by Siegel, Alex
"Say that to her face."
Seferis looked over at Ethel. She was smiling.
"I refuse to be a mediator this time," Haley said. "If you have a problem with her, deal with her directly. Being apologetic and thankful might be the wisest and safest approach. Trying to arrest her seems ill-advised. Dismissed."
Seferis glanced at Ethel one more time. He walked off in a different direction.
* * *
Aaron yawned as he walked into headquarters. He was looking forward to a cup of hot coffee and a late breakfast. Sheryl was with him, and he expected she was having similar thoughts. The day had just begun, and it already felt like a long one.
Aaron expected to find Kamal in the security booth, but Perry was sitting behind the glass instead.
"Hello, sir," Perry said. "I heard you got arrested. How was jail?"
"An appalling but amusing mockery of the legal process. Isn't Kamal supposed to have this shift?"
"The twins needed his help in the science lab. They ordered me to take his place."
Aaron frowned. He wasn't happy about the twins changing a booth assignment without consulting him, but Perry reported to Bethany. Technically, she could give him any order she wanted. Also, Aaron had been in jail and out of contact at the time. It was an ambiguous situation.
The side door buzzed. Aaron and Sheryl went through to the hallway on the other side.
He walked straight to the science lab. Bethany, Leanna, Kamal, and Nancy were in the room wearing dark goggles. A polyhedron made of shimmering red energy was floating above a workbench. A ring of complex equipment surrounded the fascinating effect. Aaron had to squint because of the intense brightness.
"What's this?" he said.
"A field that catalyzes the decay of dark matter," Bethany said.
That response meant little to him. "Is it dangerous?"
"Mildly, sir. We're prepared to shut it off quickly."
"Just make sure what happened in France doesn't happen here."
Kamal had an odd reaction to that comment. It was a combination of guilt and fear that Aaron recognized from his years as a police detective.
"Kamal?" Aaron said. "Do you know something about that?"
"No, sir," Kamal replied too quickly. He was obviously lying.
Aaron sighed deeply. He didn't need another messy situation in his life. He barely had a grip on things already.
"Bethany, please, don't change the booth assignments without my approval. I try to schedule them so everybody gets enough sleep. We're in the middle of a mission. I can't have my people dropping from exhaustion when I need them most. We're stretched to the limit already."
"I understand, sir," Bethany said in her synthetic voice which sounded like an electronic organ. "I have a solution. We could fully automate the security system and eliminate the need to always have a human in the booth."
Aaron shook his head. "A computer can't deal with all possible threats."
"Neither can a human, and as you point out, we need those resources elsewhere. Our proposal is superior."
"Are you sure?"
"Leanna and I are the greatest computer scientists in existence. Our brains have a superluminal backplane. We're designing a firewall that will protect the entire universe from the combined might of God's enemies. I think we can handle one floor of a hotel, sir. In fact, this will be an opportunity to test our latest recognition and adaptation algorithms in a real-life setting. We can prototype the firewall software."
Aaron didn't know whether she was being sarcastic or factual. Either way, it was a compelling argument.
"I concede the point," he said. "Do what you think is best but on one condition. If your computer thinks a situation is dangerous or confusing, it asks a human for help. And it always obeys my orders. I don't want this thing going rogue on me. It will be in control of a lot of powerful weapons."
"As you wish, sir," Bethany said.
Aaron left the science lab and went back to the security booth. He knocked on the door which had no handle on the outside.
Perry opened it from the inside. His wavy, brown hair needed a good combing. Thick glasses made his hazel eyes look big.
Aaron sat on one of the chairs in the booth. Perry took the one reserved for the console operator.
"We have a problem," Aaron said.
"Haven't we already reached our monthly quota of problems, sir?"
"I wish that were the case. Our new problem is Kamal. He knows something about the explosion in France last night."
"I heard about that," Perry said. "The authorities are baffled. The scientists weren't working on anything dangerous supposedly."
"I want you to look into Kamal's recent communication. I know he exchanges e-mail with scientists all over the world. He's always talking about some crazy new discovery. Maybe, he has some insight into what happened in France."
Perry made a sour face. "This feels slimy, sir. I don't like snooping on a teammate."
"I don't like it, either," Aaron said. "When I asked him about it, he lied to my face. It's hard to imagine a good reason for him to do that."
Perry stared at the floor.
"That's all." Aaron stood up. "Of course, you won't discuss this matter with anybody else. Get back to me as soon as you can." He left the booth.
* * *
President Haley was getting tired of parties. This particular one was taking place at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum had plenty of white walls, high ceilings, and clever lighting. The actual art was mildly interesting, although much of it looked like it had come from a kindergarten class. His favorite piece was a giant orange thing shaped like a balloon dog, but it was actually chrome. A sculpture on the sidewalk outside was fun. It looked like a car attached to a mobile home that had crashed through the pavement.
At least this function wasn't another fundraiser. The powers within the Democratic Party had gathered here to exchange gossip and form alliances. There were no donors or reporters. Haley didn't have to smile so much his cheeks hurt afterwards. He could even tell a few dirty jokes without getting into trouble.
