“Unfortunately, I'm not seeing anything that's giving me a reason to think Walsh is planning on attacking today,” Black said. “Just look at this place. It's buttoned up tighter than a camel's ass in a sandstorm.”
“Thanks for helping me visualize that one,” Alex said. “Without that colorful description, I would’ve just assumed that terrorists were skipping around like it’s recess at an elementary school.”
“I’ve got no metaphors for you,” Hawk said, “but I think we may have been played. I’m seeing no movement anywhere nor have I noticed even the slightest bit of suspicious activity. But just keep your eyes peeled.”
Hawk scanned around the area once more and noticed NBC correspondent Brittany Tillman making notes on her tablet. She tucked her brown hair behind her ears and looked up as the public address system boomed with an introductory video being broadcast on two giant screens flanking the stage. Holding up her phone, she appeared to be recording the event.
Hawk had watched her short piece on the event the night before as she gushed about the bipartisan effort to create this historic collaborative effort between the country’s intelligence agencies. And for someone on the outside like Brittany Tillman, the NSC’s creation seemed to be a step in the right direction for keeping the country safe. But Hawk knew better. There were plenty of threats beyond the U.S. borders, but the more dangerous ones came from within by people who were willing to betray their country for power and money.
The rolling video displayed footage from World War I and II as well as Vietnam and Korea. With a baritone voice, the narrator tugged at the heartstrings of American patriotism.
“When the world needed someone to stand up to powerful dictators, the United States military was up to the task.”
From there, the images changed to more cloak and dagger scenes along with footage of the Berlin wall. Then images of terrorist acts, including the toppling of the World Trade Center towers on September 11th.
“Since that time, the theater of war has changed many times, but the brave men and women of this great country have stepped up to answer the call each time.”
While bundled up for the Washington winter weather, Hawk still felt the goosebumps on his arms. He couldn't deny the feelings stirred within him as he listened to the emotional narration.
The video came to an abrupt halt as the screen was hijacked by a video espousing a different message. Footage of President Young appeared on the screen of him filmed unknowingly discussing a situation with several foreign ambassadors.
“I know everyone is familiar with the phrase that America doesn't negotiate with terrorists,” Young said as he waved his hand dismissively. “But that's just our public message. You bet your ass we're willing to get some of those men home and will do whatever we need to make it happen.”
The men sitting with President Young nodded knowingly as the conversation continued.
Hawk heard a murmur roll across the crowd. He glanced at the stage and saw several officials glaring angrily at a man just offstage in the audio/visual booth. He threw his hands in the air in a gesture of surrender, resulting in clenched jaws and fist-shaking from the men standing near the lectern.
“What’s going on?” Alex asked. “Everyone looks like they want to charge the stage.”
“Someone has seized control of the video screen and is sharing leaked footage of President Young negotiating a backroom deal with the Iranian ambassador,” Hawk said.
“Did you know Young did that?” Black asked, joining in the conversation on the coms.
“Absolutely not,” Hawk said. “Though I understand why someone might break precedent.”
“And for that, I’m thankful,” Black said.
“You should be,” Alex said. “But we wouldn’t have allowed you to rot in an Al Fatihin prison. We had ulterior motives for negotiating for you.”
“Gee, Alex, you know how to make a guy feel special,” Black said.
She snickered. “Glad I could boost your esteem.”
A dull roar sounded over the speakers when someone yanked the power plug on the video system. But the damning video of President Young had already aired.
“Somebody is gonna get canned for that,” Alex said.
“Maybe even some jail time,” Black added.
The buzz among the crowd created a distraction, but Hawk maintained his focus. He watched for any sudden movement and noticed a guy who looked like Walsh dressed in a security uniform hustling around the perimeter of the crowd.
“I think I see him,” Hawk said. “He’s on the southwest corner, wearing an NSC security outfit.”
“Are you sure?” Black fired back. “I’m on the northeast side, and I see Walsh.”
“Uh, guys,” Alex said. “I’ve found two more men who are spitting images of Walsh.”
“So which one is really him?” Black asked. “Alex, can you shed any light on this for us?”
“I’m trying,” she said. “I just found Hawk’s Walsh and am looking for yours now. I’m running a still shot through NSA’s facial recognition program.”
“Found him yet?” Black asked. “He’s moving away from this area.”
“Got him,” Alex said. “Just give it a second.”
Hawk eased his way through the crowd without drawing any attention. Everyone was still talking about what they’d just seen that they didn’t even notice the commotion on the fringes.
“Alex, can you follow me?” Hawk asked. “I’m trailing this one guard who looks just like Walsh.”
“I see you,” she said. “I’m tagging him right now with the system software. Feel free to go wherever you need to in pursuit of him.”
Less than a half minute later, Hawk caught up with the man and grabbed him from behind before spinning him around. The guard fumbled for his gun, but Hawk drew his and told the man to freeze. When Hawk got a clear look at the man, he realized it wasn’t Walsh.
“This is a dead end,” Hawk said.
“And I suspect all these other men are too,” Black said.
“You’re right,” Alex chimed in. “None of the men are showing up as serious threats in the NSA facial recognition database. So, now what?”
Hawk scanned the front of the
