Jihad

CHAPTER 143

Someone had gotten Rubens a sandwich while he waited for the president to come to the phone. Without thinking — and famished — he took a bite, and so his mouth was full of bacon and tomato when Marcke’s voice boomed into his ear.

“Billy, what’s the situation?”

“We’ve diverted the ship,” Rubens told him, swallowing his food. “LOOP is safe. Marines are searching the vessel now.”

“LOOP?” said Bing.

“The deep-water port south of New Orleans,” said Rubens.

“I know what you’re talking about,” said the national security advisor.

“Have you arrested Dabir?” asked Marcke.

“He should be arriving at Cleveland airport any moment now,” said Rubens. “I’d like to change the mission, given the circumstances.”