Edge of Apocalypse (46 page)

Po Kumgang didn't smile. By all appearances he seemed incapable of that. But he arched his eyebrows and nodded vigorously. That was good enough.

The Russian knew that a successful strike against the United States would not obliterate it. But an East Coast nuclear strike at the center of commerce in New York and another at the seat of government in Washington could reduce America almost instantly to a second-rate country.

Which would then allow the Russian Federation to concentrate its energies and resources against the only competitor that stood between it and world dominance--China.

"So," Kranstikov said, "shall we talk frankly? About how we can move forward as partners?"

"Yes," Hasan Rashmanadhi said quickly, "let us move forward." There was a surprising urgency in his voice. Not even a hint of diplomatic masking or doublespeak.

Po Kumgang crossed his arms and nodded firmly. His leaders were anxious for revenge against the United States.

Kranstikov smiled. He had a remarkable epiphany.

This is going to happen even faster than I thought.

The whole Jordan family had come to Hawk's Nest early, before the next scheduled meeting of the Roundtable. They knew it would also do a world of good for Cal. Joshua was up and about, although he'd been warned by his doctor to avoid strenuous activities. He was told no horseback riding. Debbie was disappointed about that, but Abby was glad that her husband was trying to be smart about his recovery.

Still, Joshua had one thing already planned, and nothing, certainly not doctor's orders, was going to dissuade him. As soon as the Roundtable recessed, he and his son, Cal, were going backpacking for two days into the Rockies. Cal said he would carry the heavier pack with the tent, even with his finger in a cast, to give his dad's lacerated back some rest. And he was bringing some portable fishing rods so they could try fly-fishing for trout in the fast-running streams along the way. It would be a slow-paced hike, leisurely, no pressure.

Joshua said all that was fine. He just wanted the time alone with his son out there with the big sky and the mountains.

Now Joshua was standing outside the door to the large great room, which was used for the Roundtable meetings. Abigail was standing next to him. They could hear the voices of all the other members of the Roundtable chattering on the other side. Even Fortis Rice had come. He said he'd thought things over and had decided that his "conflict of interest" had disappeared. He now wanted back in. They were glad to have him.

Joshua turned to his wife. "Well, dear, are you ready?"

She smiled and asked him playfully, "Are you sure you can trust your wife as the newest member of this secret cabal?"

"I'll remind you," he shot back with a grin, "that Fort Rice said he'd come back only on one condition--that you head up the Roundtable's legal unit."

Joshua put his hand on the doorknob, but his wife stopped him.

"Hey, you still didn't answer the question!" she said still nursing a bit of a tease in her voice. "Can you trust me?"

He reached over and gave her a long, lingering kiss. "With my life," he whispered. Then he swung open the door.

As Joshua and Abigail entered the room, the members of the Roundtable were on their feet, giving both of them a standing ovation.

There were well-wishes and welcomes all around the table for a few minutes. But as much as he enjoyed it, Joshua had an urgent item of business to attend to. He called the meeting to order.

"I am going to address something that has just come to my attention," he said. "Forgive me for putting this ahead of the agenda. But when I explain, I think you'll understand why."

But before continuing, Joshua Jordan took a moment to lean back with his hands resting on each arm of the leather captain's chair. Out the window he caught a glimpse of the tall pines slowly swaying in the breeze. He yearned to be out there. In the fresh air. With the smell of the woods. But not yet.

There was a certainty in Joshua Jordan's posture and a look of ease as he directed his attention back to the group, to the dire business at hand. He looked across the big table, over to Abigail. For a moment they locked glances. There was the unspoken understanding between them that once again life was about to get complicated and very dangerous. Abigail knew exactly what it was that her husband was about to announce, that it was so explosive that some might even call it treason.

Yet when Joshua spoke, his voice was calm and unhurried. "I have received credible intelligence about two things," he said. He had to take a breath before he continued. "First, a nuclear attack is imminent. It will come against the United States. And also against Israel."

Then as he studied the faces of the members of the Roundtable, his trusted friends, patriots all, he continued. "The second thing is equally important. The current administration will dismiss this intel and will not take action."

After giving the group a moment to consider that astonishing announcement, he finished his thought. "Which means, my friends, only one thing," Joshua explained. For an instant he saw a fleeting image before him of the harrowing trouble ahead. But that wouldn't stop him. Not by a long shot.

"Our course is clear. Because the White House will not act--then
we
must."

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