"We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail." —George W. Bush

Note on the logistics of the Secret Service Presidential Protection Detail. There is a lot of conflicting information about what their shifts are like, so I'm going with what works for this story. Because some of the stuff I saw was more confusing and unbelievable than what I'm settling on. Fair warning about that.

So much love and appreciation to give on this one. This was a bunny that snuck up on me, and quickly burrowed into my thriller loving heart. When the crowd at TFMU picked this one to be my next story, I hit the ground running with my research. I'm pulling as much as I can from reality, but there are some things that will require a suspension of disbelief. Though I'll try not to stretch it too far, too often.

Thank you to Team AGW, as always, for their input. Maplestyle, Driving Edward, BitterHarpy, DICATAKADD, and LunaEclipse, having you as my pre-reading team is a dream. Glad the stars could align on this one. Special shout out to LaMomo not only for her red pen but for her translations here.

Disclaimer for this fic: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 1

April 18th, 2027

Isabella smiled at the flashing cameras as she stood on the receiving line at the Quirinal Palace. The Presidential Residence of Arturo Volturi was resplendent dressed for the occasion. Reporters called out questions both in their native Italian and heavily accented English, asking her if the trip was a successful one.

"Sono state giornate molto intense, ma stasera sono molto felice di poter celebrare il fantastico lavoro fatto in questi giorni." ["It's been a busy few days, but tonight, I'm happy to celebrate all the great work we've done here."]

With a final wave to the reporters, Isabella stepped inside with her Secret Service detail close by.

"Sparrow's inside the palace," Royce said into his com.

Several dignitaries were waiting to meet the American woman, along with Prime Minister Alton and his wife Gianna.

"Buonasera, Signora Vicepresidente," Mr. Alton said before introducing his wife.

The women exchanged greetings before the Italian President stepped forward.

"Ms. Swan, it is an honor to host you this evening. Let me introduce my wife, Sulpicia."

After another round of greetings, Isabella was ushered inside the ballroom.

The evening was like many of the other formal events Isabella had attended in her two and a quarter years as Vice President of the United States. While it usually fell on her counterpart, Secretary of State Carlisle Cullen, to handle more urgent matters of policy, Isabella would travel for ceremonial events. This particular trip had been a mix of both, which meant she'd have an ally in the room that evening.

Isabella found her seat at the President's table and ordered a glass of red wine. One thing was for sure, the meal served tonight would be far better than some events stateside.

"Bella, how were the last of your meetings?" Carlisle asked, taking the seat beside her.

"They went well, and from what I heard, you were quite the hit with Alton and his wife. Too bad Esme couldn't have joined us."

"As much as she would have dazzled, there was no political reason for her to travel. Plus, her bill is about to go before the House."

"Didi will work to see that the bill gets a fair shot. Lord knows we've pushed through harder legislation in the last two years."

"Not without opposition," Carlisle muttered.

"I know, the Fathers of the Republic get as much news coverage as we do these days."

"With John Caius all but guaranteed to receive the Republican nomination for 2028, it gives them someone to rally behind."

"Please, Carlisle. For one night, I'd like to forget about the back-biting at home and enjoy the fact that I got to put on a pretty dress and will be dancing with men who don't see me as a rival."

Carlisle leaned closer. "That's far more than a pretty dress. Green is certainly one of your colors. And the sequins will catch the flash of every camera."

"Now, you sound like Ms. Brandon."

Both of them laughed heartily at the comparison to Isabella's Chief of Staff.

The dinner began and conversation flowed around the table. There were frequent visitors stopping by, and once the dancing began, Isabella was the belle of the ball. It was a lively evening, and by the time they left, both Carlisle and Isabella were ready to turn in before their flight the following day.

The drive back to the embassy was brief, but as soon as they stepped inside, they knew by the level of activity that something was wrong.

"Samuel?" She turned to the nearest agent.

"Let's get you up to the apartments, Ma'am. I'm sure we'll learn more once we have a secure line."

Carlisle and his team went their separate ways once they reached the floor reserved for visiting dignitaries. Her second crew was poised outside her door, another indication that something was wrong.

Felix, the lead agent from that team, stepped forward. "Ma'am, we've got an agent inside ready to brief you on the situation. Once everything is handled, we'll be ready to move."

"No other information?" Isabella asked.

"I was instructed to let them handle your briefing."

"Very well."

Isabella walked into the room and was not prepared for what she saw. Standing in the center of the sitting room was Special Agent Edward Masen, her boyfriend, and member of the President's Protective Detail.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed. She was shocked at the fact that he was so far from DC where he belonged.

"Madam Vice President, I need you to take a seat, please. I have a lot to tell you and not much time. By now, the Italian President should be en route."

"Why would he be coming here? He can only enter the embassy by invitation. What aren't you telling me, Edward?" Bella asked. His cool manner when he didn't answer her first question concerned her.

"The ambassador invited them at the administration's request. There's no easy way to say this, other than to be blunt. President Clearwater is dead. We aren't sure exactly what happened, but there's reason to suspect foul play. We have everything in place to swear you in as President as soon as the Italian dignitaries arrive. Then, we need to be wheels up. I've instructed Athenodora to begin packing your belongings."

