The Nostradamus File

CHAPTER SIXTY

Elizabeth was at her desk, reviewing the latest intelligence reports from the Middle East. Burps pawed at her leg.

"I can't tell you what I'm doing. You're not cleared for it. No, I don't have any food for you," Elizabeth said. "Go see Stephanie. Better yet, go outside."

She got up and opened the door to the garden. "Shoo." She pointed.

Burps looked at her. "Mrrow," he said. He looked offended and stalked into the garden. Elizabeth shut the door.

You were talking to a cat, she thought, telling him he wasn't cleared. This job is getting to you.

Stephanie came into the room.

"Iran just told Israel not to go into Lebanon," Elizabeth said. "They're ramping up the rhetoric."

"That's predictable."

"Yes. And Lerner is turning into a real hard liner. No more Mister Nice Guy. He really wants to stay on as Prime Minister."

"What did he do now?"

"He warned Tehran that they've reached the limit of Israeli patience. Any overt moves on the part of the Iranians to aid Hezbollah will be considered an act of war."

Stephanie considered that. "What's Rice doing?"

"Pressuring the Iraqi government to deny permission for Iranian over flights. Tehran is beginning to supply Hezbollah from the air."

"Good luck with that," Stephanie said. "That so-called government in Baghdad is another disaster waiting to happen."

"Why Stephanie," Harker said. "How can you be so critical of one of our few democratic friends in the area?"

"With them for friends, we don't need any more enemies."

"Since Iranian flights have already started, I have to agree with you."

"What's Lerner doing about Hezbollah?"

"Getting ready to unleash the IDF on them. Russia and China have called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. The song and dance is starting."

"You're just full of good news today, Elizabeth."

"Actually there is some good news. Selena thinks she's located the Ark. Or at least a possibility of where it might be."

"Which is?"

"In England, in a church. They're going after it tonight."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Stephanie said.