CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Moose, Ethan, Bodhi, Cade, and Frank stayed in the anteroom of the Oval Office while the president's aide waited for Yu-Chuen. The Secret Service agents had been authorized to move her guards and any aides to another part of the White House, locking them behind closed doors.

They'd spent two hours briefing the president on the flight to D.C. He'd suspected something was up, but even the agency couldn't put their finger on everything that was happening. There were so many moving parts no one seemed able to pinpoint what was happening.

That is, no one except the Voodoo Guardians.

"Remember, sir," said Luke, following the president. "I'm your aide, and I must be present. You have to get her to admit to what she's done in order for us to be certain she won't win over her countrymen."

"Not my first rodeo, Luke," he smirked.

"Sorry, sir. Oh, by the way, I left a lemon cake from my grandmother with your secretary. She says to send you good wishes."

"Man, I love that woman," he grinned. "Did you know she sent a dozen cookies to each of my secret service men last year? That's a helluva lot of cookies."

"That's my grandmother," smirked Luke.

As they reached the door to the Oval Office, the president turned to Luke and nodded. He had the stealth vest on, just in case something got out of hand. But Luke was there to ensure that it didn't, and the other men were just outside the second door.

"Here we go," he whispered, nodding at Luke. "Mrs. Park."

"Mr. President," she said, smiling at him. She was a petite woman, barely reaching the president's shoulders. She was wearing a yellow suit with a crisp white blouse and white high-heeled pumps. Her hair was twisted at the back of her head, her hands void of jewelry.

"Please, have a seat." She looked at Luke standing stiff by the door and then turned to the president.

"I thought we agreed no aides in the room." She attempted to smile, but the president thought it looked as though she might have gas.

"No, we agreed you would not have aides in the room. He's not my aide. He's my babysitter. Just ignore him," said the president, looking down at his notes. He took the seat across from Yu-Chuen on the sofa, and the woman crossed her ankles, smiling at him.

"Very well. Right to business, then," she nodded. "As you're aware, my father was murdered just a few short months ago. I've become aware that it was my husband, General Park, who poisoned him over a long period of time. Of course, he cannot face the consequences of his actions because he too was murdered."

"Seems you got a problem in your country, Yu."

"Yu-Chuen, sir."

"Right."

"I am the rightful president of North Korea. I carry my father's bloodline."

"You had children, didn't you?" She looked up at him, surprised that he knew that bit of information. "You seem shocked that I would know that. In fact, I know that you had twins. A boy and a girl. Where are they?"

"My children were also murdered," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, did you say that your children were murdered as well as your husband and father? That is an infestation, Yu." She ground her teeth together, and Luke couldn't help but smirk at the president's audacity. "Are you sure this wasn't an inside situation? You know, maybe disgruntled family members or something? I mean, we all have those relatives that we'd like to get rid of."

She thought of her response and stumbled. Stumbling was not something she normally did. Shaking her head, she straightened her back.

"As I said. My late husband was responsible for my father's death. We are not sure who murdered him."

"And your children? Your dear departed twins?"

"I'm not certain why this is relevant. I'm asking for your support, and you seem reluctant to give it. I don't need it, Mr. President. I want it."

"Oh, but you do need it. You seem to forget that I am currently the leader of the most powerful nation on earth."

"That's debatable," she countered. The president chuckled, nodding his head.

"Maybe. But either way, if I'm not on your side, you lose. What happened to your children?"

"Between leaders?" she smiled.

"Of course," he nodded again, crossing his legs casually.

"My daughter and son did not see eye to eye. She was the firstborn and wanted to become president. He wanted it for himself. I needed the way clear for me. My son did as I asked and murdered his sister, and then I killed him. The way is clear for me. This is how dynasties are made."

"No regrets? No sorrow at having lost your children?"

"I never wanted children. They are a burden and interference in one's life. They're gone now, and I can be me. The true me."

"Yes," said the president, standing and walking around his desk. "You can be the true, murderous, treacherous bitch you were born to be. You can kill at will, hide out for years while the world believes you're dead, planning, scheming, murdering. All to get your way."

She stared in disbelief at the audacity of this man to question her and her motives. He didn't understand the brilliance it took to do what she'd done.

"You don't understand. You're a man. You get whatever you want without question." The president laughed, scoffing at her.

"You obviously don't know a damn thing about American women. My wife lets me have what she believes is good for me, and I am happy every damn day that she does. You've confused control with power, lust with love, manipulation with leadership."

"They are the same," she snapped back. "I believe I've wasted my time. You cannot stop me. Too many people are now aware of my plans."

"You're right. Too many people are aware," he said, pressing the button to the door of the anteroom. Moose, Ethan, Bodhi, Cade, and Frank stepped up behind Luke, glaring at the woman. She ran toward the door, only to discover it was locked. When it began to open, she hoped her own men would be there to save her.

They were not.

U-Jin and Hae-Won stared at their mother. The hatred was evident, the solidarity clearly written on their faces.

"No," she whispered. "You should both be dead."

"Sorry to disappoint you, Mother," said U-Jin. "I find it interesting that you didn't bother to tell me that my mark was my twin sister."

"It didn't matter! This was for us, my son. For us," she said softly.

"Us? Is that why you sent the electronic signal to my head? Don't worry, Mother. I'd already removed it, but I knew what your intention was."

"Who are you people?"

"No one important," said Luke. "Except for him. Him, you should know. He's your son-in-law and father to your grandchildren."

She stared at the big man, his beard making his expression more intense and fiercer than the others. The wide shoulders seemed to want to escape the fabric of his shirt.

"You hurt my wife," he growled.

"You can't do this. Not here. You'll never be able to explain to my people why I disappeared in your country."

"You're right. It would be difficult," said the president. "Not impossible, mind you. But difficult. But it won't be necessary. We're going to put you on a plane, one of our very special planes, and send you back to North Korea. By the time you land, your country will have watched this interaction many times. They will hear from me that I do not wish war with them. Not now, not ever. I want a peaceful, diplomatic relationship with your country. But you are not the woman to give it to them."

"So, my son will rule the people," she sneered.

"No," said U-Jin. He opened the door, allowing another man to enter. "This is Jae-Hua Yoon. He believed he was just another of grandfather's bastard children. I'm sure grandfather thought so, too. Imagine our surprise when we discovered that he is a direct descendant of Suryong. The greatest leader in our history."

"This cannot be true. It cannot be true!"

"Shocking," said the man with a frown. "DNA evidence is compelling. I have every reason to never return to North Korea. And yet, I also have every reason to return. My wife and child are gone, but I know that a better North Korea awaits its people."

As they lead Yu-Chuen out of the Oval Office, her hands bound, she passed her own guards, now also bound and in the custody of the military. They were all headed to North Korea with their new leader.

"Well done, Mr. President," said Luke.

"I like to think my eighth-grade drama class paid off," he smiled. "How do you think he's going to do?"

"He watched Park for years but also watched Wi-Kym. He's a smart man, humble, and willing to try. I think all of that plays well for him."

"I'll be here if he needs me," said the president. "What about the two of you? You have rights as well."

"We're happy where we are, sir. Our half-uncle is older and has seen far more of the working government than either of us. He'll need to build his cabinet, but he'll be supported. This is his position to have. Not ours," said Johnny. Moose gripped his wife's hand, then slapped his brother-in-law on the back, causing him to grimace in pain.

"Let's go home."