Imminent Threat
Page 36
CHAPTER 73
“Good evening, my fellow Americans. Five days ago, a nuclear device was detonated in the center of New York City. This terrorist act was not only an attack against America, but against the entire world. The explosion was intended to kill the collected leaders of the world present at the gala celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.
“The men who planned this attack failed.
“Due to the valiant efforts of the great men and women who make up our intelligence and law enforcement community, the bomb was removed from the New York Public Library and transferred to the subterranean book storage area under Bryant Park.
“This fast thinking contained the bomb’s impact almost entirely underground.”
A graphic was displayed next to the president on the screen, showing a diagram of the library’s location and Bryant Park.
“I say ‘almost entirely.’ The area here”—he pointed to the location of the escape hatch—“and here”—he said, pointing to the section of the library where the tunnel connected the two buildings—“have significant radioactive readings and will need to be avoided completely until this risk is mitigated.
“Fortunately, very few were exposed to any significant radiation. Those who were exposed are expected to make a full recovery and not suffer from any lasting effects.
“Our nation grieves for the five innocent people who lost their lives in this event. Even as we give thanks that our casualties in this attack were not greater, we will not forget to include the fallen in our thoughts and prayers.
“The explosion and the subsequent cave-in of the stacks under Bryant Park exacted another price on our nation. Over three and a half million books, documents, maps, and other records which had been stored in the stacks have been destroyed. Many of these are irreplaceable. This loss will be felt for generations.
“As the leader of our nation, I want to be able to tell you that the threat has been neutralized. While we caught and killed the man responsible for this heinous act, the threat remains.
“This man was no lone wolf.
“He had assistance. And those who helped him must and will be brought to justice.
“Tonight, I share with the world that our evidence points to the existence of a supranational organization called Omega. This group’s sole purpose is to sow discord and to eventually challenge the world order. They will use whatever means available to turn us against one another, to spur on conflict, to encourage us to become the very worst versions of ourselves.
“The government of the United States, with unanimous support of the fifteen members of the Security Council, has declared war on Omega.
“This attack will not stand.
“The United States won’t allow it.
“The world won’t allow it.
“Because we believe in the inherent good in humanity.
“Because we believe we can overcome the mistakes of our past and do better.
“Because we believe it is never too late to become the best version of who we can be.
“Together.
“God bless all of you. And may God bless the United States of America and the entire world.”
The red light on the camera stayed on for a few seconds as President Patterson stared into the lens. When it blinked off, he let out deep breath, finally relaxing.
The people in the Oval Office clapped hesitantly, as if not sure the solemnity of the occasion allowed for it. More people came in through the doors, Cabinet members mostly, who had been listening in the outer rooms.
The applause increased as more joined in.
President Patterson held up his hand to quiet them. “Thank you, everyone. Now how about we get to work and deliver for the American people?”
This led to another short burst of applause and Patterson had to admit he liked the way it made him feel. But he knew declaring a public war on a shadowy organization like Omega was the easy part. Getting results was going to prove harder.
To assist him, he’d brought together the world’s finest minds.
One of those great minds stepped forward and shook his hand. “Well done, Mr. President,” he said. “Perfect delivery. This Omega group. Is that what you want my help with?”
“Exactly. I’m counting on you to help me find them and root them out. Can you do that for me? Can you do that for the world?”
Marcus Ryker smiled. “Well, Mr. President,” he said. “I can guarantee that I’ll try my best.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you to the entire team at Kensington. Steven Zacharius and Lynn Cully have created a wonderful environment where writers feel valued and respected. James Abbate pulled book one from the submissions pile and was the first early advocate of the series. Besides being a hero for that act, he’s proven to be an excellent companion during site research for this book. John Scognamiglio has shepherded these books with a deft and expert hand. His experience and insight have been invaluable.
Thank you to Kristine Noble for another wonderful cover. John Son for cover copy that makes even me want to read the book again. Steve Roman, thank you for your copyedit pass. It made the book better in so many ways. Thank you to Crystal McCoy for spreading word of this series and for being such a pleasure to work with. Kensington has been a perfect home.
Thank you to my wonderful agent, Sarah Hershman, a spunky entrepreneur who gets things done. My writer friends who supported the series with their blurbs: Steve Berry, Hank Phillippi Ryan, KJ Howe, and Simon Gervais. My family and friends who have given me unwavering support throughout this crazy ride, especially my wife, Nicole, who is a source of endless encouragement for me to follow my passion.
And, most important, thank you to my amazing readers. Time is the most valuable commodity each of us possesses. I take my responsibility seriously to ensure I don’t waste yours, working as hard as I can to deliver a story well told. I hope you feel I upheld my end of the bargain with this one.