Double Dare by Hinze Vicki

Author:Hinze, Vicki [Hinze, Vicki]
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2010-01-25T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

“Go to Code Red, S.A.S.S. protocol immediately.”

Colonel Drake’s voice came through crisp and clear and in total control. Maggie changed frequencies and awaited further contact.

A moment later it came from the colonel. “This task force is now operating under S.A.S.S. protocol for emergency management of potential disaster due to unnatural causes by terrorists, domestic and/or foreign.”

“Acknowledgment of priority status Code Two is hereby given. Colonel Sally Drake, Commander.”

“Acknowledgment given. Primary, Captain Maggie Holt.”

“Acknowledgment given. Secondary, Captain Katherine Kane.”

“Acknowledgment given. Home Base Intel and Operations Officer, Captain Darcy Clark.”

Amanda and Mark gave their acknowledgments, and then Darcy added, “The CAT has been activated.” She used the acronym for the catastrophe response team. “Notification has been made to General Shaw, the Pentagon, the liaison to S.A.S.S., Terrorist Threat Integration Center, First Responders, Mayor Lewis and Providence Air Force Base. FEMA is on standby. FBI regional, district and field offices are now on elevated alert.”

Colonel Drake spoke again. “Tape and backup DVD recordings are operational and will remain functioning. Participants of record are all included in secure satellite transmission.”

Darcy took over again. “Maggie, who do you think is launching the second attack?”

“Suspect unknown at this time.” She left the security corridor and walked toward the stairs. The answer to that question well might be in the short-stack, near the window. “We’re acting on reports of a Kunz/GRID capabilities demonstration, which at the Santa Bella location would involve high-value, Special Forces targets. Cause for confidence that a second attacker is involved is rooted in an attempted explosion attached to Santa Bella’s lockbox and security system. Key findings are based on previous Kunz/GRID experience deduction. Apparatus detonation device was deemed substandard. Explosives charge was grossly excessive. Wiring and redundancies were simplistic and inconsistent with historical GRID methodologies. Frankly, anyone with Internet access could have rigged the device. Odds that it was done by a professional are slim to none. Although, getting one’s hands on that much C-4 required connections and substantial funds. Santa Bella Administrator, Daniel Barone, has refused a specific advisory post-discovery of the C-4 device to close the facility. Should we discover secondary devices, he’ll consider the request. Until then, he views the incident as a bomb threat that was successfully resolved.”

“Second is in total agreement with Primary on all findings,” Kate said, backing Maggie’s accounting and conclusion.

Topping the stairs, Maggie saw Justin standing alone near the banister. “Colonel, permission requested to abandon Code Red protocol and return to general frequency to check the short-stack and the window.”

“Granted.” Colonel Drake then informed the group. “The FBI just reported our bag lady has departed her hotel room. They’re tailing her now.”

Terrific. Maggie reached for her walkie-talkie. “Will?”

“Yes, Maggie.”

“Do you have that new code for me yet?”

“Four, four, nine, nine, one, three.”

“Where’s Barone?”

“Still in his office, according to Linda, and not to be disturbed,” Will said. “She found him there right after asking us about him. She just missed seeing him go in.”

After Maggie had talked with him. At least he was present and accounted for, and apparently he hadn’t been missing at all.

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