The Libyan Diversion by Joel C. Rosenberg

Author:Joel C. Rosenberg [Rosenberg, Joel C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Thrillers / Political, FICTION / Thrillers / Military
ISBN: 9781496437976
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Published: 2023-05-16T00:00:00+00:00

68

Hernandez turned to the secretary of state.

“Meg, I’d like to appoint you to serve as my acting vice president. Would you do me, and the nation, the honor and accept?”

It was clear by the stunned expression on her face that this was the first Whitney was hearing of Hernandez’s plan.

“We may have a bruising confirmation battle ahead of us,” Hernandez added. “But I’m willing if you are.”

“I’d be honored, Mr. President. Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Good, so that’s taken care of,” Hernandez said, turning to Senator Dayton. “Robert, I need a secretary of state. Someone with world-class experience. Unquestioned integrity. Independent judgment. And a bipartisan spirit. If I appoint you, would you accept?”

Now it was Dayton’s turn to be blindsided. “You’re sure?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” Hernandez said.

“After what I’ve been saying publicly for the past few days?”

“Because of what you’ve been saying for the past few days.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Bill, do you want to tell him or should I?” Hernandez asked McDermott.

“It’s your show, sir,” McDermott replied.

“Very well,” Hernandez said. “The SEAL team is back from Libya. The compound we bombed was indeed the Kairos headquarters, not a school for disabled children. In a moment, we’ll head down to the Situation Room, and I’ll show you the videos the SEALs took, the photos, video interviews with SEAL team members on the ground, all of it. We were played, Robert. Abu Nakba wasn’t there, but his phone was. The SEALs recovered it. It’s burned pretty good, but we have it, and we’ve got an expert unlocking it right now. We also have a treasure trove of burnt and damaged laptops and other electronics. From what I’ve seen already, the data we’ll pull off those devices in the next forty-eight to seventy-two hours should be astounding and, let’s hope, actionable.”

“I—well, I don’t know what to say, Mr. President,” Dayton stammered.

“Say yes, Robert. I need you at my side, and so does the country.”

Marcus exhaled and instinctively took both Annie’s and Jenny’s hands and squeezed them. Glancing at Annie, he could see the relief in her eyes. When he looked at Jenny, he could not see her eyes at all. Her head was down, and she was trembling ever so slightly. He let go of both women’s hands. It was the Oval Office, after all. But he nudged Jenny and whispered, “We’re good.”

She nodded but couldn’t speak. Not yet.

“Very well, Mr. President,” Dayton finally said. “Assuming everything you say checks out, I would be honored to serve as your secretary of state.”

“Excellent,” Hernandez said. “I very much look forward to that announcement and confirmation process. I suspect it may be the fastest in Senate history.”

“Let’s hope so, sir.”

Hernandez got up, came around the desk, pulled up a chair, and turned his attention to Marcus and Jenny.

“You two were right,” he said. “We may not have gotten Abu Nakba, but you were right. I’m sorry I doubted. I’m sorry we all did.”

“Thank you, sir,” Marcus replied.

“Yes, sir, thank you,” Jenny said.

“The investigation into your conduct is no longer pending,” Hernandez said to Marcus.

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