Sherry Trifle or Crtme Brolete with Raspberries
Earl Grey Tea or Demitasse
Cafe Brolot or Coffee
After the meal, Shannon invited two senior members of the U. S. delegation to join him for tea. The men promptly took their seats across the aisle. Known to be a man who did not mince words, the secretary of state wanted to finalize their strategy for handling the details of the summit before they arrived in London.
Shannon thoroughly relished his cabinet position — primarily for the prestige it afforded, but also because of the perks and personal attention he received. He desperately wanted this meeting to be another milestone in his illustrious career. The men mapped out their detailed plans and then returned to their seats for the final phase of the flight.
By the time the triple-seven came to a smooth stop at Heathrow, everyone had smiles on their faces, including the gracious flight attendants. The passengers agreed the standard of service on the flight was truly impeccable, first rate in every category.
Now it was time for Secretary Shannon and his delegation to prepare for the prime ministers reception at the Dorchester. The prestigious hotel overlooking Hyde Park and the boating lake known as The Serpentine was a favorite of the well heeled. Shannon looked forward to the evening and the multitude of photo opportunities. He was always treated well by the British press, and he expected this evening would be no exception. And, of course, the American journalists accompanying Shannon had been carefully selected to project the best image for both their secretary of state and the TCC conference.
Renowned for her generous size and truly majestic style, Cunards reigning monarch was about to get under way from Southampton, Britain's second largest commercial port. Corks were popping in the Champagne Bar as passengers toasted a bon voyage with crystal flutes. The 5 P. M. sailing to New York City was a festive affair that highlighted the beginning of another glamorous Atlantic crossing.
Indeed, affluent travelers from an earlier era had coined the word posh (port out, starboard home) to describe the preferred cabin location when sailing from London or New York City. Many booked their cabins and suites years in advance, including passengers who circled the globe each year on a worldwide adventure. Some even brought their personal assistants along to attend to their every need.
A bastion of civilization and luxurious surroundings, the Cunard flagship fulfilled with calm assurance an atmosphere that is best depicted as splendidly British. From her maiden voyage, the one and only Queen Mary 2 consistently set the highest standard for transatlantic service.
Aboard the culturally sophisticated QM2, informal dress for meals required jacket and tie for men, cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit for women. Formal dress signaled a tuxedo, or at minimum a dark business suit with a conservative tie and black shoes, evening gowns or other formal attire for women. On rare occasions a celebrity or Hollywood notable would defy the dress code, but the majority of guests appreciated the commitment to maritime excellence.
In the intimate atmosphere of the Queens Grill Lounge, Brett Shannon, the consummate bachelor, was engaged in lively conversation with his fellow passengers. The elegant watering house was reserved exclusively for travelers who selected the most lavish accommodations. Secretly, Shannon was thrilled to be where tycoons, royalty, sports legends, movie stars, and other world-famous celebrities routinely gathered to enjoy the privileged realm of ocean travel.
He had been equally thrilled by the prime ministers warm reception at the Dorchester, truly the embodiment of goodwill and fellowship. The evening was a genuine success, with many old friendships renewed and new friendships formed. In addition to the camaraderie, Shannon was pleasantly surprised that a few original ideas were advanced about curtailing international terrorism.
The Queens Grill Lounge was almost filled to capacity while the captain and his seasoned crew prepared to get under way. Basking in the limelight of the moment, Shannon played to the other passengers. He regaled them with stories about the White House and life inside the Beltway. They, in turn, seemed to enjoy rubbing elbows with the powerful and influential U. S. secretary of state.
Shannon took in a deep breath of unbridled satisfaction and slowly let it out. Tonight he would relax and enjoy the great ships unmatched elegance and traditions. Tomorrow would be soon enough to address the complex issues awaiting the international members of the Terrorism Coalition Council.
When the spectacular liner slipped her moorings and got under way on her six-day voyage, some of the members of the U. S. and British delegations left the lounge to walk along the observation deck. While the resplendent liner gathered speed, the strolling passengers absorbed her faint rhythms and breathed in the fresh sea air. For one and all, the excitement was contagious.
Once the liner cleared the channel leading to Southampton, she would pass the Isle of Wight before proceeding southwest through the English Channel to the deep waters of the Atlantic. The captain and his senior officers never tired of these back-and-forth voyages between New York City and London. There were always interesting passengers aboard the QM2, and engaging sea stories to share over a pint of lager in the neighborhood pub.
Concluding a lengthy stroll on Deck 7, Secretary Shannon and his senior staff repaired to the Queens Grill for cocktails and dinner. The elegant restaurant was well known for its epicurean masterpieces. After the sumptuous feast, Shannon and his fraternity brothers gathered at the Chart Room for a nightcap. The cabaret singer spent the better pan of an hour entertaining them with marvelous renditions of Gershwin tunes.
The sun was well above the horizon when Brett Shannon opened his eyes and looked around his extravagant quarters. It took a few seconds to orient himself to his surroundings. The pleasant memories of the previous evening flashed through his mind. This is the way to traveclass="underline" the only way. The gentle motion of the ship, combined with the alcohol, had produced the most restful sleep he could remember. Located on the forward port side of Deck 10, Shannons room, the Queen Mary Suite, was among the QM2 s most lavish accommodations. Forward of his spacious quarters were the Queen Anne Suite and the Queen Victoria Suite, widely considered to be among the finest accommodations on the ship. Across from Shannons quarters was the Queen Elizabeth Suite.
He ordered chilled orange juice, Kona coffee, and fresh croissants from room service and began preparing for the conference. Forty-five minutes later, Shannon finished his juice, shaved, and slipped into one of his business suits.
The secretary joined members of his staff for a final briefing before they joined their counterparts. He intended to keep the meetings short and focused — three hours in the morning, followed by a leisurely lunch, then two hours in the afternoon — for three days. After that, everyone would be free to enjoy the remainder of the voyage.
Chapter 2
Scott Dalton was taking in the stylish decor in the legendary Reata at Sundance Square. Located in downtown Fort Worths premier dining and entertainment district, the highly acclaimed eatery was a landmark name among Southwestern restaurants.
With its Old West motif, Texas-sized furnishings, and original murals, Reata was a favorite gathering place for local legends, cowboy poets, millionaire cattlemen, oil barons, and genuine rodeo hands. Today's lunch crowd, some dressed in business attire and some wearing cowboy chic, was colorful and animated.
Scott and Jackie had arrived at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport the previous evening to be in position for an early morning flight department audit for a corporate client.