The Third World War: A Terrifying Novel of Global Conflict

36

Lazaro Campbell helped Mehta out of the President's study. As they slowly made their way to the door West, Newman and Brock sat without speaking, stunned at what they had been told. West had suggested a fifteen-minute cooling-off period before getting together again with Lizzie and Meenakshi. He understood exactly Mehta's point. He could see how it would secure India's borders and allow its economy to grow without the constant threat of war. But as President of the United States, charged with protecting American interests, there was no way he could allow it to happen.

'I'm not having the damn Chinese in Pakistan, and I'm not having them in Camp David,' snapped West, as Newman asked the switchboard to connect her to Zhongnanhai in Beijing.

'You can't not,' answered Newman. 'It'd be the diplomatic equivalent of an act of war.'

'We're not asking the Brazilians?' said West, mockingly. 'They've got a big country, too.' His neck was bent down to hold the receiver as he waited to be connected to Stuart Nolan in Downing Street, hoping that the grizzled British Prime Minister was enjoying a nightcap and not asleep in bed.

'Very helpful,' said Brock, supporting Newman. 'I'm sure China would be flattered to be compared to Brazil.'

'Don't insult Brazil.' West was about to say more, when he was connected. 'Stuart, you got five minutes? I need a favour, and I hope your diary's flexible.'

As West hung up, Brock was talking to Alexander Yushchuk, the Russian President's adviser. 'Alex, if he feels it'll leak out, we can send Air Force One for him, and pick him up in Helsinki or something… Yeah, just don't get… and no, we won't bill you in six months' time like the IMF does.'

Newman was through to Germany, where the Japanese Prime Minister was overnighting on a tour of Europe. 'I can't give you the specifics now, Toru, but Japan's presence is needed… yes, I know you have a full diary, I know it is far away from your sphere of influence, but if China's here, I think you should be here.'

'Mary, you haven't confirmed that,' said West, as Newman finished the call.

Newman shook her head. 'Not yet, but Zhongnanhai is on the line now, and you've got to speak to him, Jim. This isn't one to delegate.' Newman thrust the telephone receiver in front of West. 'And don't forget,' she added with a smile, 'be humble and polite.'

'Jamie, sorry to chase you so early in the morning,' said West at his most modest. 'You were excellent in your BBC World interview. I envy you your polish… Thank you. Thank you… The reason I'm calling is that Vasant Mehta is with me now. Stuart Nolan is in town anyway as is Toru Sato… Yes, yes, one hell of a coincidence. Andrei Kozlov has agreed to come over, and I know you're busy, but if you've the time, I think we could all have a useful meeting, get this India-Pakistan issue dealt with once and for all and maybe, with you and Toru here, we could tackle North Korea as well… No. Absolutely private.'

He handed the receiver back to Newman who dropped it on the table, perched on the edge of the President's desk and sighed. 'Thank you, Jim.'

West took Newman's hand, squeezed it and withdrew. 'I hope, sometime soon, I can thank you for making me ask him.'

Newman dropped her head, not wishing the President to see her eyes aglow. Without Pierce, the atmosphere was completely different. She didn't know why West had excluded his Defense Secretary now. She didn't even ask. But she chose to enjoy it.

'You think Mehta's plan will work?' asked Brock.

'Sure it'll work,' replied West, full of sarcasm. 'Like Vietnam worked for us and Afghanistan worked for the Soviets.' He drained the last of his whisky. 'But we can't wait to try it and fail. We can't allow China to walk in and run Pakistan like a goddamn colony.' He stood up and slipped on his jacket. 'Mehta knows it won't work. But he's said to us: "Go in and take over Pakistan." We've said we won't. Now he's going to say to Jamie Song: "She's your monster. Go in, educate her, control her." But he knows that if we agree to that, we'll be handing China one of the most strategic pieces of territory anywhere in the world. And we can't do that for a nation that one day may be truly hostile to us. Never. Not in my presidency. Then, if China refuses — and this is what Mehta is telling us — India will risk a nuclear war with Pakistan in order to destroy it.'

He had his hand on the door handle. 'Mary, walk with me, will you? A woman's company makes me feel like a human being.'

Newman and West walked together down the corridor to his private sitting room. Brock ambled behind, giving them space. Campbell, coming from the washroom, fell into step with him.

'There's a plane for you at Andrews,' Brock instructed him quietly. 'It'll take you to Islamabad. The President wants you to be ready to go — the job done by the time this summit meets.'

As they stepped into the room, West turned and spotted Campbell. 'Meenakshi,' he said, 'this is a young protege of mine, Lazaro Campbell. I've asked him along to close the age gap with you two young women.'

'Protege? I hope so, Mr President,' said Meenakshi, wheeling her chair towards Campbell. 'Actually, Mr Campbell and I have met before. If it were not for him, I would now be dead.'