Divide and Conquer

FIFTY-NINE

After the vice president and his team had been ushered away, the president asked Hood to wait for him. Hood stepped outside the Situation Room as the president and Megan stood alone behind the conference table, talking. The president took his wife’s hands in his. He seemed composed, once again in control.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff filed out quickly after Cotten’s group had been led off. They headed quickly toward the elevator. Before leaving, General Burg paused and turned to Hood. He shook the intelligence leader’s hand.

“What you did in there was good work, smart work,” the general said. “It was also ballsy. My congratulations, Mr. Hood. I’m proud to be associated with you. Proud to be an American.”

Coming from anyone else under almost any other circumstance, that sentiment might have sounded corny. But the system had worked, despite the formidable forces and pressures rallied against it. General Burg had every reason to feel proud. Hood did.

“Thank you, General,” Hood said sincerely.

After the Joint Chiefs left, the hall was quiet, save for the whispered conversation of the president and First Lady. Hood was relieved but still a little shell-shocked by everything that had just happened. He did not believe that the press would accept the given explanations for a mass resignation of the vice president and top administration officials. But that was a battle for other warriors and another day. Hood and his team had saved the presidency and defeated the Harpooner. Right now, all he wanted to do was hear what the president wanted to say, get back to the hotel, and go to sleep.

The president and First Lady emerged a few minutes later. They looked tired but content.

“Did your man in Baku have anything else to say?” the president asked as he walked toward Hood.

“Not really, sir,” Hood said. “He’s at the American embassy now. We’ll talk again. If there’s any other intel, I’ll let you know at once.”

The president nodded as he stopped next to Hood. Megan was standing beside him.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, but Mrs. Lawrence and I wanted to thank you together,” the president said. “She told me you’ve been working on this nonstop since Sunday night.”

“It’s been a long day and a half,” Hood admitted.

“You’re more than welcome to sleep upstairs, if you’d like,” the president said. “Or a driver will take you home.”

“Thank you, sir,” Hood said. He looked at his watch. “Rush hour doesn’t start until six, so I should be all right. I’ll just roll down the window and enjoy the fresh air.”

“If you’re certain,” the president said. He offered his hand. “I’ve got work to do. Megan will make sure you get back upstairs. And thank you again. For everything.”

Hood accepted the president’s hand. “It’s been an honor, sir.”

After the president left, Megan faced Hood. There were tears in her eyes. “You saved him, Paul. While I stood there, I watched him pull back from wherever they had taken him.”

“He did that by himself,” Hood said. “And without your heads-up, I wouldn’t have acted on any of this.”

“For once in your life, Paul, give the self-effacement a rest,” Megan said. “You took all the risks in there. If things had gone the other way, you would have been ruined.”

Hood shrugged.

Megan grimaced. “You’re exasperating. Michael is right about one thing, though. You’re tired. Are you sure you won’t rest awhile before you head back?”

“I’m sure,” Hood said. “There are still a few things we have to tie up, and I want to call Sharon.”

“How’s that going?” Megan asked.

“As good as could be expected,” Hood said. “Harleigh’s in the hospital so we’re focused on that.”

Megan touched his arm. “If you want to talk, I’m here.”

Hood thanked her with a smile. They left together, and then Hood headed for his car. A plane rumbled in the distance. Hood looked up as he unlocked his car door. The first hint of daylight was appearing on the other side of the White House grounds.

Somehow, that seemed fitting.