“Your suppositions may be the death of you.”
“Or it may be what I need to rise to power.”
“I’m walking out of here,” Young said, “and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”
“I beg to differ,” Sinclair said as he nodded at one of his guards standing near the door. The man slid in front of Young, impeding his exit.
“If that door isn’t open where I can walk through it in five seconds, I’m going to call for my Secret Service detail. And I promise you’ll regret it.”
“I doubt that,” Sinclair said. He turned toward the screen as it switched from the simulated missile trajectory to the cameras outside the control center. The security details for both the American and Russian presidents were lying on their backs, apparently out from some type of gas.
“What’s this?” Karelin asked.
“I needed assurance that neither of you would walk out and risk this event that my team has been planning for months,” Sinclair said. “I really hate delays.”
“I demand that you stop this at once,” Karelin said.
“Oh, so you don’t want the winning bid? I can direct both missiles toward your countries and keep you sequestered here while your subordinates get access to nuclear codes and launch warheads back and forth at one another. Is that what you want?”
“Of course not,” Karelin said.
Sinclair turned toward Young. “And you, Mr. President?”
“I’ll stay.”
“Excellent,” Sinclair said. “Now that we have that all cleared up, shall we continue?”
He marched over to the control panel on the wall and returned to the screen containing the simulated images of the two missiles streaking across the planet.
“Now, I’m not a fool,” Sinclair said. “And it might be unwise for me to simply demand money, especially an amount as enormous as two trillion dollars. I’m quite certain neither one of you would like to see that amount vanish from your country’s treasury, would you?”
Both men shook their head.
“In that case, let me make you another offer,” Sinclair said as he paced around the room. “Instead of pitting you against each other and starting a world war, I am amenable to a different type of arrangement, contingent upon the fact that you both agree to it.”
Karelin stroked his beard. “I’m listening.”
“I would like a place on your senior level cabinet, a guaranteed spot among the men you count as your trusted advisors. But it would be a secret position, one that would protect us from being impugned by the reckless press corps.”
Young waited, pausing to see if Karelin would speak first—and he did.
“I would prefer just to hand you the money,” Karelin said. “The defense system, if it’s as good as you say it is, is worth money. However, I would like to see it in action first.”
Young nodded and lied. “Perhaps we could come to agreement as well. But like my good comrade here, I’m not agreeing to anything until I see how it works.”
“In that case, let’s start with the man who made the winning bid, shall we?” Sinclair said.
Sinclair strode over to a computer terminal and typed on the keyboard. When he was finished, he looked up and smiled.
“You’re about to see the new course for the missiles appear on the screen,” he said.
As soon as he finished speaking, a new simulated image materialized, showing that one of the missiles was headed straight for Washington.
“All I have to do to make that happen is press this button,” Sinclair said. “Is everyone ready?”
Before he even finished asking the question, he pressed the button, initiating the strike sequence.
He grinned as he studied the picture on the screen in front of him. “T-minus ninety seconds and counting. Are you ready to be amazed?”
CHAPTER 27
HAWK STOOD, KEEPING his hands raised in the air. He moved slowly toward the mainframe and opened the door. Once the keyboard and terminal were exposed, he gestured toward them.
“If you’ll notice right here underneath the keyboard tray, you’ll see the transmitter,” Hawk said.
The commander nodded at one of the guards, who walked over to the terminal and inspected the machine. As he did, all eyes focused on his movements, giving Hawk the opportunity he needed to flip the room.
Hawk turned his body to the side so that his raised right hand remained visible but his left hand yanked a grenade off his belt.
“I got it,” the guard yelled. “How do I turn it off?”
“There’s a switch on the back that will allow you to cease all communications with any other devices,” Alex offered.
He flipped it over and followed Alex’s instructions.
“What just happened?” Mia asked over the coms.
Hawk and Alex remained quiet.
“Don’t leave me in the dark here, guys,” Mia said. “Somebody tell me what’s going on in there. I just lost my connection right as I entered in the new coordinates. I have no idea who’s in control of the missiles now.”
As Alex was talking, Hawk pulled out the pin of the grenade and held the explosive device tight. In the commotion, the guards took their eyes off him just long enough for him to attempt to regain the upper hand.
The mainframe was centered against the far wall. Aside from the small clearing directly around the computer, the rest of the room was filled with rows of servers, stacked one right on top of the other, floor to ceiling. However, a gap in the middle of each row provided an escape route for him and Alex. But that was all contingent upon his ability to create an opportunity to use it.
“You guys need to act now,” Mia said over the coms. “I just searched the coordinates that I captured earlier. Sinclair is aiming those missiles straight at Washington.”
Hawk didn’t move, wondering how long it would take before any of the guards realized he was holding a grenade.
One handed over the transmitter to his commander, who promptly dropped it on the floor and crushed it with his heel.
“Any questions?” the man asked.
One of the guards pointed at Hawk. “Why is this bloke holding a grenade?”
The commander glanced back at Hawk and growled. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Everyone, put your weapons down or we all die,” Hawk said.
