Mark Four by John Hindmarsh

Author:John Hindmarsh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rexon Press
Published: 2017-01-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Schmidt, Maeve, and Linda were in the small conference room, their attention focused on the television screen. The channel was CNN. The anchor was introducing their expert for the next sixty-second news snippet.

“Today we were informed the Senate Banking Committee is planning to call a well-known American businessman as a key witness in a banking sanctions hearing. Travis Martin is our expert on the Senate committee and its hearings. Travis, what’s happening?”

“Craig, this is very interesting news. The Senate committee is examining the effectiveness of banking sanctions, with a focus on Iran. They are exploring the twelve months prior to Iran signing the latest treaty with us. Sources tell me the committee has received solid evidence that a well-known US businessman breached the banking sanctions last year and illegally sold—via a long chain of shell companies—weapons to Iran.”

“Do we know anything about this businessman? Who he is and the extent of his arms dealings?”

“Yes, we do. The evidence apparently identifies him, together with his family ties to Iran. We cannot mention his name at this point. Once the committee formally calls him as a witness, we’ll be able to do identify him for you. The amounts involved exceed half a billion dollars. That’s a major breach of sanctions. Craig.”

“You’ll keep us informed, I’m sure. Is there anything else we should know?”

“Yes, there is. Senator Randolph, the current chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, this morning tendered his resignation, both from the committee and from the Senate, effective immediately. A sexual discretion was rumored to be the cause of the senator’s abrupt departure. Interesting times.”

“This is a video of the senator announcing his resignation, earlier today. As you said, Travis, these are interesting times. We’ll have you back to keep us updated with events, especially when the committee announces the name of the businessman involved.”

Schmidt turned to Linda. He said, “Well done.”

Maeve frowned. “Your friend, Travis—he’ll be at risk for a little while, I think.” Linda had briefed Maeve of her efforts minutes before the CNN report. Maeve was not entirely pleased with the risks Linda was running.

“We’ve arranged protection and a snatch team for him; it will be available on a twenty-four hour basis. Helen’s happy to have some support tasks for her soldiers, which allow them to help with our search for Mark,” Linda added. “I’m not sure whether Cromarty will attack, but it’s good to take precautions.” She didn’t mention Helen had also arranged a team to protect her.

Schmidt nodded. “Keep your analysts involved. They’ll pick up chatter if he or O’Hare reacts. I have a feeling we’ll need more than a snatch team from the 145th, before we’re finished. Now, did you get feedback on O’Hare’s popsy?”

Maeve frowned at Schmidt’s choice of noun. She said, “Yes, an ICE team—well, to be precise, it was an HSI team—Homeland Security Investigations—visited the house and interviewed her, to validate her immigration status. There are grounds for further action. She apparently has a green card, approved on the basis she was married to an America citizen.

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