The Bin Laden Plot

17 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

On the western side of the Pentagon, Christine O’Connor walked along the outer-ring hallway, headed toward an office between corridors four and five. A series of briefings on programs the CIA was involved in had just wrapped up, and Christine had decided to see how Secretary Verbeck was doing following her close call at National Harbor.

Christine stepped into the secretary of the Navy’s reception area, where she was greeted by Navy Captain Andy Hoskins, who disappeared into an adjoining office, returning a few seconds later, holding the door open for Christine.

“The secretary will see you now.”

Christine entered Verbeck’s office as the secretary of the Navy, seated at her desk, rose to greet her, motioning toward a nearby conference table. Both women took their seats as Brenda welcomed the CIA director.

“Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to stop by. What can I do for you?”

“Actually,” Christine replied, “I was wondering what I could do for you. It must have been terrifying for you outside the Gaylord.”

“It was. Everything happened so fast. At first, I was just shocked at what happened to John McNeil, hearing the rifle shot and watching him fall to the ground. Then I was shoved into the SUV and evacuated to safety. It wasn’t until later that I realized how lucky I’d been. I have to admit, there were a few minutes where my hands were shaking uncontrollably.”

“That’s perfectly understandable.”

“Do you know who’s responsible? I haven’t been briefed. I’ve been avoiding the issue, trying to focus on other things.”

“We do. He’s a former SEAL named Lonnie Mixell, the same man responsible for the Kazan plot and the attempt on the president’s life a few months ago.”

“I thought Mixell was killed.”

“So did we, until we spotted him on a surveillance camera at National Harbor, moments after the assassination attempt.”

“Is he working alone, or are there others?”

“We suspect he’s working alone. We also think there’s something else going on. Whatever he’s into has bigger implications.”

“I hope you track him down quickly, then.”

“We’re working on it. The agency is assisting the FBI with all resources available. If you’d like to be informed of what we learn along the way, I can keep you up to date and also pass the request to Directors Guisewhite and Rodgaard,” she said, referring to the directors of the FBI and National Intelligence.

“No, that’s quite all right,” Brenda replied. “I’d rather not become consumed with the investigation details. I trust you’ll track Mixell down.”

Christine agreed. “It’s only a matter of time.”

“By the way,” Brenda said, “my husband had impressive things to say about you during your time at Ice Station Nautilus.”

Brenda’s statement caught Christine off guard, then she made the connection. Brenda’s husband was Vance Verbeck, the technical director of the Navy’s Arctic Submarine Laboratory, who had been the officer in charge of Ice Station Nautilus, established during their search for American and Russian submarines that had collided and sunk beneath the polar ice cap.

“You’re married to Vance,” Christine replied. “I should have realized sooner; Verbeck isn’t a common surname.”

Brenda leaned slightly toward Christine. “Is it true you killed two Russian Spetsnaz?”

Christine nodded. “I had help: an ice pick and a lot of vodka.”

She recalled the deadly encounter, particularly the struggle with the second Spetsnaz. He’d had a choke hold on her, cutting off her airway as she was pinned against the wall, while she had driven an ice pick through his neck. It had been a race against time; whether she would run out of oxygen first or he ran out of blood.

Brenda must have noticed the distant look in Christine’s eyes as she recalled the encounter. “I’m sorry I brought it up. It must have been traumatic.”

Christine nodded, then forced a smile. “I did what I had to.”

“I understand,” Brenda replied. “I’ve been there myself a few times.”

It seemed like a good time to bring their visit to a close, so Christine reiterated her offer as she stood. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help in this matter.”

“Absolutely,” Brenda replied. “I won’t hesitate to call.”