Mounting Fears Read Free Page B

general. I got a feeling that the place was chaotic.”
    Kate spoke. “Our people on the ground suspect that at least some of the military command may have defected or revolted. A coup may be imminent.”
    “A coup in whose favor?” Will asked.
    “We don’t know,” Kate said, “but Khan, of course, is a figure of hatred for fundamentalist Muslims. If he’s replaced, it’s not going to be with somebody we like.”
    Will turned to Boone. “General, how quickly could we attack the installation if the order were given now?”
    “Given the logistics, not before midnight,” Boone said, “but I’ve already placed the relevant units on alert and ordered the aircraft armed.”
    “Can you begin moving the SEALs closer to the installation?”
    “They’re less than an hour away by helicopter, so they’re better off waiting where they are.”
    “Madame Director, please get in touch with Israeli intelligence. I don’t know if they’re aware of this situation yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised. I don’t want them jumping into this. Let them know that they’re under no immediate threat. Also, please brief the secretary of state and ask him to call his counterpart in India and tell them what’s happened. It’s possible that Delhi might be a target for these missiles.”
    “Yes, Mr. President.” She got up and left the room.
    “General Boone,” Will said, “what can we do that we haven’t already done?”
    “Militarily, nothing, Mr. President. Politically, well that’s up to you.”
    “Lance, do we have any indication that anyone else knows about this yet?”
    “No, Mr. President, but the lid won’t be on it long, so I suggest we operate as if everybody knows.”
    “I’m not ready to announce this,” Will said.
    “No, sir, and you shouldn’t, but you should be ready to respond to a leak immediately.”
    Will stood up. “All right, I’ll leave you to your work, but I want to be notified of any change, good or bad, in the situation.”
    “Mr. President,” General Boone said, “for the moment, it’s pretty much out of our hands, but we’ll do everything we can to be ready to move.”
    “Thank you, gentlemen,” Will said. He left the Situation Room for the Oval Office.

4

    WILL WALKED INTO THE OVAL OFFICE TO FIND TIM COLEMAN, KITTY CONROY, HIS campaign manager Sam Meriwether, his political consultant Tom Black, and the majority leader of the House and the minority leader of the Senate waiting for him. They all rose as he entered.
    “Mr. President,” Tim said, “is there something going on that we should know about?”
    “You’ll be briefed in a few minutes,” Will said. “Now, have a seat and tell me whose names are on your list.”
    Tim began to read. “Senator Charles Watts of Idaho.”
    Will shook his head. “No—Idaho has a Republican governor, and we can’t afford to give up the Senate seat.”
    “Congressman Tad Giddens of Nebraska.”
    “A good man, but green and a little impulsive. I need a grayer head.”
    “Governor Martin Stanton of California.”
    Will said nothing for a moment. “Good one. Who else?”
    “Governor Bobby Breen of Texas.”
    “Two southerners on the ticket isn’t good.”
    “Governor Eleanor Thomas of Oregon.”
    “A woman on the ticket would be a good thing, I think, but only if we believe she could credibly run for president after four years. What do you all think?”
    Kitty Conroy spoke up. “She has a husband who runs his own large manufacturing business, and he isn’t likely to come to Washington with her, which would be a problem for both of them. She has two teenaged children, too, and the girl could be a problem for us. She was arrested on a juvenile drug charge last year. She seems to be improving, but …”
    “Who else?”
    “Governor Elliot Sparks of Colorado.”
    “Twice divorced, and a reputation as a womanizer,” Will said. “He’d be a time bomb. Anyone else?”
    “That’s all so far,” Tim said.
    “Marty Stanton is an