The Titanic Plan Read Online Free Page A

the President and his family for a brief summer’s getaway. Archie recorded the daily routine: a hearty breakfast (eggs, pancakes, toast and several cups of coffee), two hours of work, then sailing, swimming or games with the Roosevelt children. In the evening, before dinner, the men would sit on the broad veranda to “smoke and chat on a hundred different subjects.” On one occasion, near the end of Archie’s visit, Roosevelt became emotional and expressed regret over the impulsive promise he made after the 1904 election – that he would serve out his new term and no more. Roosevelt loved being President and deep in his heart believed he was still the best man to lead the country. He professed affection for William Howard Taft, his handpicked successor, then expressed concern: “I do not think he will be as aggressive as I’ve been.” Still, Roosevelt had promised to retire and he was a man of his word. “I’m going to leave for an African safari right after the inauguration,” Roosevelt said, explaining that he didn’t want to be a distraction to the new President. And with that news, the men fell silent and watched the summer sun send its last golden rays over Sagamore Hill.
     
    The day Archie returned to Washington D.C., he received an urgent message from Attorney General Charles Bonaparte. That evening Archie walked the few blocks from the White House to an old brick office building that housed the Department of Justice. A military guard met him in the building’s large foyer and escorted him through a maze of corridors to Bonaparte’s office.
    Bonaparte was seated behind an enormous cherry wood desk. Dark and heavy-set, he had thick-lidded eyes and a few strategically combed strands of hair covering his balding head. When Archie entered, Bonaparte was talking with a small, sober-faced man who clutched a large white envelope. “Captain Butt,” Bonaparte hoisted himself from his chair. “Thank you for coming at such short notice.”
    “ Whatever you need, Mr. Attorney General, I am at you service.”
    “ Charlie, call me Charlie, please. Let me introduce you to Stanley Finch. I’ve just appointed him to head our new investigative division. Examiner Finch may appear to be a baby-faced angel, but look out, he’s as tenacious as a bulldog.”
    “ Captain....” Finch said tightly.
    “ A pleasure meeting you, Mr. Finch.” Archie shook Finch’s hand. It was thin and bony.
    “ I hear you’ve been with the President,” Bonaparte said, moving around the desk to Archie. “He’s well, I trust?”
    “ In fine spirits, as usual. I must admit, it’s hard keeping up with him. The President has remarkable energy.”
    “ I’ve known him for over a decade now and I think he’s gained a step, not lost one.” Bonaparte pulled at the short hairs of his mustache then touched Archie’s shoulder in an awkward gesture, “Listen, Archie, if you don’t mind, I need your help. It may be a little delicate.” Bonaparte then nodded to Finch, who carefully opened the envelope he was holding. He removed a picture, laid it on the desk then spread his bony fingers over the photo and rotated it toward Archie. Bonaparte and Finch watched Archie to see if there was a reaction. There was. Archie’s lips curled into a smile.
    “ You cut a handsome figure, Captain,” Bonaparte said.
    “ Thank you, sir, but I was ten years younger.”
    Archie studied the sepia-toned image of himself as a young colonel. He was in full-military dress. Two small war medals were pinned on his chest and a short brimmed cap sat squarely on his head in a proud, formal way.
    “ I was thinner then,” Archie said. “That’s what war does to you. Keeps you thin.”
    “ And you recognize the other man?” Bonaparte asked.
    Of course Archie did. The soldier posed next to him was also in an ornate dress uniform, but the effect was different. This soldier’s posture was not ramrod straight like Archie’s, but looser-limbed. His dress uniform