Steve Berry - The Alexandria Link

“Sure. The least I can do.”

He forced a chuckle. “I just hope that’s not the most you can do.”

WASHINGTON, DC

STEPHANIE AND CASSIOPEIA RETREATED INTO THE KITCHEN AS Brent Green answered his front door. They resumed their positions near the swinging door and listened as Green ushered Daley into the dining room and the two men sat at the table.

“Brent,” Daley said, “we have some issues to discuss.”

“We’ve always had those, Larry.”

“We have a serious problem. And I use the plural we because I came to help you solve it.”

“I was hoping that it was important, considering the time. So why don’t you tell me what our problem is?”

“Three bodies were found a short while ago at an estate west of London. Two with bullets to the head, the other to the chest. Another body, a woman, was found a few miles away. Bullet to the head. Same caliber gun delivered the head shots. A cleaning van was stolen from the estate. The crew had been knocked unconscious. It was driven into a nearby town and left. A man and a woman were seen leaving the van, then taking a train to London. Surveillance video from Paddington Station confirmed that Cotton Malone and his ex-wife came off that train.”

Stephanie knew where this was leading.

“I assume,” Green said, “you’re implying Malone killed those four people.”

“Sure looks that way.”

“Apparently, Larry, you’ve never prosecuted a murder.”

“And you have?”

“Six, actually. When I was an assistant state’s attorney. You have no idea if Malone shot those people.”

“Maybe not, Brent. But I have enough to excite the hell out of the British. I’ll leave the details for them to work out.”

Stephanie realized that this could pose a problem for Cotton, and she saw in Cassiopeia’s eyes that her friend agreed.

“The Brits have identified Malone. The only reason they haven’t gone after him is that they’ve asked us what he’s doing there. They want to know if it’s official. You don’t by any chance know the answer?”

Silence hung in the air, and she imagined the look of granite on Green’s face. Stonewalling was what he did best.

“That’s beyond my jurisdiction. And who’s to say Malone is doing anything there that concerns us?”

“I guess I just look stupid.”

“Not always.”

“Cute, Brent. Humor. Something new for you. But as I was saying, Malone is there for a reason and four people are dead because of him, regardless of whether he pulled the trigger. And my guess is that it involves the Alexandria Link.”

“More leaps in logic. That how the White House sets policy?”

“I wouldn’t involve the White House. You’re not high on their favorite-people list at the moment.”

“If the president doesn’t want me to serve any longer, he can certainly do something about that.”

“I’m not sure your resignation is enough.”

Stephanie realized Daley was finally coming to the purpose of this visit.

“What do you have in mind?” Green asked.

“Here’s the thing. The president’s poll numbers aren’t that good. True, we have three years left and then our two terms are gone, but we’d like to go out on top. Who wouldn’t? And nothing spikes polling numbers like a good rally around the flag, and nothing makes for a better rally than a terrorist act.”

“For once, you’re correct.”

“Where’s Stephanie?”

“How would I know?”

“You tell me. A day or two ago you were willing to resign in support of her. I tell her not to involve the Billet in this affair, and she promptly mobilizes the whole damn agency. She do that with your approval?”

“I’m not her keeper.”

“The president fired her. She’s been relieved.”

“Without consulting me?”

“He consulted himself, and that’s enough. She’s out.”

“And who will be in charge of the Magellan Billet?”

“How about a little story? It’s not mine. It comes from one of my favorite books, Hardball, by Chris Matthews. Not on the same side of the political aisle as me, but still a smart guy. He tells of how former senator Bill Bradley was at a dinner given in his honor. Bradley wanted another pat of butter and couldn’t get the waiter carrying the tray to come his way. Finally he went over to the guy and told him that he apparently didn’t know who he was. ”I’m Bill Bradley. Rhodes scholar, professional basketball player, U.S. senator, and I’d like some more butter.“ The waiter wasn’t impressed and simply said that Bradley apparently didn’t know who he was. So the waiter told him. ”I’m the guy in charge of the butter.“ You see, Brent, power is what you hold. So, for now, I’m the guy in charge of the Magellan Billet.”

“Weren’t you a corporate lobbyist before working at the White House? Before that, a political consultant? What qualifies you to manage the Justice Department’s most sensitive intelligence division?”

“The fact that the president values my opinion.”

“And that you’ll kiss his ass whenever he bends over.”

“I didn’t come here to argue qualifications. The decision has been made. So where’s Stephanie?”

“I assume she’s at her hotel.”

“I’ve issued a warrant for her arrest.”

“And who at Justice assisted with that?”

“White House counsel handled the particulars. She’s broken quite a few laws.”

“Care to tell me which ones?”

“How about assault on a foreign national? I have a member of the Israeli mission swearing Stephanie tried to kill her. The woman has a nasty bump on her head to prove it.”

“You plan to prosecute?”

“I plan to haul her sorry ass off somewhere where there aren’t any reporters.”

“From which she will not return.”

More silence.

“Shit happens, Brent.”

“That include me?”

“Actually, it does. Seems the Israelis don’t like you and they won’t say why. Maybe it’s all that Christian conservatism junk you like to preach.” Daley paused. “Or maybe it’s just that you’re an asshole. I don’t know.”

“Interesting, the respect you have for my office.”

“I have respect for the people who placed me in office, as you should. Let’s be clear. We could use a good terrorist strike, and no one I know of will shed many tears if you’re the victim. Nothing but a win-win for us. Three birds with one stone and all that shit. You’re gone. Israel is happy, for once. Our poll numbers climb. Everyone looks to the president for leadership. Life is good.”

“So you came here to threaten the attorney general of the United States?”

“Now, why would you say such a thing? I came to pass along the threat. It’s only right you know, so that appropriate security precautions can be taken. Stephanie, too. For some reason the Israelis are pissed at her. But of course you know nothing of her whereabouts, so we can’t warn her. Too bad. You, though, are another matter. Consider yourself advised.”

“I assume the Israelis themselves would not be involved in any killing?”

“Of course not. It’s not a terrorist state. But they’re a resourceful bunch and can farm the project out. They have ties to, shall we say, unsavory elements. That’s why you’re being advised.”

Stephanie heard someone stand.

“All part of the job, Brent.”

“And if I’m a good boy and toe the line those unsavory elements will lose interest in me.”

“Can’t really say. But it’s possible. Why don’t you try it and let’s see?”

The room went silent longer than was comfortable. Stephanie imagined two lions facing each other.