“The Liberty? Wasn’t that the ship you guys tried to sink in ’67?” The vice president’s tone was far from friendly.
“Yes. But these men were being set up. Israel was to be made the scapegoat as well. The speaker threw in with an Egyptian terrorist group everyone thought dead years ago. He promised if they’d help him become president then he’d make sure Egypt never lost any of the gravy money you send them every year. With Israel looking like the culprits in the assassination attempts, our funding would be cut off. The USS Liberty hearings set the stage to expose Israel of our shameful behavior in 1967. The president and I decided to go forward with the hearings, admit wrong doing once and for all.”
The president fidgeted and tried to push himself up. Gilad reached down and raised the bed for him. “Those men will get their medals. The hell with the hearings. We’re doing it this week before Gilad goes back to Israel.”
“But Mr. President…” Gilad started.
“I’ve decided.” His snappy tone made the prime minister smile. “You must be feeling better considering your temper is showing.”
“Now what about that snake in congress?” The snarl on the president’s face was evidence he wanted to get down to business.
“Do you plan to use the Liberty crew as witnesses?” It was the vice president.
The president shook his head. “They’ve suffered enough and so has this great country. Gault doesn’t even know they’re still alive.”
Gilad cleared his throat. “We don’t have much time, Buck.” He lapsed into being familiar. He sounded almost friendly. “What do you want to do?”
The president looked at his vice president and saw a mixture of suffering, loss and fury. “Give the ‘go ahead,’ Gilad. Don’t screw it up.”
The prime minister nodded and took out his phone. “Your NSA still trying to tap into my cell?”
“Humph.” The president took the glass of water his vice president handed him. “You’re paranoid, Gilad.”
Gilad punched one button on his phone. “I’m Israeli. Being paranoid is in our DNA. That’s why we’ve survived.” Lifting the cell phone to his ear, he spoke into the mouth piece. “Do it.”
~~~
Jim Gault surveyed the destruction left by the hurricane as a new Secret Service agent drove him home. Several side streets were completely closed off because of debris left by flooding. The smell of sewage and garbage couldn’t be escaped as they sped through the D.C. area. He gave the driver several curt directives on how to drive and the best way to get him safely home.
He was anxious to get a hot shower. The FBI made it a point to bring the speaker a plate of hot food and coffee after he’d arrived at their headquarters. With a smug smile, he remembered the treatment he’d received; like a lost prince now found. Do you need anything, Mr. Speaker? Are you hurt, Mr. Speaker? This chair is more comfortable. Let me do that for you, sir.
The head of the Secret Service was present during his brief questioning. He finally complained he was just too tired to continue and wanted to return home for a few hours of rest. They complied without objection. Why would they? The blame game was in full swing and he preferred to just let them duke it out in private.
The speaker spoke harshly to Corbin Watts, head of the Secret Service about his incompetence to protect him and the president, not to mention the vice president’s lovely wife, Peggy. He was going to demand an investigation ASAP. In the meantime he’d better be thinking about what kind of career move would be appropriate. He suggested dog catcher.
Now he was nearly back where he started twenty four hours ago. Things didn’t go as planned, but at least the media would be trying to get his story. That could be a good thing if he played his cards right.
“Who is that outside my door?” The speaker leaned forward as the car pulled to the curb. “Another new guy?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Hopefully these agents won’t be the screw ups the last ones were.” The driver nodded grimly. “I’ll need the car around four this afternoon. Swing back then. In the meantime stay across the street.”
“I think we should post at your back door and front, Sir. You’ve had a close call.” The agent was firm.
“Yes, I have, thanks to your inept agency. That will be fine,” he snorted, opening the door as another agent appeared to escort him up the steps of his Brownstone. “Park the car then stand at the backdoor.”
“Thank you. I’ll only be a minute.” The driver pulled away from the curb and disappeared into a garage across the street.
“Mr. Speaker, you have a guest inside.”
The speaker froze thinking of several possibilities, none of which gave him comfort. “Who?”
“The young woman you met several times earlier in the week. We checked her out and she was on your list of approved visitors. Would you prefer I removed her?” The agent opened the door with ease.
The speaker frowned and breezed in before shutting the door with his foot in the agent’s face. He threw the FBI raincoat on the foyer chair as the grandfather clock in the living room struck eleven.
What a morning, he thought as his eyes looked around his home. I should be in the White House, not this house painted white. He heard light footsteps on the stairs as his eyes darted up with nervous anticipation.
“Carmen.” His eyes slid down her body remembering how flawless her body had been beneath his fingertips. She was dressed in her flight attendant uniform. It reminded him of the first night they spent together. They made a game of removing every stitch until she’d done the same to him. “Carmen,” he sighed as his hand went out and touched her short bouncy hair that seemed to shine even in the dim light.
“Jimmy, I was worried. I heard you had been kidnapped. Are you all right?” She leaned in to kiss him tenderly on the mouth and made it a point to press her breasts against him. “Let me make you a drink before I leave. I have a flight to catch soon.”
“Yes, that would be just what the doctor ordered. And I’m fine. I’ll tell you all about it when you come back.”
