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Kennedy looked down at Flood’s desk and thought about the possibilities. “Can you locate him?”
“I already have my people checking on all three. So far I’ve only been able to confirm the whereabouts of the Jordanian officer.”
“I thought you kept close tabs on these dissidents.”
“We do,” started Fine, “but things are a little stressed over here right now. What is the phrase you like to use? . . . The natives are restless. We have another intifada on our hands. Aziz seems to have motivated every Palestinian between the age of two and seventy to pick up a rock and protest.”
Kennedy had been so focused on the immediate concerns of the crisis-that she hadn’t thought of the repercussions it might be having abroad. What Fine said made sense, and if they didn’t step in and handle things more firmly, it would only get worse.
“Ben, it would be a big help if you could track down this kid as soon as possible.”
“I have my best people on it, Irene. I can assure you of that.”
“Thank you, Ben. Is there anything else?”
“Well . . .” There was a four-second pause. “The word on the street is that you grabbed Sheik Harut, the night before last.”
“Where are you hearing that?”
“Several sources, actually. The Huns are all guessing it was either you or me, and since I know it wasn’t me, then it must be you.”
“I’m not in a position to discuss that matter right now, but I can assure you when I know anything about it, you will be briefed fully.”
Fine didn’t say anything for a long while and then said, “Irene, this is uncomfortable for me, but there are those in my government who are very unhappy with the way this crisis is being handled.”
Kennedy turned around and sat on the edge of General Flood’s desk. There were many that, put in her shoes, would simply have told the colonel that the U.S. was doing just fine managing the crisis, and that it would appreciate it if its allies would keep their opinions to themselves.
Fine continued. “It is our fear that you may make a short-term decision that could be catastrophic to Israel’s interests.”
Kennedy thought about Fine’s words honestly and refused to let nationalism seep into her thought process. There was no doubt that Israel had a lot on the line, and it didn’t take a Rhodes scholar to figure out how they would like the crisis resolved. Kennedy usually stayed out of this type of discussion, but in the current situation, and considering her own frustration with Vice President Baxter, she felt it prudent to try to assuage some of Fine’s fears. She also knew that whatever she said would be relayed up to the highest levels of the Israeli government.
“Ben, people like us don’t make policy; we only advise. Having said that, however, I can assure you that at every juncture of this crisis, there have been those of us who have forcefully stated our concerns over our relationship with your country—our concern that we don’t lose focus on our longterm commitment to Israel’s security and stability in the Middle East.”
Fine again digested the comments in silence and then added tensely, “There are those in my government who are very nervous.” Pausing, again Kennedy could hear the stress in his breathing. “There are many who don’t like the fact that you are dealing with Aziz . . . that you have done an about-face on your position of not negotiating with terrorists.”
Kennedy chose her words carefully. “There are many in my own government who do not like this change in policy, but this is an extremely difficult situation.”
“Who has made these decisions to negotiate?”
“Ben, you are moving into an area that I am not comfortable discussing.”
“Well, then let me say this last thing. We have a good idea where this is headed, and we will do whatever it takes to protect our own security.” Fine stopped and then repeated himself. “Whatever it takes.”
“I understand,” replied Kennedy. The colonel couldn’t have been clearer, and Kennedy knew that he had been told what to say by someone above his pay grade. Quite possibly the prime minister himself. “Is this something that I should pass on as an official or unofficial position of your country?”
“It has always been our position that we will do whatever it takes to protect ourselves.”
“Then why the need to remind me?”
“Because,” started Fine, “this is an unusual situation, and we would not want anyone to question where Israel stands on this issue.”
“Fair enough, Ben. I will make sure that your position is well known.” Running a hand through her hair, she added, “I need to check on some things. Could you do me a favor and let me know just as soon as you track down your eighteen-year-old dissident?”
“Of course. When can I expect to hear more about Sheik Harut?” Kennedy knew she had to give him something or at least the promise of something. “You can expect me to brief you fully when I have a chance to take a breath.” Kennedy intentionally let loose a tired sigh.
“I understand. Please keep me informed, and I will do the same.”
“Thank you, Ben.” Kennedy kept the phone in her hand and disconnected the call by pressing the button in the cradle. Quickly, she punched in seven numbers, and when the person on the other end answered, she asked to be connected to a certain location via code word. Approximately twenty seconds after that Dr. Hornig was on the phone.