Unmoved by Hawk’s threat, the commander just stared at him. “You’re going to kill yourself, too?”
“We’re just going to walk out of here,” Hawk said, helping Alex to her feet before kneeling down and picking up his rucksack.
“I don’t think so,” the commander said, his gun trained on Hawk.
“Just ask yourself this question: Is the work you’re doing for Falcon Sinclair worth dying for?”
Hawk tossed the grenade at the commander and then shoved Alex forward down the aisle. He darted a few meters before pulling her to the ground, utilizing the server units as cover.
The explosion rocked the room, leaving his ears ringing. He scrambled to his feet before retrieving another grenade from his pack. He pulled the pin out of the explosive device and slid it under the mainframe.
“Move,” Hawk said to Alex.
They sprinted toward the door. As they reached the exit, the second blast rattled the room again, this time sparking a fire. The remaining glass shards still clinging to the window frame broke loose and shattered on the floor. All Hawk could hear were moans coming from the men as well as a buzzing fire alarm. Alex stopped and stared at the scene.
“Come on,” Hawk said, tugging on her arm.
“Did you destroy the mainframe?” she asked.
“I hope so,” Hawk said. “But I’m not going to sift through the ashes to find out. This area will be crawling with Sinclair’s men any minute now if we don’t get the hell outta here.”
Alex nodded and took off running with Hawk.
A bullet whistled past, making Hawk rethink his exit strategy. He dashed to the right and hi
d behind a stack of wooden crates. When he peeked around the corner, he noticed two guards straggling forward with their guns trained.
Two more shots were fired, ricocheting off the wall behind them.
“Think you can still shoot?” Hawk asked.
Alex didn’t hesitate to respond. “Give me a gun now.”
They hunkered and prepared for another fight, one Hawk knew couldn’t last long if they intended to escape the facility alive.
“Mia,” Alex said over the coms.
“I’m here.”
“Did we destroy the mainframe’s ability to control the missiles?”
“I’ve got no idea,” she said. “I’m in the dark right now, and there’s not much more I can do other than try to listen in on Sinclair’s meeting with the presidents.”
Hawk checked his supply of munitions once more before reloading.
“Actually,” he said, “there is one more thing you can do for us.”
A machine gun blurted rounds at Hawk and Alex, sending them diving to the floor. Help had already arrived for Sinclair’s men, and time was getting scarce.
CHAPTER 28
SINCLAIR PACED AROUND the room with his chest out and chin up. His crowning moment, the one he’d been working so hard to create for the past decade, was now upon him. With a memorable demonstration, he would show the leaders of the two most powerful nations in the world what he was capable of: utter chaos.
By pitting the two leaders against one another, Sinclair aimed to sow fear in the men. But his endgame wasn’t about that at all. What he wanted was control and influence, the kind that can’t be bought through bribes or votes. He—and he alone—would set the direction for the world by influencing both nations and ensuring their interests aligned with his. And most importantly, he’d answer to no one. Not a board who could fire him. Not an electorate who could choose someone else. Not a government that could forcibly remove him from power. No, Sinclair was going rule the world, and almost everyone on the planet would have no idea of his influence.
The simulation images on the monitors behind him continued to display the missiles heading for Washington, D.C. While he intended to demonstrate the power of the weapon’s defense system, he could tell something was wrong when he tried to place the missiles’ cameras up on the screen. In a flash, the televisions went dark.
“What is it now?” Sinclair grumbled. “Surely we’re not going to miss this incredible moment.”
A knock at the door arrested his attention.
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I apparently need to attend to this,” Sinclair said as he scurried across the room.
He checked the security cam to make sure one of his men stood outside before opening the door.
“What’s this all about?” Sinclair asked in a hushed tone between clenched teeth.
“Sir, there’s been an explosion downstairs in the computer room,” the man explained.
“An explosion? A natural one or man-made?”
“We caught an American operative trespassing earlier on the premises. He somehow escaped and returned, this time with his intentions quite clear.”
Sinclair scowled. “And what was that?”
“To destroy the mainframe.”
“Did he succeed?”
“We’re still trying to sort that out, sir. However, our ability to communicate with the missiles has been lost.”
“What does that mean?”
“They’re kind of on their own trajectory.”
“Where are they headed?” Sinclair asked.
“Since the communication isn’t working, we can’t tell right now, but it’s clear that a new heading was set by someone. And we can’t do anything to stop it.”
Sinclair shrugged. “We can still just shoot it down then, right?”
The man sighed. “That’s the other thing, sir. The mainframe is also what we used to control the satellite weapons defense system.”
“So, what you’re saying is that we have missiles heading who knows where without any way of stopping it. Is that correct?”
The man nodded. “I’m afraid so, sir.”
“Well, get the mainframe back online and get this situation fixed.”
“But, sir, it’s not that easy,” the man said.
Sinclair set his jaw. “Do it.”
He walked back into the room, eyeing his two guests.
“Is everything all right?” Karelin asked.