Carmen kissed him again and moved into the kitchen. “Go in there and sit down. You know how I love to serve you.” She smiled with wickedness.
The speaker removed the zipped-up jacket of his sweat suit he’d worn since the day before. He sniffed it and frowned as he sat down and put one leg up on the sofa. The decision to throw it away would rid him of evidence connected to the failed plan. He didn’t like to fail. And he certainly didn’t like to be reminded of it.
“Here you go.” Carmen brought him a glass of ice and a bottle of bourbon. “It’s so sticky outside I thought you might like to chill this a bit.” He nodded as she began to pour. “Aren’t you joining me?”
She laughed lightly. “Another time. The airline frowns on us drinking before a shift.” She stretched out her hand with the drink.
The speaker took it and held it in midair as Carmen leaned over and ran her fingers through his tinted hair. “Drink up, Jimmy.” She reached up and unbuttoned the first few buttons on her blouse then paused. That was all the encouragement the speaker needed to take a large gulp. One more button and one more gulp. Then he drained the glass.
Carmen smiled again, but the sweet, coy expression vanished. In its place appeared a cold hard sneer. “Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
The speaker realized something was wrong. His heart beat faster and his left arm had a burning pain. He tried to speak and reached for Carmen to help him, but she took a step back. His terrified eyes began searching the room for help.
Nonchalantly she buttoned her blouse as she walked to a mirror hanging on a wall over an oriental chest. She fussed with her hair then pulled at her uniform to make it perfect. Turning back around when she heard a sound like a croak come from the speaker, she moved to his side like a spoiled feline.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. I guess I should explain. I’m not just a flight attendant.” A look of both bewilderment and realization flooded the speaker’s eyes. �
��You see I work for Mossad. It wasn’t a good idea to screw with the Israelis.” She patted him on top of the head. “Or with me.” She lifted his other leg onto the couch. “Just relax. This won’t take long. The longer you fight it, the longer you’ll suffer. You know, like how you made those Liberty men suffer.” His eyes went wide. “And the president, of course. He isn’t real happy with you right now.” Carmen walked out into the foyer and picked up her umbrella. She waved to him and smiled. “I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure, but frankly, Mr. Speaker you’re really a lousy lover.”
Carmen walked casually down the steps where a Secret Service agent waited. “Everything okay in there?”
“Sleeping like a baby.” She smiled and looked up at the parting clouds. “It’s going to get hot again.”
The agent nodded. “Want me to call a cab for you?”
“I think I’ll walk for a while. There’s always a few cabs a couple of blocks away. If not I’ll take the bus. I heard the subway is down.”
He handed her a card. “If you need anything let me know.” The agent smiled. “My boss sends his regards.”
Carmen looked down at the card then winked at the agent. “Hmm,” she purred. “I appreciate that. I’ll pass it along to my boss.”
Chapter 31
T wo days later Tessa waved to her friends pulling away from the curb in a cab. They were skeptical at first about her being near the president during the fire fight. It wasn’t until Montgomery and Cooper verified her involvement they started acting like she was some kind of celebrity. The full story would never be revealed to them. The two military men continued to show up at every opportunity to keep the two women off balance giving them their undivided attention. Flowers, dinner and other romantic gestures kept the two women from asking too many questions. The two soldiers stood with Tessa as the women waved goodbye.
“You know they expect you to continue to be in their lives, right?” Tessa walked toward the entrance of the W Hotel where her things had been moved.
Montgomery grinned and elbowed his friend. “They were a nice diversion. I think we can swing that, Tessa.”
Cooper remained quiet as he opened the door for her. She wasn’t sure if he had ever forgiven her for landing him in the hospital a year earlier. He continued to be polite, although he rarely made eye contact. Tessa nodded a thank you as she entered.
As of yet there were no cameras or media blitz around her. No one knew that she had given the president a life-saving transfusion. The president’s advisors were still trying to put the best possible spin on the tragic events. Careful not to reveal too much information, world markets remained steady after Wall Street opened again. The confidence of the American people in their government remained unchanged, and the president’s approval rating sored.
Tessa wanted nothing to do with being the center of attention. She felt as if her life had already taken an unexpected turn since the president personally asked her to join Enigma. She wasn’t sure why they wanted her or if it was just a gesture of thanks. Standing in the shadows, while others took the credit for the good, bad, and ugly of national security, appeared to be easier than having the press and congress scrutinize everything you did.
The temptation to accept grew stronger than the consequences of continuing to live an uneventful life. A few days ago she thought “boring” sounded better than national security. The president made her an offer that would be difficult to refuse.
Captain Hunter’s two dedicated soldiers walked Tessa to her suite and did a security check. Leaving her in the care of a uniformed officer outside the door, felt like overkill. She was to meet with Director Clark over brunch and discuss the future. Her uncle’s release scheduled for later in the day meant a trip to the hospital in order to take him to his hotel. The other USS Liberty crew members waited for him there while they recuperated from their ordeal. In the meantime Tessa curled up on her sofa to read the papers and catch up on the latest news.