He noticed Ethel wandering around the room. She had changed her sunglasses to ones with much thicker rims. A tiny microphone was attached to her collar, and she occasionally whispered into it.
She came up behind a congressman and brushed against him. She walked away with a wallet in her hand. Haley was appalled. She examined the wallet for a few seconds. Then she put it back in the congressman's pocket just as smoothly. He never even turned around.
Haley walked over to her and whispered, "I knew you were a brutal killer, but I never suspected you were also a pickpocket."
Ethel winked. "You have sharp eyes. You're the only person who noticed."
"You need careful watching."
"I love it when you pay attention to me."
"What are you up to?" Haley said.
She tapped her sunglasses. "I'm sending video back to my team in Washington. My political experts are giving me live analysis. In fact, they're telling me interesting tidbits about you right now." She snickered at some joke.
He spotted a gray bud in her ear. "How many teams do you have?"
"The right number," she said.
He sighed with frustration. "I'd be more comfortable if I knew a little more about your business."
"And I'd be very uncomfortable. Have faith I'm one of the good guys."
"At least tell me what your experts are saying about me."
"I suppose that's fair," she said. "You're deathly afraid of spiders. One of your front teeth is false. Your mother's nickname for you was Royal."
These facts weren't national secrets, but they weren't widely known either. He wondered where her people got their information.
He looked at the crowd around them. "I suppose you have dirt on most of the people in this room."
"Knowledge is power, especially in politics."
"Are you talking about blackmail?"
"I'm talking a
bout leverage," she said. "Sometimes, convincing people to do the right thing takes a hard push."
That answer didn't comfort him. She was clearly the sort of person who would use any means to accomplish her objectives.
An impressively muscular man in a sharp, black suit approached. Haley recognized the thick eyebrows and brooding expression of Aaron.
Aaron nodded humbly to Ethel. "Good afternoon, ma'am."
"You did a nice job with Pure America," she said.
"Yes," Haley said. "Well done."
"Thank you," Aaron said. "It was a team effort. I actually came to talk about that. Where is Seferis?" He craned his neck and looked around.
Haley waved for the Director of the Secret Service to come over. Seferis was still keeping an eye on Ethel despite Haley's admonition that he find better things to do with his time. At least he was more discreet about it now.
Seferis hurried to join the conversation. He gave Ethel and Aaron suspicious looks.
"George," Haley said, "I want you to thank this man."
"While you're at it, you can apologize for getting me arrested," Aaron said.
Seferis made a face like he had drunk some spoiled milk. He muttered, "Thank you, and I'm sorry."
"You can make it up to me by answering some questions. Tell me about the bomb Pure America was going to use."
"Two sticks of dynamite with an impact detonator. Any kind of sharp jolt would've set it off. There was no radio."
"Strange." Aaron furrowed his brow. "What were they planning to do? Throw it at the President? Two sticks isn't a whole lot. The detonation would need to be at fairly close range."
"We'll answer that question soon enough. We arrested every member of Pure America we could find. Somebody will talk. Regardless, the threat is neutralized."
"How did they get the dynamite past security?"
Seferis blushed. "The sticks were sealed in plastic which had been chemically cleaned. There was no residue to detect."
"But you also have X-ray machines and those fancy magnetic imagers. I've gone through them several times."
"We're still analyzing the security breach."
Aaron crossed his arms and glared. Haley noticed a strange darkness in his features, the same darkness that clung to Ethel's skin. It was part of the mystery of these people.
"Another thing," Aaron said. "Where did they intend to place the bomb? The area around the stage is swept several times a day."
"Maybe somewhere backstage," Seferis said uncertainly.
Aaron shook his head. "I've studied your security arrangements. There is no way a mere technician could get into a secure area and plant a bomb."
"How could you know about my security?"
"Next time I come by, I'll bring my extensive notes. My point is I'm not ready to close the book on Pure America. I really want to know their exact plans. There are still too many question marks."
"The Secret Service will get that information," Seferis said. "We have done this kind of thing before. What other threats are you investigating?"
"The last time I gave you a sneak peek, you caused me a lot of grief. That's not going to happen again. Develop your own damn leads."
The two men stared at each other.
"Thank you, George," Haley said. "Could you please leave us now?"
Seferis shot one more hostile glance at Ethel and walked off.
Haley leaned towards Aaron. "Can I ask you a few questions in private?"
"Go ahead." Aaron shrugged.
Haley turned to Ethel. "If you don't mind."
"Huh?" She raised her eyebrows. "You want me to leave?"
Aaron shifted his feet and grimaced.
"Please," Haley said.
Ethel snarled. "I'll just go pick some more pockets." She walked off with an expression of annoyance.
Boreas followed her.
"Wow," Aaron said. "She must really like you. I've never seen her so compliant. She was almost nice about it."
Haley stood close to him. "Do you know Ethel well?"
"As well as anybody, I suppose. How do you know her name?"
"She told me. She also mentioned you're Aaron."
Aaron stared.
"Don't worry." Haley patted his beefy arm. "I'll keep your names a secret. Tell me about Ethel."
