There are rogue nations right now who are threatening our allies with intercontinental ballistic missiles. Some of these countries are developing nuclear capabilities that will only increase the risk of war. This shield will not only protect our European allies, but it will act as a deterrent to those belligerent nations not to mess with the United States.

But we already have the strongest military in the world. We're capable of destroying this planet a thousand times over if we want to. Don't you think that is deterrent enough? Lankford said.

In one word, sir, No! We must have this shield and we must step up our military posture in the world's hotspots, in order to ensure that those countries that would do our allies harm, know that we're serious.

Seeing doubt in the President's eyes, Perryman continued.

Sir, I know you are weary of war, but sometimes it is necessary to use our military in a way that gets other nations' attention. Before World War II, countries sat idly by as Hitler marched his armies across Europe, committing atrocities along the way. If only those leaders had acted before, then perhaps, millions of lives could have been spared.

General, I am not Neville Chamberlain. I will fight for America's interests around the world. But when it comes to this shield, I for one am not convinced. However, I seem to be in the minority, for the Czech's want it, the military hawks in Congress want it, and the Pentagon wants it. I guess that's all that matters then doesn't it?

The room fell silent.

If there's nothing more, I think that's all, everyone.

Yes, sir, Perryman said, as she got up and left.

You could feel the mood in the room brighten following the General's departure. For President Lankford, the relationship between him and the General, had been anything but one of respect. He hated her. This hatred began long before the President had elevated her to become the first woman to hold the position of Chairwoman; but only deepened afterward. It stemmed from the fact that Perryman was a hawk, while President Lankford was most definitely not.

Their constant bickering during meetings had become fodder inside the White House. In the spring, it got so bad, that rumors spread that after one of the meetings, General Perryman muttered to the other chiefs, that she would have no problem if the President's term came to an abrupt end. Though it was not taken seriously by most, when it got back to the President, he was furious, so much so that he considered firing Perryman. Kenny talked him down by explaining the political fallout that it would cause. Calculating that it would not be worth the fight, the President dropped the issue publicly, though privately, he didn't let it go.

With the briefing now over, the President's Deputy Chief of Staff, Lindsay Carol came into the room, along with many of the senior staff for their daily meeting. Lindsay Carol, recently married with no children, came from a famous family noted for their public service. She was yet another woman the President put into a high level position. Plucked from the financial sector during the '08 campaign, Carol had been instrumental in working with business minded congressmen and senators, to help push the President's budgetary agenda. She was well respected by everyone in government, which countered the President's perceived weakness.

Sitting at his desk, the President had a copy of a Washington D.C. newspaper. In it were several stories that intrigued him, including the fall of the British government, a high profile theft by the 'Shadow' of 1.1 million dollars of gold bullion bars from a bank in Paris; and an uprising in Italy over tax increases.

Lindsay, did you see this? the President asked.

What sir? Carol replied.

This robbery. It was the fifth one in the past three months and it's baffled the European police. After the morning staff meeting, I'd like to talk to you about preparing me a briefing on this.

Why?

I'd like to know what the security vulnerabilities of these banks were, compared to our own banks. After all, we do have the largest gold reserves in the world, and I don't want any of it stolen on my watch.

Yes, sir.

Seeing that the entire staff was now assembled and waiting patiently, the President put the newspaper down and said, So, what've we got to do now?

**********

Chapter 2

The Trip

Why anybody thought it was it a good idea to schedule a major trip to the Czech Republic in December was anyone's guess. Usually Prague has moderate winter weather, but this particular year was exceptionally cold and wet, with the average daily temperature during the visit forecasted to be only -5oC.

When Air Force One touched down at Vaclav Havel Airport, about 10 kilometers west of Prague, President Lankford was met by the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Martin Rybar, as well as President Jiri Nemec, and several of the high officials in the Czech government. Traveling with the President was his normal entourage of staff, but this trip also included the First Lady, Ashley Lankford, as well as General Perryman. After exchanging pleasantries, the President was whisked off to the Prague Grand Hotel, where he spent the night consulting with his staff, and preparing for the busy day ahead.

One would think that signing a treaty would be a simple task. After all, the treaty had already been agreed to, the wording closely scrutinized; all that was left was for the leaders of both countries to sign it. Nothing could be further from the truth. Protocol was the word of the day at these types of events, and it must be followed exactly.

