by Jack Winnick
Tom immediately calmed her fears. “Carp from the lakes. And the water from Hetch Hetchy is also testing negative, so I think we’ve got everything covered; at least, that’s the way it’s looking. The water district has enough other sources to keep from going dry while the testing’s going on, but—”
“Wow, that is great news, Chief!” Lara blurted out.
Uri laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “I think it’s time for us to get some sleep,” he said to Tom, who was in agreement.
“We’ve got you two a great room in a prime bayside hotel. We can finish things up tomorrow.”
The two agents took a rental car from Buckley’s office and, with Uri driving, made their way down the freeway that ran alongside the bay. They found their rather plush-looking hotel on a rise far enough off the busy road to be reasonably quiet. Before Uri could dash into the hotel lobby with their simple luggage, Lara grabbed his arm and led him to a promontory directly on the still water. Without saying a word, they stood there, marveling at the view. Across the bay, the lights of San Francisco, with its famous bridges, twinkled magically at them through the fog. A million or so people from all over the globe were there, safe and secure; all but a few of them were unaware of the monumental human disaster that had been averted that very evening.
Lara, without a word, took her husband’s hand. He smiled and squeezed hers in reply; they headed for the hotel and a good night’s sleep.
END
Acknowledgments
The author wishes to thank the offices of the US Department of Homeland Security, led by Chad Wolf, Secretary. The men and women who serve there have been a tremendous asset to the free world in ways that cannot be divulged. It is sufficient to note how unsuccessful our enemies have been ever since the unspeakable horror of 9/11. Every citizen is indebted to them.
The Israel Defense Forces, led by Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, are essential in keeping their vicious enemies at bay. Most notably, the elements of Mossad and Shin Bet, have been tireless in their efforts in keeping their nation, as well as the United States, nearly totally free from organized terror.
The individuals in both these organizations must, of course, remain anonymous, but their work is, and always has been, indispensable in the never-ending fight against the forces of inexpressible evil.
On a personal note, the author is grateful for his sweetheart, Gisel, once again, for all her help and encouragement. The process of creating an interesting, credible story from the germ of an idea is long and difficult, as all authors know. Without her, it would have been all but impossible.
I’d also like to thank my editors for their efforts on my behalf.