She tried to feel guilty at making calls to Robert when she knew he couldn’t answer the phone. Having been gone for nearly a week, he would be at his wits end taking care of the house and kids. Thankfully, she’d hired a sitter before the trip to fill in when necessary.
Now what would she do about the children? They were everything to her. Not even the president could take that connection away from her. She’d stand her ground on the issue of being an attentive mom. If her babies weren’t taken care of then Enigma would be looking for a new agent.
All her fears were addressed later with her new boss. The director of Enigma was cordial and reassured Tessa anything she needed would be at her disposal. There was a very grateful president in her debt.
“I would think that a woman of faith, like yourself, would believe that all would be planned out for you.” He sounded a little flippant.
Tessa smiled sweetly and retorted quickly. “I just wasn’t sure how God was going to handle you, Director Clark.” She took pleasure in watching his fake smile fade. “To change the subject,” she paused and leaned in closer, “has there been an autopsy on Speaker Gault?”
The director swallowed his bite of sausage and nodded. “Massive heart attack, it seems.” He looked at the rest of the sausage with concern and laid his fork down.
Tessa met his narrowing eyes as he chewed. “All good things come to those who wait.”
“Amen, Sister.” He surprised Tessa with a sudden chuckle as he dabbed his mouth. “I've taken the liberty of contacting your parents about your uncle and his improved condition. They are pleased you’ll be here when your uncle receives the Medal of Honor. It’s been a long time coming.”
Taking a sip of sweet tea she continued. “No hearings?”
“President Austin wants this to be done since it was the springboard for all that has happened. My brother needs to get back to Israel. Rather than stay he’s made a video to be played at the presentation.”
“And has there been any information as to Amon’s whereabouts?” Tessa waved the waiter off when he tried to refill her glass.
The director forked some eggs into his mouth, chewed and swallowed before answering. “No. Nothing. I have my suspicions, but my brother has refused to receive me at the embassy. He even refused to see Samantha Cordova. Strange since he has become quite fond of her.”
“Do you think he knows where Amon is hiding?” Tessa leaned back in her chair and pushed the food around the plate with her fork. She’d barely touched the quiche and salad.
“My brother is capable of many things, Tessa. He may have had dealings with the Egyptians, but he would never do anything to harm the president. Of that I’m sure.” He took a sip of his coffee. “He leaves within the hour for the airport.”
“I thought he would have stayed for Peggy McCall’s funeral.”
“The Israeli Ambassador will represent the country. Pressing matters demands my brother back home. Hamas is making threats against Israel again. Gaza is a never ending headache for Israel.”
“I would like to have spoken with him again and apologize for my rude behavior the other night.”
The director smiled like a patient father. “No need. He took it as some of your spunk showing. I smoothed any misconceptions he may have had. But I will pass your concern and regrets along. You never know, Tessa, there may be another time when the two of you will meet.”
Tessa rubbed her arms with a shiver. “Knowing how dangerous your brother can be I might have to pass.”
“Indeed.”
The director informed Tessa that Secret Service were on their way to her Grass Valley home to pick up Robert and the children for the ceremony the following day. Arrangements were made for them to fly out later in the day.
Tessa panicked. “Good Lord. He will freak when those guys show up.”
“Yes. I suspect he will. Perhaps this would be a good time for you to contact him.” The director looked at his watch before motioning for the check. “There’s a three hour time difference. He hasn’t left for w
ork yet.” He signed the check and handed it to the waiter. “We’ve already discussed how your husband is still to be kept in the dark about your connection with Enigma.”
Tessa nodded as she took out her phone. “He’s never going to let me quit my job at school, Director Clark. He’s going to be concerned about the care of our children. He’s been made a partner at his firm and works a lot of hours. I’m expected to be…”
“I’m well aware of the demands your husband puts on you, Tessa.” He leveled a glare at her. “I will handle all that. You need only to be the sweet, innocent wife and mother he believes you to be.” A tempered smile reached his lips at seeing Tessa’s eyes widen. “Trust me when I say, your husband will be happy for you to take on new responsibilities by the time I’m finished stroking his ego.”
She bristled at his insinuation. “You make him out to be self-absorbed. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
“We will see, Tessa. As I said, let me handle Robert. You have nothing to worry about concerning your family. It is the wish of the president that you remain with us and be happy with whatever it takes. Just sit back and let things fall into place.”
“But I…”
The director held up his hand to stop her from speaking. “The clock is ticking, Tessa.” He touched his ear. “The Secret Service is at your home. Call him.” The director stood and walked away without another glance back at her.
~~~
“Yes, Robert, I know they’re Secret Service. You’re coming to Washington today. I’ll give you a list of what the children need. I’ll pick up the rest here. It’s just for a couple of days.” Tessa walked onto the elevator and rolled her eyes up at the ceiling then to the corners and every other spot around her looking for a camera. Was this her life now? Paranoia?
“Yes. Uncle Jake is finally getting his Medal of Honor. I want the children here to witness it. Mom and Dad can’t come. Uncle Jake asked the president if you could attend and he gladly granted his request.”
The Enigma Series Boxed Set Page 68
