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“President Chutani has given me the responsibility of protecting our nuclear arsenal but ordered me to ignore the external threats from the Americans and Indians, both of whom will stop at nothing to wipe out our capabilities and leave us defenseless.”

“How can Pakistan survive this?” Shirani said, finally gaining enough confidence to join the conversation. “I fear that God is judging our weakness, Ahmed. Losing faith in our commitment to His will.”

“As do I. America’s corrupting influence cannot be overestimated.”

“Allah be praised.”

Taj smiled. Shirani’s whoring was legendary and he had been drinking alcohol only moments before. He was like so many others throughout human history—a man who used God as an excuse to pursue his own ambitions.

It was this that would eventually make it necessary to get rid of the man. But not yet. In order for chaos to be averted, Taj’s coup would have to preserve as much of the existing political structure as possible. The illusion of normalcy was critical in the short term.

“I assume you’re here with a proposal?” Shirani said, gaining still more confidence. He would know that whatever Taj had planned, it would be impossible without the consent of the army. Nothing in Pakistan happened without at least the army’s pledge not to interfere.

Fortunately, the general was a simple man. Utterly untrustworthy, but interested first and foremost in protecting his own position.

“I will be taking control of Pakistan soon,” Taj said simply.

Shirani’s surprise at the boldness of the statement was obvious and anticipated. He’d undoubtedly expected to be recruited for some subtle plan to undermine the civilian government’s authority. Not an admission that an ISI coup was in the works.

The general laughed uncomfortably, undoubtedly concerned that this was a trap constructed by Saad Chutani. “You’re talking treason, Ahmed. I have disagreements with the president’s relationship with America, but it’s my job to tell him my opinion and then obey his orders.”

“I admire your sense of duty, Umar, but how much longer will you be able to hold on to that job? You’re experienced enough to know that Chutani is maneuvering to remove you as head of the army.”

“I know no such thing.”

It was Taj’s turn to laugh. “I assume you remember what happened to my predecessor.”

It was impossible to forget. He had been marginalized with fabricated scandals publicized in media outlets beholden to Chutani. The unrest in North Waziristan had been laid at his feet, and he was vilified every time there was a terrorist attack within Pakistan’s borders. Finally, he’d been forced out over accepting bribes that were no different than ones taken by every government executive in the country. He was now facing a lifetime of prosecutions that would leave him penniless and his family disgraced.

“We’re at a turning point, Umar. The Middle East is disintegrating. The world is ready—in fact desperate—for a Muslim superpower to fill the vacuum created by the Americans. The Saudis are children obsessed with toys, and the Iranians are backstabbing women with no nuclear capability. Pakistan is the only country capable of becoming that superpower. We have a unique opportunity, Umar. We can neutralize America, take control of the region, and close our fist around the oil they rely so heavily on. We can bring their economy to its knees and stop the drone attacks on our soil. The humiliations can be brought to an end. All we need is our own strength and Allah’s blessing.”

Taj fell silent and leaned back in his chair. It was Shirani’s turn to speak.

“What is my position in all this?”

Predictably, his thoughts immediately turned to himself.

“Under my leadership, you will retain your rank as well as the authority to do what needs to be done with our nuclear arsenal.”

“And what is that?”

“The expansion and modernization of our missile technology. Like you, I understand the importance of having weapons capable of reaching the United States. . . .” He paused and allowed himself a smile. “I’m sure America’s Congress will be willing to finance the effort.”

For the first time, there was a flicker of interest in Shirani’s eyes. Self-interest, no doubt, but Taj wasn’t naïve. No matter what the general promised by way of support, his army would in fact stay as neutral as possible. The general would wait to see who won and then determine whether the power struggle had been bloody enough to make the victor vulnerable.

And that was all Taj needed—for the army to remain docile until he could do away with President Chutani and consolidate his leadership. Then, and only then, would he move to deal with Umar Shirani.

CHAPTER 19

NEAR LAKE CONSTANCE

SWITZERLAND

MITCH Rapp made a show of activating his throat mike, though in fact he was constantly transmitting on the frequency Gould had been excluded from. “Joe. Have you acquired us?”

“Not yet.”

That was probably a good thing. Maslick was in an elevated position specifically looking for them and hadn’t yet picked them up. If that was the case, it was almost certain that Obrecht’s men were still completely ignorant of what was going on outside their wall.

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