Bella sank to the couch under the weight of the news, her hand covering her mouth as she fought back tears. "My God, I can't believe Harry's gone. Poor Sue and Leah. And little Seth, he's too young to lose his father."

Edward moved to sit beside her. He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I understand this is difficult, but there will be a great deal of change in the coming days. One thing you won't like."

"What's that?" she asked.

"I've been appointed head of the Presidential Protection Detail. I'll be overseeing your security."

"Why won't I like that?"

"Because to do this, we can't be seeing each other," he told her. Edward was trying to maintain his composure, but it was the most difficult thing he'd ever done.

"Edward … Did you disclose our relationship? Maybe if you did they would give someone else the job. We could be together."

"And leave your life in someone else's hands? No. I don't think you understand the severity of this, Bella. If this was an assassination, it likely happened within the White House. It means the security detail was compromised. I've been charged with doing a more thorough vetting of everyone after we learned of a compromise in his team, starting with your detail and President Clearwater's former detail. That's why I'm here."

"I wondered how you could have gotten here before the news broke," Isabella interrupted him.

"I was in the air when he was pronounced dead. I had gone through his teams and removed two agents as well as reassigning others before I left. I've spent the flight here going over your agents. Then I'll be going through all the staff at the White House with the help of my team at the Field Office. If I choose our relationship over this detail, I'll be reassigned."

"So Director Fitzwilliam is aware there was a relationship?"

"Yes. When I was on a separate detail, it didn't matter. But until this threat is neutralized, I have to commit to this mission."

"And after?" Bella pushed.

"We'll both have a say in that. You understand why I did this, right?" He needed her to understand his decision, even if she didn't know all the moving pieces behind it.

"Yes. I only hope this can be handled quickly. I'll miss us." Bella said, barely holding it together.

"I'll miss us too." Agent Masen stopped talking, his attention focused on his earpiece. "Copy that. We'll be down in seven."

"Duty calls?"

"The Italian President is two minutes out. They're nearly ready downstairs in the library. Once they are, we'll have you sworn in here and get us in the air. When we're safely on our way home, they'll break the news about President Clearwater and air the footage of you being sworn in as the 48th President of the United States."

"I'm not ready," she stuttered.

"Yes, you are, Bella. You're what our country needs right now. This is a historic moment. You're about to become the first female President."

"Thanks, because this wasn't enough pressure. Should I change into something more professional?"

"No, with the pictures from earlier already out there, this will show you were sworn in as soon as possible. The administration insisted."

"How much longer do I have before I need to be in the library?"

"Five minutes."

"Can I have two minutes of your time before then?"

"You need to be camera ready. No lipstick smudges," he resisted.

"You should know by now that I use lip stains. No risk of smudging."

"A goodbye kiss?"

"An 'until next time' kiss."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. It was intense and passionate, filled with all the desperation and fear the night had brought out in them. Far too quickly, Edward pulled away. "Check your appearance in the mirror and make sure Athenodora is on schedule."

Bella did as he asked, thankful that her personal aide seemed to have everything in hand. A moment to touch up her eyes and check her hair, then she was back in the sitting room. Edward knocked on the door and the agents outside opened it, allowing him to lead her out.

Carlisle was already in the library, speaking to President Volturi when she stepped in. "Isabella, I'm so sorry."

"He was a good man. We will do everything we can to carry on his legacy."

"Ma'am, we're ready when you are," Edward told her.

Isabella looked around at the cameras, most handled by agents under the direction of the White House Photographer, Carmen Lovato. When she was ready, Carmen nodded.

Carlisle stepped up with a bible in hand. "Are you ready, Madam Vice President?"

"Yes."

The cameras began to record as Isabella repeated the oath Secretary Cullen spoke. "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

"Madam President," Carlisle said. He shook her hand, followed by greetings from the Italian President and the Ambassador to Italy. The cameras cut off and Carmen collected the equipment so she could pull the memory cards and edit the footage on the flight. Once everything was packed, Isabella turned to Edward.

"Agent Masen, what's our next move?"

"All of the luggage is being checked and loaded into the vehicles. From there, we'll go straight to Ciampino. Should be in the air within the hour, Madam President."

With a nod, she turned to Athenodora to go over everything that would need to be handled once they landed. For the moment, she would remain at Number One Observatory Circle. This would allow agents a chance to sweep the White House and get the Clearwater family moved out of the residence. Her heart broke for Sue and the kids; she'd gotten to know them well the last two and a half years.

It wasn't long before they were on the move, with traffic blocked to allow quick travel through the streets to the military airport where Air Force One and Two were both waiting to take off. Most of the party boarded Air Force One, while a select group traveled on the decoy plane. Once they were in the air, they would fly on two different flight plans in case something more sinister was at play.

When the plane taxied down the runway, Isabella looked out the window and took one long deep breath. The moment the plane landed in DC she'd be center stage, six years earlier than she'd planned.