Headwind by John J. Nance

Author:John J. Nance
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Residence of the Prime Minister, London, England

Being chauffeured to #10 Downing Street was a baffling turn of events, Jay Reinhart thought, as he got out of the government car and followed a grim-faced man in a gray suit into a compact conference room to wait for the Deputy PM. Why they would have been expecting his call was even more of a mystery, although it was probably a result of White House efforts to help.

Hopefully that’s it, Jay thought. Hopefully the British want John Harris out of this, too.

Perhaps he could arrange a quiet little deal to give the chartered 737 time to refuel at some British airport and be on its way before the courts could get involved. That might work, he thought, provided Stuart Campbell hadn’t already taken the warrant to a British magistrate. He couldn’t expect the government of Great Britain to defy its own courts.

The fact that the aircraft couldn’t make it back to the United States without another refueling stop in Iceland or Greenland was still a significant problem. He wondered if they could charter another, longer-range aircraft, or even shift the President to a regular commercial flight at Heathrow.

If not, perhaps they could make Canada in one hop, although the reaction of the Canadian Government couldn’t be taken for granted either. They, too, had ratified the treaty.

Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Sheffield entered suddenly with two aides and shook Jay’s hand warmly before sitting in a chair across the table.

“Let me get right to the point, Mr. Reinhart. Her Majesty’s government is aware of your mission to defend Mr. Harris from the international arrest warrant issued by Peru. We’re aware he’s at this moment in Sicily and the circumstances of that presence. We understand the Italian government’s stance, and we’re aware that you’ve been making inquiries about our official attitude toward the Peruvian warrant if Mr. Harris should arrive on these shores.”

Jay nodded. “That’s all quite correct.”

“Very well. While we will need several hours to give you a formal answer, as a lawyer I’m sure you understand fully that, whatever our point of view, it is in no way controlling. I know you’re aware that our courts are independent, as are yours in the States. This matter will be decided by judges.”

“Well, sir, unless something has changed drastically in the last few weeks, the Secretary of State still has final authority.”

“Yes, but only after the judiciary.”

“Has the warrant already been presented to a magistrate court, Mr. Sheffield?”

“I really don’t know,” Sheffield replied. “But I should think we would be wise to expect that step at any moment.”

“I do believe that the government’s attitude, and your degree of interest, will very likely weigh in the thinking of any judges who get this case.”

“Again, I firmly doubt that,” Sheffield replied. “Let me ask, is your plan to fly President Harris here this afternoon?”

“Yes,” Jay said cautiously, “provided . . .”

“Provided our position is not interpreted by you as a threat?”

“Yes.”

“I can guarantee nothing, you understand, and I cannot even give you an idea until the PM has had time to consider the situation.

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