Brink of War: A Prosecution Force Thriller by Ryles Logan

Author:Ryles, Logan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ryker Morgan Publishing
Published: 2022-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

25

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador was short, slender, and dressed in a subdued American business suit. He wore round glasses and greeted her with a gentle handshake.

“Madam Acting President, it’s an honor to meet with you.”

The ambassador spoke flawless English with only a hint of an accent. Maggie made a note of that, chalking it up to probable Western education, then motioned to the opposing couches in the middle of the office.

“Please have a seat, Mr. Ambassador. Can I get you a refreshment?”

The ambassador moved around the couch but waited to sit until Maggie did. “I’m just fine, ma’am. But thank you.”

Maggie’s throat felt a little dry, and she suddenly wondered about her hair. It was a silly thing to think about at a time like that. She’d left it down, cleanly brushed with just a little hairspray. Was that too casual?

“May I offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your aircraft,” the ambassador said, cupping his hands together over his knees. “Saudi Arabia shares your shock and grief and stands at your side in your hunt for the truth.”

“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Ambassador. It’s been a difficult week, but America is stronger than ever. I’ll keep your offer in mind.”

He nodded politely, but his countenance darkened a little, like a shadow passing across the room. “His Majesty, King Hashim, asked me to convey our deepest concerns over rising tensions in the Gulf. Our government was proud to work with the Brandt administration on strategies to ease tensions in the region. We hope such activities can continue.”

“You mean tensions with Iran?” Maggie might be a politician, but she still hated beating around the bush.

The ambassador smiled tautly. “We don’t like to point fingers, ma’am.”

“Of course. But I’m a busy woman. I’m sure you appreciate the value of my time.”

She left the sentence hanging, and for the first time saw a hint of discomfort in the ambassador’s posture. He wasn’t sure how to handle her, and she liked that. She didn’t want to be handled.

“Tehran has made clear their ambitions for the Gulf,” he said. “Our American allies have long understood the importance of stability in the region. To be blunt, ma’am, we are deeply concerned about the security of oil shipments leaving our shores.”

“You’re concerned about Iranian interference?”

“We would be fools not to be. Or perhaps you are not yet briefed on last night’s incident?”

Maggie detected the inference of ignorance and didn’t appreciate it. “I’m well aware, Mr. Ambassador. I’m also aware that as of yet, the Iranians have not assumed responsibility.”

A coy smile spread across the ambassador’s face, a hint of condescension underlying it.

“Madam Acting President, Saudi Arabia is witness to a lengthy history of abuses from our neighbors across the Gulf. Since the seventies, they have made their ambitions of Persian control clear. America may be most concerned about Iranian nuclear programs, but I must advise you, Tehran can strangle the West more quickly with a blockade of the strait than they can ever hope to bomb you out of existence.

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