The President regarded Teddy. “How ‘bout you, Mr. Santini?”
“I’m the current lead for The Day of Destruction, and I run the family restaurant.”
“I’ve read the reviews on Santini Ristorante,” said the President. “The First Lady would love a date night there.”
“We’d be honored to host you,” Teddy replied.
The President shifted on the sofa, his pleasant smile fell away. “Okay, gentleman, give it to me straight.”
Greystone tossed Teddy a nod, and confidence settled into his bones.
Here we go.
“Mr. President, Mrs. Baker,” Teddy began, “As mission leader for third leg of The Day of Destruction, I’ve spent the past five months following up on any lead I’d uncovered in members-only chat rooms on the Dark Web. I was able to locate and eliminate three Haqazzii terrorists outside Pittsburgh. Two on our list—Sunjib Farquin and expert bombmaker, Al-Rahayal, and a woman.”
The President nodded in acknowledgment.
“Under duress, Farquin told me they were now focused on something else. Their primary target is me and the BLACK OPS team. Farquin said, ‘we are going after thebigone. The one where we bring America to its expletive knees. Death and destruction to America.’”
“I see,” President Garrison said.
“Al-Rahayal, told me, ‘we have moved on to something greater. Then, we will finish the job we started. When we cut off the head of the eagle, it cannot fly. Haters of democracy and counties that loathe America will make their move when America falls. America will be overtaken by powerful people.’”
Silence.
Teddy added, “Mr. President, Greystone and I have consulted the BLACK OPS team tasked with taking out these terrorists. We’re all in agreement… you are the eagle they’re coming after. Again.”
The President rose from the sofa and poured a glass of water, drank down several gulps, then offered water to the group. Everyone declined.
Teddy didn’t want to bethatmessenger, but he was. He was delivering the information along with the team’s expert opinion. Telling the President that the international terror cell was coming for him again was part of his job, though he took no joy in relaying it.
His mouth went dry.
“Mr. President, maybe I will take that water.” He pushed off the sofa as President Garrison poured another glass and offered it to him.
“Thank you.” Teddy drank it down, then poured himself a second glass. After draining that, he said, “I’m sorry to tell you that.”
“I appreciate your succinctness. Were you injured during the elimination?”
“A bullet grazed my arm.”
“Thank you for your service, Mr. Santini.” The President held up the pitcher.
“I’m good.” Teddy set the glass on the tray and returned to the sofa. As he sat, he swung his gaze to his brother.
Pride and approval shone in his big brother’s eyes. For that, he was grateful.
“My security team has tripled since Greystone first briefed me on The D of D,” said the President. “I’ve pulled my children, who are now being schooled here, and the First Lady’s external activities have been curtailed considerably. While protecting my family is my top priority, I willnotcower to these monsters.”
He set down his glass, hitched his hand on his hip. “I’m hitting the campaign trail pretty hard over the next few days. Election day is next week.” Pausing, he eyed Evelyn. “Where did the past four years go?” Then, he jumped his gaze to Greystone and Teddy. “While the pollsters show me holding a significant lead, my opponent is running a strong race. Now isnotthe time for me to hide.”
“Understood,” Greystone said. “This is our only mission until we find the remaining nine, including Muhammad Haqazzii.”
“That’s what I want to hear,” said President Garrison. “Everyone does their jobs. It’s that simple.”
“Do you think we should tell your political opponent?” Evelyn asked.
“Not yet,” the President replied. “If he wins the election, we brief him. If he doesn’t, he should be in no danger. This mission needs to stay on lockdown.” He paused. “Any leads on where the nine are now?”
