"I understand sir, but I do need to let you know that I also advise against the visit."
"Advice heard and noted. Anything further Neil?"
"No Mister President, see you in California."
A few moments later the President’s phone rang again. The caller line identification indicated that it was Admiral Nelson.
"What have you got Horatio?"
"Sir, our plan with the remarked helo worked perfectly. We just completed the scan of the Pashwari Palace. There was a positive scan. There is definitely weapons grade radioactivity inside the southern part of the palace."
"Do you have any idea of possible collateral damage to civilians if we bomb the place?" asked President Connolly grimly.
"Sir, we have rock solid intelligence that there are around twenty people in the palace at this very moment. Most will be asleep in the northern part of the palace. We will target the southern section where the bomb is sitting, but we must assume 100 % casualties due to radiation fallout anyway."
"Horatio, you have my approval to go ahead with the operation. Destroy that weapon. Please update me when it is done."
Fifteen minutes later the phone rang again.
"Mister President I can now report the mission has been successful. The palace has been destroyed. We did a second scan with the chopper and they picked up trace radiation levels in the atmosphere. The weapon has been destroyed."
"Great work Horatio. I will get the press on to this right away."
The President called the White House Press Secretary Jennifer Warwick.
"Jennifer, I have something for you" he announced.
"Thank you Sir, please go ahead."
"We have just received word of a terrorist bombing in Riyadh. Some place called Pashwari Palace has been attacked by a bomb. It was what is termed a dirty bomb. That is a conventional bomb surrounded with radioactive material. It causes low level radioactive fallout over a small area. We believe that the bomb was detonated by an unknown terrorist group unhappy with the current Saudi regime. Can you please call an immediate press conference?"
"Of course Mr. President. Can I reveal the source of your information?"
"I’m afraid not Jennifer. We were able to do a radiation scan from a helicopter that is not supposed to be there."
"Sir, were we involved in this in some way?"
"That would be outside our rules of engagement."
"I think I get what you are telling me Mister President. I will find a way to spin this."
"Thanks Jennifer, I know you can handle this."
Chapter 113
"Bill, this is Neil Baker. I spoke to the President. He can be a stubborn pain in the ass, just like you, and refuses to change his plans in any way. There is just no way he is going to cave in to a terrorist threat. I tried everything I could, he wouldn’t budge on this. I am headed there right now, I am ramping up security. We will keep him safe."
"I wish I was as certain as you are Neil. Good luck, and stay in touch."
Bill picked up his phone and called Matt Peterson.
"Matt, I think the target is in San Francisco. The President is attending a meeting there tomorrow, but keep it quiet. Get your team up there. I will alert Homeland Security and get them looking around L.A. and S.F. as well."
"We are coming up to crunch time Matt. No playing nice guy if you find Pashwari, take him out." said Bill grimly.
"Message received and understood, I will brief the team."
Chapter 114
"Bill Simpson was getting an update from Matt Peterson in San Francisco when his other line flashed. He put Matt on hold "Simpson here" he announced.
"Bill, this is Tom Allinson, chief of internal security at the White House, I have something you need to hear."
"One second Tom, let me patch in Matt Peterson in San Francisco."
"Matt, I have Tom Allinson from White house security on the line. Go ahead Tom."
"We routinely record all radio transmissions inside and around the White House. We were able to record a conversation on an unauthorized cell phone about thirty minutes ago. I played this recording to Neil just now and he told me to get it to you immediately. He said you would understand, standby."
He played the brief recording of a single female voice:
He will be on the bridge at exactly 4pm.
"Ok thanks Tom, I got it. Find out who made that call and lean on them. Let me know what you come up with."
When Tom had dropped off the call, Bill said somberly "Matt, you have three hours to find that bomb. Do whatever it takes."
"If you manage to locate Pashwari, don’t give him the chance to push any buttons. You heard the President’s speech, shoot first and ask questions later."
"I hear what you are saying. Let’s see how it plays out. I am still not sure that we will find him, he could be anywhere in the world" said Matt defensively.
"Trust me Matt, he is nearby."
Part IV
End Game
Chapter 115
"Where are all the blonde beach babes?" asked Greg O’Brien as they left the airport "I thought they would be stacked three deep."
"I think that may be all marketing" suggested Natasha.
"You may be in luck, we are headed for the harbor" explained Matt.
"No problem as long as we stay on terra firma, I get sea sick in a bath" said Greg with a giggle.
"While we are waiting for a taxi, I guess I better tell you some more. Sorry, but we are headed for a coast guard cutter to look for Pashwari. You are coming with us since you are the only one who has ever seen this guy" said Matt firmly.
"Look Matt, I want to help, I really do, but I just can’t get on a boat. I will spend all me time heaving over the side, I don't even eat seafood."
"Don’t worry Greg. I know they have some great drugs to stop you getting sick. The captain will have some on hand. Do you need a personal invitation from President Connolly, it can be arranged?"
"I have a bad feeling about this" said Greg.
"Don’t worry, that feeling is probably just gas!"
They joined the queue for a cab and eventually stowed their hand luggage. All had packed light.
"Where to buddy?" asked the driver.
"Coast Guard pier, San Francisco harbor" directed Matt.
"Sure, won’t take too long."
Chapter 116
Matt, Natasha and Greg O’Brien had boarded the ship after some fast organizational work by Bill Simpson. They were immediately shown to the commander’s cabin.
"I’m Commander Bob Evans. I am in charge of all the coastguard resources in San Francisco. I am not quite sure who you are or what you are doing here, but my orders are basically to turn this ship over to you. But before I do, can you please explain to me what the hell is going on here?" asked the handsome young officer wearing an immaculate gleaming white uniform.
"There is no time for us to bullshit you. I’m Matt Peterson, this is Natasha Orlov from Russian Intelligence and this is Detective Greg O’Brien. I’m CIA, but seconded to Homeland Security for this operation. There is credible evidence that there is a bomb somewhere in the harbor and we are here to help you find it before there is a disaster."