Cobra Clearance (37 page)

The president gripped his hand while he studied Levi's headgear. “I like it.” He touched the yarmulke, then swept his fingertips along Levi's forehead. “I saw photos of your tattoos. Quite gruesome. I've asked my brother to remove the real one. He's a fine plastic surgeon and he's assured me that there'll be no traces left when he's finished.” He paused. “I've been told you already have a surgeon in mind, but please let my brother do this for you.”

“Thank you, sir. I'm grateful.”

“I read the reports. I saw how it was for you, what you sacrificed personally. And yet you prevailed.” Cohen paused when Levi tried but failed to smile. “You're distressed but you don't wish to burden me. Out with it.”

“I hope you'll excuse me, Mr. President. I'm concerned about my friend. And then there's Joe Tucker.”

Cohen clamped a hand down on Levi's shoulder. “Of course.”

The president turned somber. “If you're ready?” After pulling Levi next to him they adjusted their feet until they stood on the exact spot where President Melchior had died. “Now we will say a proper Kaddish for our lost leader.” Cohen put on a yarmulke and draped a fringed silk shawl, the tallith, around his shoulders. Then he closed his eyes and intoned, “
Yitgaddal veyitqaddash shmeh rabba Be ‘alma di vra khir'uteh
…” He continued for another five lines, then paused and waited.

Closing his eyes, Levi began the response. “
Yehe shmeh rabba mevarakh le ‘alam ul ‘alme ‘almaya…
”

They spoke the remainder of the prayer, then said a Kaddish for Tucker. When they finished Cohen embraced Levi and asked, “I wonder—would you mind if I ask something else of you?”

“I'm at your service of course, Mr. President.”

“This isn't a call to duty, but a personal request.” As the first raindrops began to fall he dug into a pocket and produced a simple Star of David on a thin gold chain. “This was my son's…” He cleared his throat. “Now it's my most treasured possession. I want you to have it.”

Levi inclined his head and waited while the president fastened the thin gold chain around his neck.

President Mark Cohen stepped back. “You are a member of my family. And I, a member of yours.” In a firm voice he declared, “Now our families live.”

Levi jammed a hand to his eyes as if to shield them from a brilliant light and whispered, “Now they live.”

E
xtremist groups are a reality and they are accurately portrayed within the context of this story. A Class One Authorization for undercover roles is correct as described. Elsewhere, I altered certain facts and operational tactics in the interests of National security and officer safety. The opening scene assassination scenario is a real possibility. However, there are classified safeguards in place to detect weapons in close proximity to the president.

The Tactical Pistol Course is used by designated units within the U.S. government, and the descriptions of Dragon Team's shooting abilities are authentic. The scene in which Joe Tucker stands next to a target, while Levi Hart shoots two stick figures with blazing speed is based upon first-hand knowledge of an actual practice session.

Fannex
exists. The interior descriptions and security measures, though modified for the purpose of this work, are realistic. The TS/SCI protocols that Dragon Team followed are genuine. Finally, the teams are out there—a shadow force of men and women watching, waiting and taking action while we sleep.

CQD® is a registered trademark of Dieter's Close Quarters Defense®, Inc. and is used herein by permission.

Avwatch® is a registered trademark of Avwatch, Inc. and is used herein by permission.

F
irst and foremost I want to thank my editor Jean Jenkins for her steadfast loyalty toward this story. Jean pushed my buttons often, knowing that while it sometimes hurt, the story would be better as a result. My faith in her was absolute, and our friendship knows no bounds.

A big thank you goes out to Levi Bailey (one of Southern California's Finest), to S. Eric Briggs and to Quenton Josey for their inspiration and their generosity in lending bits of themselves to the story. I also want to express my gratitude to Robert Tanenholz, Barbara Sack, William Martinez, Louis Deanda, George Schmalhofer, Jr. and Michael Shevock for their insights and suggestions.

Finally, here's to retired agent and advocate for justice, Mark L. Cohen, Attorney At Law, for his assistance and friendship at a time when I needed it most.

 

R
ichard Craig Anderson started out as a fire fighter in 1971, became a highly decorated Maryland State Police trooper, and went on to accept a position as a counter-terrorist operative. An accomplished aviator and world-class scuba diver, Rick has enjoyed a life well-lived, thanks to the relationships and friendships he's made along the way—and that includes Kobi, his Rhodesian Ridgeback.