“We’ll hide your two helicopters within our system.”
“Thank you, Director, but this still doesn’t explain how he got my home address. All of our employees are super careful about protecting our personal information.”
“I’ll ask around the office and see what I can dig up,” Harv said. “It’s possible someone got careless. We certainly did.”
An uneasy silence took the room.
Cantrell leaned forward in her chair. “Both Director Lansing and I cleared our calendars to come here in person because of your distinguished service record, not because of who your father is. We can’t sanction your direct involvement in finding Montez, but we won’t run interference either. What we’re asking is twofold. Keep me personally informed of your efforts, and consider the bigger picture.”
“As in not killing him?”
“Yes.”
“Assuming we have anything to report, how will we contact you?”
“I’ll give you my personal cell number. Use a public phone and identify yourself as echo five.”
He took the number but said nothing.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think we could trust you,” Cantrell said. “I hope that trust goes both ways.”
After Cantrell and Lansing left the room, Stone sat down. “That was some news. I’m glad to hear they at least tried to get you back from Nicaragua. I’m not taking the credit, but I put a lot of pressure on Director Kallstrom. I met with him in person half a dozen times. He never mentioned the Montez payoff.”
Nathan still felt stunned
“Nathan, I would’ve told you.”
“I know. And I’ve been wanting to tell you I’m sorry about that phone call last year. The things I said. I didn’t mean it. I know you did everything you could.”
“Already forgotten.”
Nathan leaned his head back. “I’m not sure where we stand. Seems we’re on our own as far as their joint operation is concerned. At least we don’t have to worry about anyone undermining us.”
“So they say,” Harv said under his breath.
“I strongly recommend you keep Cantrell informed of everything you’re doing,” said Nathan’s father. “You could get caught in a friendly fire situation.”
Nathan didn’t respond.
“I’ve arranged with Lansing to secure both of your homes. Several FBI agents will be assigned to watch them until this situation is resolved.”
“Thank you, Stone,” Harvey said. “My family’s already secure. General Hawthorne has them in a safe house back east.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“If Hawthorne was given an order to stop actively supporting us, it came from the of the navy, which probably means the secretary of defense gave the order. There’s no telling how far up this Montez business goes.”
“That’s quite a development. I know both of those men well. You want me to make contact?”
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Domestic Terrorism, his father had unfettered 24-7 access to ranking members of the intelligence community.
“We’re on our own unless you’re willing to help.”
“Of course I’ll help,” said Stone.
“I don’t want you to jeopardize your Senate seat over this.”
“Nonsense. I have the president’s ear. If I have to, I’ll go straight to him.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Four armed mercenaries just tried to kill my son and the special agent in charge of Sacramento’s field office. Yes, I’m sure.”
“Montez has proven to be a resourceful man. He discovered where I live, not an easy trick. I don’t want him going after you and Mom.”
“I have two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Medal of Honor. Do I
Harv cleared his throat.
“I take it this isn’t a subject you want to discuss further?”
“You take it correctly. I’d like to spend a few minutes alone with her.”
“She’s just outside, along with several SDPD officers and FBI agents. This hospital looks like the president himself is taking a tour. Be careful how much you share with her, Nathan. Information of this nature is dangerous.”
Chapter 23
Holly entered his hospital room, no doubt having been fully grilled by Lansing. Her bandaged forearm- suspended in a sling-looked serious. As if walking with a cane wasn’t bad enough.
She sat on the edge of his bed, leaned over, and hugged him. He smelled a trace of her favorite perfume, Light Blue.“You okay?” he asked.
“When I said I had vacation time coming, I hadn’t thought it would involve a gunfight to the death. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“It’ll be with you for a long time.”
“Your first time?”
“Yeah, I lost some sleep. Harv too. It was our first mission in Nicaragua. We took out a vicious sadist who deserved to die, and I thought that would make it easier, but it didn’t. I can still see his chest explode when the bullet struck. It was a twelve-hundred-yard shot with a Barrett M eighty-two, fifty-caliber. I felt it deeper than I wanted to. Last night was different, Holly. There’s no way to know whose bullets did the actual killing, yours or mine. It doesn’t matter.”
She didn’t say anything.
“I’m convinced those mercs were there to take us prisoner. If we hadn’t fought back, Montez would be torturing us right now. We’ve got nothing to feel guilty about.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“I
They remained quiet for a few moments.
“How’s your head?” she asked at last.
“Truthfully, I’ve got a blinding headache, but otherwise, not too bad. How’s the arm?”
“What’s one more scar?”
“I said the same thing to Harv. Did you get a chance to talk to my dad?”
“At length.”
“I’m in trouble.”
She smiled. “I’m not sure what I expected, but he’s really quite charming.”
“Stone McBride has a friendly smile when he wants something and an unfriendly smile when he doesn’t get it.”
“Don’t all politicians?”
“Amen to that.”
“What did Lansing and Cantrell say?”