“Gentlemen, there’s been a change of plans,” Sinclair said.
“We can leave now?” Young asked. “Because I’ve had enough of this charade.”
Sinclair shook his head. “I’m going to postpone the demonstration of the satellite weapons defense system until we can resolve some technical glitches.”
“We’re just supposed to sit around and wait for you and your team to get your act together?” Young asked. “With a defense system this reliable, I doubt it’d be worth having.”
“Do you know what unforeseen means?” Sinclair asked.
Young sighed. “That’s what happens in war. Your enemies do something unexpected, and if you can’t adapt immediately, you’re going to end up dead or captured. The fact that you’ve been in business as long as you have and don’t understand this is appalling.”
“Maybe I should just let those missiles strike Washington then?” Sinclair asked.
“From the way things sound, I don’t think you could stop it now anyway,” Young said. “And God help you if they do. You’ll be hiding out in a cave, living off bugs, while the special forces units hunt you down to kill you.”
Sinclair chuckled. “I doubt that. You have no idea what kind of power I have.”
“Obviously not enough to run a routine demonstration of your new, innovative piece of technology.”
“I have my fingers in every branch of your government.”
Young shrugged. “Apparently it’s not enough to get what you want. And I can promise you that no matter what you do, you’re not going to get it.”
Sinclair glared at Young. “That settles it. I’m going to let those missiles strike Washington. It’ll make people forget the terrorist attacks on 9/11 ever happened. And all this will happen under your watch. That’s how the American people will remember you.”
“You’re insane,” Young said. “That will spark a world war.” He turned toward Karelin. “Is that what you want?”
Karelin stroked his beard and looked wistfully off in the distance for a moment.
“Really? You want to go to war with us?” Young asked.
“If victory was assured, perhaps,” Karelin said.
Sinclair grinned and put his arm around the Russian president. “This is a man who has what it takes to rule the world.” Then the Australian glanced at Young. “You Americans have always been so weak.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Our restraint as a country is our strength.”
“Restraint?” Sinclair said before snickering. “You are a bully who constantly sticks your nose in other people’s fights only when it suits your own interest. And only when you know you have the power to dictate the outcome you desire. You’re like a wealthy parent using your money to manipulate your children.”
“If that’s how you view my great country, you lack an incredible amount of context regarding how we get involved in conflicts around the world. It’s easy to claim the moral high ground when you live in an isolated place. Islands are great for hiding and indulging yourself, but our strength is forged in relationships that not only benefit us but also benefit the world.”
Sinclair sneered. “I’m about to show you what real power is, the kind that can reshape the history of the world.”
“And for what? A mention in the history books? You’ll be dead within a week.”
Sinclair pulled out his gun. “Or maybe you will, found on my yacht in your room with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. You’ll take the cowardly way out just like your predecessor.”
“He didn
’t—” Young paused. “If your end game is to gain a position of influence within the U.S. government, you’re not going to accomplish that by killing me, and you know it.”
“Do I?” Sinclair asked. “Ask yourself, ‘Why am I here right now? How did Falcon Sinclair arrange such a meeting?’ When you consider the answer to those questions truthfully, it’ll become clear just how much influence I have even within the White House.”
“You’re rich,” Young said. “Money can buy you access but not always influence.”
“My reach is greater than you think. My money bought your wife.”
Young’s nostrils flared, his eyes narrowing. “She’s dead, you imbecile.”
Sinclair cocked his head to one side. “Really? Are you sure about that? Have you seen her dead body?”
“I watched people scrape her charred remains up off my bedroom floor,” Young said. “What kind of sadistic person are you to ask me such a question?”
“Sadistic? No. Sly as a fox? Most definitely. But rest assured, Mr. President, your wife is safe and sound under my care.”
“What the hell are you talking about? Aren’t you listening to me? Weren’t you at her funeral?”
“I was at a memorial service, but I never saw a body.”
“That’s because there wasn’t one.”
Sinclair pointed his index finger at Young. “You’re right about that. Because she was by a pool somewhere, safe and sound on the day you thought you buried her.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it,” Young said. “You might be able to manipulate most people, but I’m not falling for your games.”
“This isn’t a game, Mr. President. Would you like to see her again?”
Young pursed his lips and clenched his fists. He took a couple steps back before making a run at Sinclair with a wild swing. Sinclair slid aside and pushed Young, sending him sprawling to the ground.
“You were right earlier,” Sinclair said as he walked over to Young as he slowly got up. “I’ve been in business long enough to understand that there are moments when something unexpected happens. And earlier, my mainframe getting sabotaged was one of those. However, I was ready for how to proceed, always equipped with a solid backup plan. But right now, you’re the one who didn’t see this coming. Your guards are all incapacitated, a missile is headed toward your country’s capitol city, and you just found out that your wife conspired against you and isn’t really dead. The pressing question is how are you going to handle these unforeseen events? Because right now, mate, it’s you against the world.”
Brady Hawk 19 - Divide and Conquer Page 14
