To his left, the large body of water known as Lake Mead appeared and narrowed toward the southern end, capped by the massive engineering structure known as Hoover Dam. Millions of people downstream, as far as Los Angeles and San Diego, with hundreds of communities along the way, depended on the water and electricity generated by this 1930’s federal works project.
As the dam came closer into view, about twenty miles distant to the east, he could see the narrow ribbon of Highway 93 and the newly constructed Hoover Dam bypass bridge. He turned to his right and retrieved his cell phone from the seat next to him, glanced out the window once more, and pressed send.
Hoover Dam
Arizona/Nevada Border
August
Thor Campbell glanced again at his watch, which read 9:28 A.M., and shifted in his seat, wishing that he had taken a moment to use the toilet before beginning his observation. For a moment, he considered walking several hundred yards to the small, public restroom facility located on the southern end of the parking area. He decided to wait another ten minutes before making the trip. It was the last decision of his life.
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Office of Information amp; Public Relations
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.
August
General Pug Connor, United States Marine Corps, and Carlos Castro, Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps, Retired, sat in the general’s office while Connor listened to the party on the other end of his telephone. He was silent, nodding occasionally, and then hung up the instrument.
“A two-kiloton nuclear explosion at Hoover Dam,” he said to Carlos. “That’s all they have so far.”
“It’s Wolff,” Carlos replied. “That bastard Wolff. I should have slit his throat in Timor.”
Connor nodded. “This will change the dynamics completely. If Harford is still alive, SI will gain complete control now, with unlimited powers for his domestic security operation, and Congress will be begging him to expand his force.”
Carlos stood, pausing behind his chair. “Not if I kill him first, General.”
Connor also stood, his jaw set and his voice soft. “I think we’ve come off the bench, Carlos. You and me, personally. And we’re back in the game. This may have to be done off the books. Off everyone’s books. I know one person I can contact for advice, but that will be the extent of outside knowledge.”
“Semper Fi, General. Semper Fi.”