Hawk sighed in relief, realizing that his bullet must’ve rocked Nawabi just as he was firing his weapon.
The press corps scattered for cover, and members of the Secret Service detail rushed in to secure the area. In a matter of minutes, the Secret Service confirmed to the press that the incident was that of a lone shooter and that he was confirmed dead.
But Hawk knew his biggest challenge remained ahead.
CHAPTER 27
NOAH YOUNG WATCHED THE SCENE unfold in horror. Despite knowing about the missile attack in advance, Young still felt a sense of shock when it happened. He also felt a sudden doubt that he should be pursuing the office of the president, which would guarantee more situations like this in the future. But the rogue missile fired at the crowd shook Young to his core.
After Baker briefed Young on what occurred just moments afterward, he dialed Hawk’s number to get a less-filtered account.
“What the hell was going on out there?” Young asked once Hawk answered.
“Sir, I apologize for that scare,” Hawk said. “Based on all my intel, I believed that we had every angle locked down. And of course, the one I didn’t conceive of was the one that happened.”
“How could you not conceive that he wouldn’t bring another weapon?”
“I considered that he might bring a long-range weapon, maybe even a semi-automatic gun to make a last stand. But another missile launcher?”
“How did you miss that?”
“I saw he had another bag, but I assumed it was his getaway bag.”
Young clenched his fists as he spoke. “That was almost a costly assumption.”
“I know, sir. Navigating these scenarios is always tricky.”
“Well, I’m grateful nobody ended up dying, but it does mean I’m gonna have to answer plenty of questions that I’d rather ignore.”
“I’m sure you can spin this thing in your favor, telling the American people that if the terrorists don’t like you, then you must be the right man for the job.”
Young forced a chuckle. “You’ve never been in politics, have you?”
“I ran for vice president of my class once in high school.”
“Did you win?”
“Lost on account of the fact that I couldn’t cut a ribbon that I used as a prop for in my tongue-in-cheek speech. I mentioned how I could fill in for the class president when he couldn’t make ribbon-cutting ceremonies. I grabbed my scissors and after languishing for about fifteen seconds without being able to cut the ribbon I held up, I threw the scissors down on the table and walked off. I said something like, ‘I guess I can’t cut it.’”
“That explains a lot.”
“If I’d used sharper scissors, I think I would’ve won.”
“What was your campaign slogan?”
“‘Vote Brady—the one who’ll watch over you like a Hawk.’”
“That was bad, though not as bad as your screw-up today.”
“I know it wasn’t ideal, but at least we escaped without anyone even getting injured—well, other than the guy who deserved it.”
“Where do you go from here? I’m assuming Blunt and Alex are still being held by Fazil.”
“One of my contacts came through this morning. I’m heading over to Hyde Field once I debrief Baker. Thomas Colton has a jet gassed up and ready for me to go to Iraq to evac Blunt and Alex out of there.”
“And you’re confident you’re going to succeed?”
“General Fortner is providing some support and has special ops in place.”
“That isn’t what I asked because I sure as hell don’t want to have to explain another inexplicable event so close to the election.”
Hawk was silent for a few seconds. “If I don’t try, they’re as good as dead. And I won’t allow my team to die without fighting for them.”
“You’re a good man, Brady Hawk. Despite this situation nearly going fubar today, I have to say that I’m glad you’re watching out not only over me but also the rest of this nation. Keep up the good work.”
“Just doing my job, sir. And on that note, I need to get going.”
Young took a deep breath. “Wait. Before you go, I have one more question for you. What about our other situation you were running interference for me on? Any development there? I really need some good news.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have any for you,” Hawk said. “I made my appeal, even pitched him the possibility of learning the truth about his father’s death. But he wouldn’t bite and reminded me that the deadline was fast approaching later today.”
“So, now what?”
“It looks like you’re gonna have to do what you could’ve done in the first place, which is tell the truth to the American people. I know I’m not a political strategist, but I’m quite certain you’d rather be out in front of this story than trying to explain it after it already happened, especially so close to the election. It’s all anyone would talk about all weekend long.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.”
“He’s got you over a barrel, sir. At this point, you’ve got to cut your losses and hope for the best. Besides, I think after today, you’ll definitely gather a large portion of undecided voters who will grant you sympathy votes.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Don’t mull it over too long because I think Fowler was serious. He’s going to spill the beans if you don’t.”
“Good luck, Hawk. And thanks for everything.”
“Roger that. It’s been a pleasure to serve you, sir. Hopefully when we speak again, you’ll have a more permanent title of president in front of your name.”
Young hung up and exhaled slowly. He had dodged a pair of missiles, but a political bullet was headed straight for him—and the only thing he could do about it was to face it head on.
CHAPTER 28
HAWK SKIDDED TO A STOP near the hangar assigned to Colton Industries’ jet and grabbed his gear out of the back. He hustled toward the plane, stopping for a brief conversation with Thomas Colton.
“I’m
