The Patriots Club by Christopher Reich

Author:Christopher Reich
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Kidnapping, Suspense fiction, Conspiracies, Corrupt practices, Corporations - Corrupt practices, Fiction, Psychological, Suspense, Fugitives from justice, Thrillers, Corporations, Wall Street (New York, False testimony, N.Y.)
ISBN: 9780385337281
Publisher: Random House, Inc.
Published: 2005-07-26T04:30:02.627066+00:00

36

The moment the hearing recessed, Jacklin got to his feet and signaled Hugh Fitzgerald that he’d like a minute of his time. The senator from Vermont lumbered to the stairs at the end of the dais and extended a hand for Jacklin to help him down.

“Well, well, J. J., to what do I owe this honor? A personal word with an honest-to-God billionaire. Should I swoon or just ask for an autograph?”

“Cut the crap, Hugh,” Jacklin said, managing to keep his smile in place and even sound the slightest bit respectful. “What’s all this resistance to the pre-pos?”

“Do you mean to the pre-pos or to the Hawkeye?”

“Both! We did a damn good job building and delivering the Avenger and we’ll do a better job with the Hawkeye. Give it a chance. Cut the initial order to six hundred units and I’ll knock ten percent off the unit cost and throw in some free spare parts.”

“Horse-trading, are we?” Fitzgerald picked up a scuffed briefcase and began a laborious walk toward the exit. “J. J., my old friend, this is just one program we don’t need. The Avenger’s got a good ten years left in it. Longer with upgrades. Look at the F-14. We’re still using that warplane after thirty-five years. Signing this emergency funding bill is like handing a drunk a loaded gun.”

“President McCoy will never steer us into a war. Be serious.”

“Things change. That’s the one thing that I’ve learned. Put a pacifist in the White House and before a month’s gone, they’re just as likely as . . . as . . . well, as you, to have us at war. I won’t have the blood of any more American boys on my hands.”

“For Godsakes, stop your moralizing. I’ll say this for you. You’re a cool customer, Hugh. It takes a stiff spine to turn down the army these days.”

“Nonsense. Just a sharp pen.”

Jacklin roared, clapping the man on the back. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked almost sincerely. “It’s nearly one. Bar opens at noon on the Hill, doesn’t it?”

“ ‘Fraid not, J. J. No offense. Just doctor’s orders.”

“Time you looked after yourself a little better. You been here how long now? Thirty years?”

“Coming up on thirty-six. Sometimes I feel like the only way I’m ever going to leave is if they carry me out of here feet first.”

Jacklin moved closer to Fitzgerald, letting their shoulders brush. “There are other ways for a man of your accomplishment to end his career.”

Fitzgerald stopped and drew himself up to his full height of six feet four inches tall, effectively dwarfing the smaller man. “Is that an offer to join General Lamar King as one of your counselors?”

“We pay a helluva lot better than the taxpayer. Salary’s good, but equity’s the real kick in the pants. Turn around a company like Triton, find the right buyer . . .” Jacklin raised an eyebrow, saying nothing and everything.

Fitzgerald continued down the passage. “I’m flattered, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

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