The truck rumbled down a steep incline toward the harbor, which was surprisingly well lit. Hawk considered for a moment that conducting an illegal weapons exchange in plain sight was dangerous, but in Khabas, Oman, who would really care that much? Every potential law enforcement officer or military personnel was likely paid off already and well versed in the art of turning a blind eye.
Hawk came to a stop and turned right, following the signs for the seaport. He didn’t get more than a half-mile farther down the road before he noticed a roadblock up ahead. Ray had left him proper documentation, but the closer Hawk got, the more his uneasiness grew about the situation.
What is a roadblock doing here at this time of night?
That’s when Hawk recognized the military vehicle used to block the road as one belonging to the U.S. military.
Damn it. I’m being set up.
In an instant, everything became clear to Hawk. What he’d identified as reluctance on the part of Ray was actually guilt. Ray was trying to deal with his betrayal of a former colleague. Despite their differences, a strong bond still existed—and Hawk realized Ray was struggling with his decision.
Hawk slammed on the brakes and threw the truck into reverse. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do, but he wasn’t about to drive straight into military custody. Before he could complete a three-point turn and change his direction, the truck being used for the road accelerated after him.
Stomping on the gas pedal, Hawk gripped the steering wheel, his hands starting to hurt from the pressure he exerted on it. His eyes bounced between the desolate road ahead and his rearview mirror. The truck was gaining on him and he had no real options.
In a moment of desperation, Hawk maneuvered his truck off the road and across the desert sand. The truck tailing him did likewise. Both vehicles bounced along for about a mile before a rockier terrain prevented Hawk from going any farther. He tried to back out of the pocket he’d driven into, but the trailing truck roared up from behind and trapped him.
Several moments later, a pair of Humvees joined them in a strong show of force. Hawk threw his head back and screamed in frustration.
A pair of armed soldiers approached Hawk, keeping their guns trained on him. Hawk raised his hands in surrender.
“I’m unarmed,” Hawk said as one of the soldiers opened the door.
A guard snatched Hawk by his shirt and dragged him out of the truck.
“Take it easy, man,” Hawk said. “I’m going peaceably here.”
“The irony,” the Army Ranger said. “The man selling weapons to one of the most deadly terrorist forces on the planet is going peaceably.”
“What is this all about?” Hawk asked.
“Perhaps you’re the one who should be answering that question yourself. We’re not the ones trying to sell weapons to Al Hasib.”
“What are you talking about? You have no proof of that.”
The soldier chuckled and shook his head. “We actually have a truckload of proof. Now, hands behind your head.”
Hawk complied with the order before a pair of handcuffs was ratcheted down on his wrists.
“The great Brady Hawk finally arrested,” one of the soldiers said. “I didn’t think it’d be so easy or that he’d look so harmless.”
“All those stories must be embellished.”
Hawk glared at them. “I can assure you that they’re not.”
“Great. You can tell them to me all over again during our transport back to the U.S. The president wants to talk with you personally before you’re turned over to the judicial system.”
“President Michaels?” Hawk asked.
The soldier nodded. “The one and only.”
“President Michaels wants to see me?”
“I didn’t stutter.”
“Don’t you find that odd?” Hawk asked.
“Not any more odd than a former Navy Seal trying to peddle weapons to Al Hasib in Oman during the middle of the night.”
The guard shoved Hawk in the back, forcing him toward one of the Humvees.
When Hawk stepped inside, his mouth went slack-jawed at the sight of Ray.
“I tried to warn you,” Ray said.
Hawk narrowed his eyes. “How could you do this to me?”
“Just following orders.”
“Whose orders?”
“The president of the United States. Now, I’ll be right back. I have to go deliver some weapons as promised to some terrorist friends of mine.”
Hawk watched as Ray climbed out of the vehicle and jumped behind the wheel of the weapons truck. As he drove away, he gave a mocking salute to Hawk.
“Where’s he going?” Hawk asked.
“He’s going to finish the mission,” a soldier said.
CHAPTER 20
Washington, D.C.
MICHAELS STUDIED SEVERAL PAPERS written by his aides as he wound down his day. The latest poll had him ahead of Braxton by 10 percentage points. Once the electoral college projections were factored, Michaels’ lead swelled to a commanding 130 votes more than his opponent. Most political pundits were on the verge of suggesting that the presidential race was already over. By virtue of Michaels’ big lead, he could focus on policies rather than partisan politics.
A knock on the door interrupted him as he looked up to see David Kriegel poking his head inside.
“Catching up on the latest poll numbers?” Kriegel asked.
Michaels shook his head. “I’ve got more important issues to attend to, like shaping the direction of the nation for the next four years.”
“So you have seen the most recent reports, haven’t you?” Kriegel
