In the Crosshairs by Coughlin Jack & Davis Donald A

Author:Coughlin, Jack & Davis, Donald A. [Coughlin, Jack & Davis, Donald A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller
ISBN: 9781250103536
Amazon: 1250103533
Goodreads: 31450627
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2017-08-01T07:00:00+00:00

LONDON, ENGLAND

NOON LOCAL

1200 ZULU

SEVEN TIME ZONES TO the west, Sir Geoffrey Cornwell was on a Skype call, and Janna Ecklund was at the other end in Washington, seven in the morning her time. The gray-haired Englishman rubbed his neck, frustrated but maintaining his composure. “It is preposterous, Janna. I have three messages on my desk from news organizations asking for my comment.”

Janna was in total agreement. “I’m fielding a lot of queries, too, Jeff. The story is on the morning news shows over here: the CIA caught running drugs with the help of Excalibur, and our company promoting terrorism. Kyle’s name is being made public. We can’t let this stand, sir. We have to issue a statement.”

“Rubbish! That’s my statement, Janna. It’s all rubbish.”

She smiled. The old warrior looked ready to leap from his chair, locked and loaded for battle. “Actually, that is a perfect official response, sir. One word that leaves no room for interpretation. Should we give interviews?”

“No, absolutely not. We’re not going to cooperate with these vultures. Our public-relations people will release the statement, not us. Let their lawyers talk to our lawyers. Have you heard from Kyle?”

“No, sir. He’s pretty much off the grid on that manhunt. Director Atkins says the agency will probably call it off today and bring the team back. I suggest that we get him back into the office here, let him carry on normal work, and we stick with the ‘Rubbish’ comment. Kyle will demonstrate that he has nothing to hide.”

Sir Jeff paused. “That could be dicey, given the situation.”

“The other side is going to have to show proof and some solid evidence in order to move this thing forward, Sir Jeff. Months will pass before it gets a hearing on the Hill and subpoenas are issued. Meanwhile, we stay our course, as if the problem doesn’t exist. Rubbish. We will cooperate with any legal requirements, but we keep to the high road.”

A slow smile creased Cornwell’s weathered face. “Many things may happen during such a long time.”

Janna shook her finger at the camera. “Do not start thinking about interfering in a congressional investigation, you old rascal.”

He laughed. “And you don’t forget that it’s not my Congress, young lady. I am a citizen of Great Britain, and Excalibur Enterprises is a privately held company with many friends. The United States Marine Corps will be very unhappy to learn that we have changed our minds about opening that test facility at Twentynine Palms and putting it instead in Ireland because of a friendlier tax structure.”

“You won’t do that, and you know it. Remember, this is an unsecured line.”

“I’m just considering our options, Madam Vice President, and, as you Yanks say, we play hardball. We are legally innocent of all charges, and I will not stand by and let political fools freely besmirch our reputation.”

“Jeff, calm down,” she warned.

“No. I look forward to this fight, and to finding out what’s behind all of this. But first things first. Issue the news release—Rubbish!—and get Kyle back.

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