Collateral Damage Read Free Page B

aware of the existence of Jasmine Shazaz, but now they are, and they will be checking out the Cheyne Walk house. I told her about that on my own authority, reasoning that MI-6 could get in there faster and more thoroughly than London station could, and with less of a local flap, and I think she’ll feel obligated to share.”
    “I concur.”
    “A second thing: Tim Coleman called and asked for you, but declined to interrupt your briefing. Since I’m in the loop he told me that Oak Ridge has determined that the enriched uranium in the California device most likely came from either Iran or North Korea, since it was introduced by Dr. Kharl and is not a match for that of any of the programs we’re familiar with.”
    “I’m glad you didn’t blurt that out in the briefing,” Kate said.
    “No, ma’am, I know the loop is small. I don’t even know if it includes Lance.”
    “You and I are the loop in this agency,” Kate replied, “and we’re going to keep it that way. Outside, it’s the Secret Service, Mike Freeman of Strategic Services, and Stone Barrington, who somehow managed to stop the clock on that thing without blowing us all to kingdom come, and Dino Bacchetti. And the president, of course, which accounts for Tim Coleman being inside, too.”
    “There’s one other,” Holly said.
    “And who might that be?” Kate asked sharply.
    “The reporter from Vanity Fair , Kelli Keane, who was in the room with the device when it was stopped.”
    “Good God,” Kate moaned.
    “Stone had a very serious word with her afterward, and impressed on her the importance of the event never having taken place.”
    “Do you think that will be enough to keep her lid on? I mean, she’s a journalist, for God’s sake!”
    “Stone thought she got the message.”
    “Did he threaten her?”
    “I don’t believe so.”
    “Holly, I want you to leave for New York immediately, by the fastest conveyance available, pick her up, sit her down in a quiet room, and frighten her to the bottom of her soul.”
    Holly stood up. “Yes, ma’am. Is there anything else?”
    “Do you have any doubts about the ability of Stone Barrington to keep this to himself forever? And Dino Bacchetti? It was his gun.”
    “No, ma’am, I have no doubts about either of them. They’re both under contract to the Agency as consultants and, as such, have the highest security clearance.”
    “Good. Get going.”
    Holly went to her office, picked up a phone and called the director of transportation. “This is Assistant Director Holly Barker. Is there a chopper on the pad right now?”
    “Yes, ma’am,” the man replied, “but it’s leaving momentarily for Dulles, to pick up a visiting dignitary.”
    “Cancel that flight immediately and find another way to transport the dignitary. I want the aircraft fueled and the flight plan filed for New York by the time I can get down there.” She hung up without another word, got her ready bag from her closet, and headed for the elevator.

The rotors were already turning on the brand-new Sikorsky X2 helicopter, not even certified yet, but on loan to the Agency. Holly hadn’t expected this, but she was looking forward to the ride. She hopped into the cabin and buckled in.
    After what seemed like only a moment, the sleek machine was flying north, directly into the D.C. no-fly zone and at no more than a thousand feet. She put on her headset. “Hey,” she said to the pilot, “aren’t we a little low?”
    “On purpose, ma’am,” the pilot said. “No traffic over Washington at this altitude.”
    “Can this thing really break two hundred fifty knots?”
    “That’s classified, ma’am, but you have an honest face, so yes, ma’am. It’s the fastest chopper ever, and it’s all mine! I guess you got your seat belt fastened?”
    “I have.”
    “Well, right after we blow past the White House, I’m going to show you some climb performance.”
    “You go right ahead.” Holly looked out her window and the White