In charge of protocol for this trip was the very intimidating Chuck Cross. Cross was well suited for this position not only because of his forty years of service in the U.S. State Department, but also because he was a no-nonsense type of personality; which meant that he had no problem telling even the President of the United States what to do and how to do it. Lankford hated that about Cross, but was resigned to the fact that even Presidents aren't exempted from the niceties of official diplomacy.

Good afternoon, Mr. President, Cross said, as the limo door opened in front of the entrance to the beautiful Prague National Theater. President Lankford, stepped out, accompanied by Jerome Griffin.

Good afternoon, Mr. Cross. Am I ready for my afternoon tongue lashing yet? Lankford responded.

Yes, sir. If I may sir, this is one of the most important foreign trips that you have made in your Presidency. Let's please try to avoid another Chinese incident, Cross said, referring to the time when President Lankford accidentally sneezed on Chinese Premier Chao Wen Xiao.

I've got my hanky right here, Lankford said, patting the pocket of his newly purchased navy blue suit.

OK, so when you arrive this afternoon at 3:45, you will be met here by President Jiri Nemec, and Prime Minister Klara Homolova. They will welcome you to the theater and ask you to accompany them inside. Before entering, you will stop at the front door for pool pictures by the press. Following this, you will then go into the theater. Please follow me, Cross said.

Once you're inside the theater, he continued while walking, you will go through these back corridors which will lead you to the front entrance of the stage. You will again stop for press pictures, this time with senior members of the Czech cabinet. After that, you will walk across the stage, and sit down at the large table, where two copies of the treaty will be laid out. Once both leaders are seated, each of you will sign a copy of the treaty in front of you, and then exchange treaties, and sign again. Once you shake hands with each other, you will exchange lapel flag pins, and both of you will get a chance to speak. President Nemec will go first, followed by you.

Why do I get to go last, after all, it is his country, Lankford asked.

The United States initiated the treaty discussions, so we felt it only fitting that we end the process. It was no problem with the Czech government, so you will speak last, Cross said.

As for security Mr. President, Griffin interrupted, it will be tight. We have had this theater under surveillance for over a month. We have a log of everyone who entered and exited the theater for the past week, as well as their full background information. No one was permitted entry without first gaining clearance from us. This afternoon, the head of your security will be Aaron Kimbel, a long time agent of the Secret Service responsible for our European operations. When you arrive, as Mr. Cross said, you will be met by the foreign dignitaries, but what he failed to mention is that shortly, there will be a canopy erected outside the theater doors in order to limit your visibility from nearby buildings. Only the press will be able to see you. There are agents posted at every door, and no one is going to be allowed into the balconies. Once your speech is done, you'll shake President Nemec's hand and then, instead of exiting the way you came in, we'd like you to leave behind this large curtain.

Why? Lankford said, as Agent Kimbel arrived.

For security purposes, sir Kimbel said.

Security purposes? Is it that bad?

Yes sir, we believe it is. We have been intercepting chatter that indicates that an attempt on your life will be made on this trip. It is therefore necessary to limit your visibility. Your motorcade will be waiting outside the door located at the side of the theater on the lower, secluded, and cordoned off street. Exiting at the back of the stage gives us the quickest route to this door which will mean that nobody will able to take a shot at you once you leave. You will then return to the hotel for a couple hours, before departing for the airport at around 7:00 for the return trip to Washington.

Well it looks like everything is covered, gentlemen. Where will my wife and General Perryman be sitting?

General Perryman, Cross said, will be standing off to the side of the stage, in view of the crowd, but not the press. Your wife will be sitting in the front row with the rest of the foreign dignitaries.

And where will the television camera be?

There won't be any live television cameras in the theater. For security reasons, we thought it best not to televise this live. There will be an aerial camera located in the balcony, but it will only provide a wide view of the stage with no close-ups. This means that the camera doesn't need an operator, but can run by itself. It is this footage that the news outlets can use later on in their nightly news coverage, Kimbel said.

And why wasn't I told about this? Every treaty that we have ever signed in the television era, has been done on live television, for the entire world to see. This seems like a political move by my staff to minimize the reaction from the Russians. Who requested that there be no cameras?

I'd rather not say, Kimbel said.

Who requested that there be no cameras? Lankford repeated, raising his voice.

I did, sir, Kimbel replied. "It was my opinion that the risk to your