“Well, believe it or not, the president has sent a helicopter to fly
us to the hospital.”
“Can’t we just drive?” Shelly asked, nervously looking out of the
window.
“At five o’clock during rush hour? C’mon, Shel, it’s an
adventure.”
“Hey, Nick, see the White Top out there?” Dennis asked as he walked from the cockpit.
“I know—it’s our ride to the hospital.”
“Very cool,” said Dennis. “But why didn’t we send one of ours?” “Well, you guys didn’t have one available, so I made a call requesting an escort. I didn’t know it would be a Presidential White
Top.”
“Remind me never to piss you off.” Dennis smiled.
“The president sent his helicopter?” Barry piped in. “This is
awesome!”
“Well, the kids will love our landing, that’s for sure,” said Nick. As they walked over to the helicopter, the engines started up. “What’s that whining sound?” asked Shelly.
“Your blood pressure,” Nick said as they were greeted by a
member of the Marine team that flew the helicopter. “Mr. Harris?” he yelled over the sound of the engine. “Yes, sir!”
“We have orders from the President of the United States to take you to St. Theresa’s Children’s Hospital. Is that correct, sir?”
“That’s correct.”
“Watch your step, sir,” he said, then guided Shelly up the first stair. “Ma’am, welcome aboard.” The four of them strapped themselves securely in for the quick jaunt west, especially Shelly.
The sound of the approaching helicopter could be heard throughout the hospital. Children who were mobile were drawn to the windows as the massive chopper prepared for landing. Staff as well, intrigued by the commotion, looked out of the windows to watch. As it descended to one hundred fifty feet, the chopper flew right over Marie Mellon, the hospital executive director, as she was getting into her car.
“Wow,” she said looking up at the gargantuan aircraft with the
seal of the President of the United States.