"Why?"
"She fascinates me. She has the energy and intensity of five ordinary women. I can't stop thinking about her."
Aaron glanced to either side. "The most important thing is to always treat her with respect. She earned it. And don't bicker with her no matter what your feelings are. That's bad for your health. She'll listen to reason as long as she gets the last word."
"I already determined that much," Haley said earnestly. "I watched her practice with her machetes."
"She was showing off for you? Unbelievable." Aaron shook his head. "I've never seen her act this way."
"How many people has she killed? Tens? Hundreds?"
"Keep going."
Haley winced.
"She's a powerful force for good. She can also chop off your head in a blink. Always keep both facts firmly in mind as your relationship develops." Aaron snorted. "You're a lucky man. A woman like that can take you places."
"I'm already the President. What places are left?"
Aaron walked off with a knowing smile.
An instant later, Ethel was back at Haley's side. Her sudden appearance startled him.
"Well?" she said. "Did he tell you anything juicy about me?"
He raised his chin. "Why do you think we were talking about you?"
She pouted.
He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Her astonishment was priceless.
"Shouldn't you be picking pockets, Miss Pickenpaugh?" he said.
"Right." She looked around. "Pockets." She pranced away like a young girl.
Chapter Ten
Aaron walked into his office with a scowl. Perry was sitting at his workstation.
"Just the man I wanted to see." Aaron closed the door.
Perry tried to sit at attention. "What, sir?"
"How did you learn about Pure America?"
Perry turned to his computer and started typing. His fingers made the keyboard clatter.
"The FBI has a thick file on them. They were investigated three different times as a possible terrorist threat. They were one of the first names that popped up when I started searching."
"Is the FBI still monitoring them?" Aaron said.
"No, sir."
"Why not?"
Perry typed some more. He abruptly laughed like a donkey. "Here it is. 'Pure America is too stupid to be dangerous.' That's an exact quote from the final report."
Aaron smiled. "Yet those hillbillies were able to smuggle dynamite and a detonator past some of the best security in the business. They came dangerously close to killing the President. But why use an impact trigger?" He shook his head in confusion. "What am I missing?" He punched the palm of his hand in frustration.
"I wish I could help you, sir. I'm not an expert on assassination."
"What's the agenda for the convention tonight?"
Perry looked up at his computer screens. "Three speeches, just like last night. Congressman Hobbs will give the keynote. Vice President Darrow will go second. A businessman named Keller will go last. Finally, the audience will spontaneously sing America the Beautiful and We Will Rock You."
Aaron sighed at the thought of more boring speeches. "The President will appear this time. Right?"
"At the end of the second speech, Haley will shake the Vice President's hand. Then they will hug and pose for the cameras."
"That's what I remember. Pure America was planning to use the bomb at that time."
Aaron walked over to his desk and tapped his fingernails on the gray metal top. It sounded solid.
"What's wrong, sir?"
"If I knew," Aaron said, "I could fix it! I can smell the truth, but I can't see it."
He looked up, seeking insp
iration from above. Pebbled tiles made of armor plate covered the ceiling.
"We already neutralized two clear threats: that assassin and Pure America. Maybe, we're done."
"No way."
"Why are you so sure?" Perry said.
Aaron faced him. "Because Wesley gave us this assignment. I've done two missions with that kid, and both involved massive bloodshed and shocking revelations. I'm betting the fun has barely begun."
Aaron's phone rang. The caller ID showed Tawni's code number. He answered it, "Report."
"Norbert and I are done with the tree huggers, sir," Tawni said. "They're crazy."
"Dangerous crazy?"
"No, but I think they want to have sex with trees. It's creepy. They talk about changing the culture of government, but they're too busy smoking weed to get off their fat asses. What's our next assignment, sir?"
Aaron looked at the pile of papers on his desk. He pushed them around distractedly.
"Tell me about what happened in the United Center today."
"We already gave you a full report, sir," Tawni said.
"Hit the highlights again," he replied in an irritated tone.
"We noticed the technician was acting suspicious around his tool chest. When he left, we investigated. I figured out the chest wasn't square, but it was so well made it was hard to tell. There was a secret compartment behind the bottom drawer."
"Sounds like something a magician would use."
"Yes, sir," she said. "Sheryl would've loved it. I chased down the technician and brought him back. Norbert convinced him to show us where the dynamite was hidden. We left after that."
Aaron looked at the shelves behind his desk. They were meant for mission trophies, and he hoped to live long enough to fill the shelves. Only two items were on display now. The first was a white phone used by billionaire Roger Gains, deceased. The second was a travel-sized monkey machine designed by Neville Cantrell. The levers and buttons were welded in place to make the game unplayable.
"Think hard," Aaron said. "There was nothing else?"
"I only saw one stick of dynamite, sir," Tawni said. "It was covered in hard plastic. Oh! I remember one thing. The dynamite was green."
"That's odd." He paced back and forth in his office.
"What are your orders, sir?"
"You and Norbert will go back to the United Center," he said. "Hang out and watch the show. I'll meet you there."
