movement of the containers had the added bonus of creating a wall behind which Pock-Mark’s men could train. In addition, a huge tarpaulin now stretched across the top of the tallest containers, creating a vast roof over an indoor warehouse which expelled the constant drizzle and more importantly, the burning focus of American satellites.
Chapter 49
Oval office White House
“Good. You’re here. Take a seat, Andrew,” instructed the President.
“Thank you, Mr President.”
The National Security Adviser took the lead. “Gentlemen, we believe the Secretary of Defense has been kidnapped.”
Russell nearly choked on the gulp of tea he had just taken. He had been assured by the CIA director that all traces of the attack in Georgetown had been covered.”
“I’m sorry, did you say kidnapped?”
“Yes, he has now been out of contact since making an emergency appointment to see the President over 72 hours ago.”
“72 hours? What the hell have we been doing for 72 hours?!” demanded Russell, the best form of defense was attack.
“Exactly what I said,” said the President.
“We’ll come back to that. So far, all we have is his limo which was found at a small airfield just south of Washington earlier this morning.”
“Any sign of a struggle or a fight? I can’t believe he’d go willingly.”
“No, the limo is perfect, not so much as a scratch…”
The President’s phone interrupted the meeting.
“Yes, send him in,” instructed the President. Turning to the group, “It seems Director Johnson has some information.”
The director of the CIA entered the room followed by one of his deputies whom Russell recognized as the Director of the Intelligence Department. Most definitely one of their men. He began to relax. Johnson must have worked some magic.
“Mr President,” began the Director of the Intelligence Department. “As soon as we heard about the Secretary’s disappearance, we checked a couple of things that hadn’t previously made sense. As you are aware, the radioactive zone was declared non US territory after the accident. However, the Defense Department took ownership of the property rather than it be left ownerless and we believe it’s being used by them for training purposes. However, it appears the land’s now been sold but no monies have ever reached the Defense budget. Almost $250 million dollars are currently unaccounted for, as far as we can gather.”
“And?”
“We have today uncovered a number of Swiss bank accounts in the name of James Murphy. To date, we have tracked just shy of $127 million dollars and are finding more every hour.”
Andrew winced inwardly. He knew what Johnson was trying to do but if there was one thing you could be sure of, James Murphy was not a thief and the President would never believe it.
Johnson could see the President was unconvinced and produced a photo which he placed on the President’s desk.
“This, Sir, is an agent within the Secret Service.”
Russell leaned over and looked at the photo of the agent protecting Senator Baker.
“She also disappeared at approximately the same time as the Secretary.”
The next few photos that were placed on the desk were masterpieces in the doctoring of photos. Had Russell not known that what was going on was a cover up, he would have sworn the compromising photos of Secretary Murphy and Clark were real.
“We believe she’s influenced the Secretary and he’s fled the country with her and the money. Leaving us and his wife with egg on our faces.”
“Jesus, can I have a minute with Andrew please?” asked the President, putting the photos back on the desk. As always, the Presidential request was not a question but an order. The others left the room immediately.
“Andrew, just what in the hell is going on?”
“Sorry?”
“I’m too old for all this shit, just tell me what’s going on. Jim Murphy pulling that girl, don’t be ridiculous, the man can’t get it up and even if he did, he has other preferences which your bloody idiots out there have obviously missed. And we know the money’s bullshit and you know I know the money’s bullshit.”
Russell shifted awkwardly in his seat. The President was right, it was all bullshit. Russell couldn’t tell him the truth, he’d never accept what he had done. Despite his failings, the President believed wholeheartedly in democracy. Killing Senator Baker would be a step too far.
“I really don’t know what’s going on, Sir. I’m as in the dark as you are.”
“Bullshit, Andrew! One last chance to come clean or I swear this will cost you the Presidency.”
Andrew stood up and left the room. He was going to have to become President in the next few hours or they were all screwed.
Johnson watched as Russell came through the door. The look on his face said it all. Things had not gone well. He brushed past Johnson and whispered. “He has to go,” before continuing out of the West Wing, ignoring the shouts of the President to “get back in here!”
As he stepped outside and into the gardens, he considered his options. There were none. Within the hour, the President would be calling the party and probably removing the Vice President from his position. That would mean handing the presidency to either Baker, if he survived, or the Democrats and pretty much ensure Russell’s premature death at the hands of the Horsemen who were going to be monumentally pissed off.
He sat on the bench and looked out across the city that was almost his, the country that he had within his reach. All gone because of Charles Baker. If he ever did anything, he’d make sure that Baker died.
The soon-to-be former Vice President watched as a helicopter landed on the lawn. The President must have gotten fed up with the stink and decided to leave. He was probably going to meet the Party Chairman thought Russell, resigned to his fate. The Agents running towards him didn’t even surprise him. The President may well have him arrested while he tried to find out what he had been up to. The helicopter was already increasing its engines and over the deafening sound, he struggled to hear the Agents informing him of his arrest.
He stood up and followed them as instructed, two behind and two in front. Jesus, what did they think he was going to do, run away?
The first agent directed him towards the West Wing and held the door for him. The first thing he noticed were the tears. Jesus Christ, a bit OTT he thought. The second agent held the next door open and directed him into the Oval Office where, no surprise, the Attorney General waited. The President really hadn’t wasted any time. Not just anyone was going to read him his rights, the chief law enforcement officer of the United States was going to arrest him personally.
“Please place your right hand on the Bible and repeat after me.”
Russell did what he was asked without thinking.
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Russell’s mind was cart-wheeling. In the space of ten seconds, he had gone from being a political down- and-out to President. And he had no idea how! He repeated the sentence and was congratulated by the Attorney General and the two Secret Service agents still in the room.
“Would somebody mind telling me what in the hell just happened?”
“Mr President,” said the agent who had come for him in the garden. “Sorry, I thought you might not have heard me. The President died from a suspected heart attack just a few minutes after your meeting. He died instantly, dead before he hit the floor, according to the doctor. He was rushed to Walter Reid but he was already
