she was a very talented, hardworking Secret Service agent. Zimmer had never had much to do with her, but he tended to think the hostility he knew many had for her had more to do with sexism and male insecurity than anything else.
Lehman approached the microphone and addressed the crowd. “Thank you for coming. I’ll try to be brief. I’m sure most of you are aware that the Secret Service has been actively involved in the ongoing investigation of the April nineteenth attempt to assassinate President Blake. That attack led to a certain constitutional amendment now being considered in Congress, and I, like most people in the law enforcement community, have been an active proponent of that measure. Some critics have suggested that since the amendment directly concerns the Department of Homeland Security, and the director in particular, perhaps these two positions create a conflict of interest. Well, ladies and gentlemen, today I have gathered you together so that I can answer my critics.”
He paused briefly, his eyes unblinking, then continued. “You’re right.”
In the brief moment of silence, Zimmer thought he heard the sound of collective surprise.
“Now, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting that anything untoward or inappropriate has occurred. To the contrary, I know that there has in fact been no inappropriate activity and that those Secret Service agents who have worked on this case have done so with all their heart for totally selfless reasons-because of their great devotion to this nation. But in perilous times such as these, it is important that the people of the United States have complete confidence in their government officials. Even if there is no basis for suspicion, we must strive to eliminate the suspicions.”
Lehman turned slightly, adjusting his gaze. “It is for this reason that I am hereby declaring that the agents of the Secret Service will no longer be involved in the domestic investigation of the April nineteenth attack.”
Heads turned. The crowd murmured. No one had been expecting this. It seemed crazy-especially when rumors were flying that someone in the department had made a breakthrough.
“It is clear to most people involved that this attack was unprovoked and in all likelihood executed by foreign powers. Therefore, this falls squarely within the province of the CIA and the NSA, or perhaps the FBI, given their current increased involvement with counterterrorism. Of course, Homeland Security will continue to coordinate with these agencies and advise on how best to protect our people. But the involvement of the Secret Service is hereby at an end.”
Hands flew into the air. Zimmer couldn’t tell whether Lehman had actually chosen a journalist or if one of them had simply spoken first.
“Don’t most law enforcement officials think the more people we have working on this investigation the better?” a woman asked.
“No, ma’am. That is exactly what we don’t think. And as I’m sure you realize, I didn’t make this decision without first consulting with the president and the heads of the various agencies. What we feel is that everyone should be doing what they specialize in doing, what they’re trained to do. The Secret Service exists to protect our leading officials. And so we will.”
“How much does this have to do with the amendment?” a voice shouted from the rear. Zimmer wasn’t sure, but he thought the bespectacled elderly gentleman was with the Post.
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“If this amendment passes, the director of Homeland Security becomes the chairman of the Emergency Security Council, with not only the power to declare a state of national emergency but to suspend certain constitutional rights. If it happened today-that would be you.”
“And don’t I know it,” Lehman said, drawing a small chuckle from some of the reporters. “You’re right-that is a consideration. Since the bill concerns me and my future job description, I think it’s best that I stay out of the political process, not to mention any investigation that might directly affect that process.”
Zimmer felt a tug on his shoulder. His first reaction was to ignore it-he was much more interested in the press conference. Then the tugging became more insistent.
He whirled. “Would you please-?”
His eyes widened. It was Deputy Director Nichole Muldoon. “Let’s talk,” she said succinctly.
Wait a minute-hadn’t he seen her on television? She must’ve left the conference while Lehman spoke. Zimmer wasn’t even sure why he did it, but he followed her through a side exit into a secure conference room.
Why wasn’t she standing behind her man at the podium? He hadn’t seen her leave any more than he’d heard her creep up behind him.
She shut the door and locked it. “So. What do you think of that?”
“I’m…surprised.”
“You’re not the only one. I was surprised, and I’m the deputy director. I didn’t think he could go to the bathroom without running it by me first.” She frowned. “Turns out he can.”
“I can’t believe we’re out of the investigation.”
“Neither can I. Especially since-” She paused, eyeing Zimmer carefully. “Since I have some reason to believe that someone may have discovered something. Something important.”
“Then why wouldn’t he say so? Why would he shut down the whole operation?”
“I don’t know. It makes no sense.”
“And more to the point-why are you talking to me about this?”
She smiled, a thick-lipped smile Zimmer found much more attractive than comfortable. “Do you mind talking with me?”
“No, but-we hardly know each other.”
“True, but I hear through the grapevine that you’ve done some investigating of your own.”
“Where’d you hear that?”
“Doesn’t matter. You’ve successfully gotten Agent Gatwick into a tizzy.”
“I have?”
“You have. And I’m not the only one who’s enjoying seeing him spin around in circles trying to deflect unspoken rumors. I’ll tell you this, though-I know he met with Director Lehman very recently. Secretly. I’m pretty sure he wanted Lehman to protect him from you. And then-poof! Lehman takes us out of the investigation.”
“Are you suggesting-?”
“I don’t know what I’m suggesting. I just think it’s strange. Very strange.” She came even closer. She had a musky scent about her, like a strong aftershave lotion, something he wouldn’t have thought he’d like on a woman. As it turned out, he did. “Tell me, Zimmer-can you get in to see the president?”
“What?”
“You heard me. Even I can’t get in to see the president-especially not without Lehman knowing and getting a full report on everything that was said. But you might.”
“What makes you think so?”
“You’ve been protecting him-how long?”
“Since he took office.”
“You’re friends?”
“I wouldn’t go anywhere near describing us as friends. I make it a point not to develop personal relationships with-”
“But you’re friendly.”
Zimmer tilted his head. “I suppose. Or we were. Remember-I was protecting his wife when she was killed. We haven’t talked since.”
“All the more reason to ask for a meeting. So you can express your remorse and regret. He’ll like that. You can both cry on each other’s shoulder.” She paused, then looked him directly in the eyes. “Then you can tell him what you know about Gatwick.”
“And Lehman?”
“Mention to the president Gatwick has met with Lehman. Tell him about the changes made to Domino Bravo. The president may not be a rocket scientist, but he can add. He can draw his own conclusions, once he has the facts.”
“I don’t know…”
“Zimmer-Max. If someone in our department has learned something about what happened on April nineteenth, I for one do not want to see that get buried. Do you?”
“Of course not.”
