“John, Fritz is back in the OR. That's all I know for now.”
The three men found Robert Pine, who said that Dr. Sherman would be coming down shortly. “He wants to talk to you, so stick around.”
* * *
THE PRESIDENT CALLED JANE. “I can't imagine what you've been through, Jane. I'm really sorry. But right now, I need your brain. Do you feel up to it?”
“My brain is fine, Mr. President. My back hurts, that's all. The drugs have pretty much worn off. They'll give me more in a little while.”
The president told her about the meeting. Even though he brushed off the coup as fake, too many loose ends made him suspicious. Although he doubted General Beech's involvement, he surmised that the general would be in a position to direct covert activities.
“Sir, I've had a long relationship with General Beech. He's been an ally all along. If he had information about a coup, you would have known long ago. This is Koppler, pitting friend against friend.”
“I hope you're right. When you're up to it, I have to talk to you and Ashley. I need to explain. I hope you'll both forgive me.”
Ashley poked his head into Fritz's room. John looked up and walked into the corridor.
“The doctor said it's too soon to tell,” John said. “They want him to be still at least until tomorrow.”
“I'll see you later then. I'm going back to the motel after I check on Jane.”
Chapter 46
October 17
JOE MILLER KISSED his mother, nodded a hello to his father, and kissed Linda on the forehead. He asked her the inevitable first hospital question, “How do you feel?”
“Why are you here?” Linda asked. “I'm glad, but you didn't need to come.”
“Mom told me a little about what happened. I don't need to be anywhere else. So here I am. What happened?”
Before she could answer, a nurse asked them to wait in the lounge, while she checked Linda's dressing. She said Dr. Kramer was on her way.
Joe listened to his father prattle on, as Tim railed against Fritz. Emily rolled her eyes, happy to have her son join her. “She's in good hands, Joseph.” She glanced sideways at her husband. “The president himself arranged to get Dr. Kramer involved.”
“Yeah, and here we are in Baltimore,” Tim groused. “No place to stay, nowhere near home. Stuck.”
“Hey, Dad. Chill. They told me the guy who did this is dead. Fritz and Ashley captured the guy who's been so much trouble. The guy behind all the bombings and all.”
“And then Fritz disappears and leaves your sister like hamburger.”
“I enjoy visiting with you, Dad, really. It reminds me why I don't come home. As usual, you haven't got a clue about what you're saying.”
“Don't talk to me like that.”
“Mom, did you see Fritz at the hospital?”
“No.”
“That's because he's been in surgery. They're not sure if he'll make it. Ashley told me he stepped in front of the president to prevent a knife attack.” He looked at this father. “You may not like him, but Fritz is a hero. Again. And he saved Linda.”
“I guess I've been a failure as a parent,” said Tim, with a fake sigh. “You believe a story like that.” He shook his head, a grimace aimed at his son.
“Mom, I found a motel room about twenty minutes from here. You should come with me. The place was pretty empty, so I'm sure they'll have room, even if you bring your pet grouch.”
* * *
THE PRESIDENT, the First Lady and the vice president waited in the Oval Office. They were joined by the secretaries of defense, homeland security, treasury and state. His chief-of-staff had advised them of the president's concerns.
“One of my agents said that this coup business makes no sense,” the president began. “I agree. He said that nothing will unite America faster than telling the people that they don't have the right to pick their leaders.” His audience listened, expecting more. “That gave me an idea.” From another door, General Beech escorted the other members of the Joint Chiefs. When he had their attention, he told them that rumors of a coup had circulated, and although skeptical, he intended to end the rumors. He said that in two days he would be addressing the nation.
“What are you going to say, sir?” asked the Marine general.
“I expect you all to be listening. You'll find out.”
* * *
“DADDY, WHERE'S FRITZ?” Out of bed for the first time, Linda leaned back gently against the pillow on the straight-backed chair. She took a sip from the cup the nurse had brought.
“Down in that hospital in Virginia. With his friend and his girlfriend. Can't be too big a deal, or they'd have him here, or some real hospital.”
“What happened to him?”
“Don't give it another moment's thought, sweetheart.”
She wanted to find out, but wanted to return to her bed even more. She asked Tim to get the nurse. When he left, she focused on what Koppler had said. What was it? Something about those closest to the president?
Chapter 47
THE MAN BEHIND the havoc, Thomas Koppler, sat on a straight-backed chair, a newspaper spread open across a small metal table. The president would be arriving soon. Polite, as he had been since his arrival, he thanked the soldier, and asked if he might make a phone call. The young man apologized, but said he had orders not to communicate with the prisoner.
“I understand. It's just that my family doesn't know where I am and I'm sure they're getting worried.” Staring straight at the guard, he asked, “Perhaps you'd do me the favor of making the call for me? When I was in the Army, I had to make a few calls for my buddies.”
“Sir, if you were in the Army, you know how much trouble I'd be in. If someone gives the okay, I'll be glad to help you out. But right now, I can't.”
“You can't blame me for asking.” Koppler shot a quick grin and tried a different approach. “Corporal, I fought for our country to keep our freedoms safe. No one has told me where I am or why I'm here. Can you at least tell me that?”
“We're not supposed to talk to you. But I guess it can't hurt to tell you where you are. We're on an Army base just outside DC.”
“Thank you, Corporal. Now you better scoot. I don't want you to get in trouble.” Before the door closed, he asked one last question. “Virginia or Maryland?”
“Virginia.” The soldier locked the door.
His head had been covered when they brought him in, and now he knew where he was, but not how far underground. Eventually, he'd get his phone call.
* * *
ON THE RIDE FROM the White House, the president's yellow pad continued to fill with the questions he had to ask. A former Attorney General advised him how to legally approach his attacker, but warned him under no circumstances to go alone. Everyone around him had been to law school, so he picked two people to accompany him: Sam Clemmons, who the president trusted with everything, despite his easy-going manner, and at the last minute, an old friend, Joshua Sampson, now a judge, and a possible nominee for the Supremes. At the wheel, Mel Zack listened to the conversation.
“Mr. President, treat this conversation like a deposition of a hostile witness.” The judge had a fearsome reputation from his days as a litigator, a lawyer who could get a live answer from a dead man.
“This story has so many details,” said the president. “But more than anything, I want to know why.”
Clemmons said, “He won't talk about anything without a lawyer. And you haven't charged him with anything.”
“Unless he says something we can use.”
“What about the attack on you. Or Mr. Russell?” asked Clemmons.
“I don't want to mention Fritz. Even if we charge him, he'll be out on bail. He's done a good job of insulating himself. Even his nephew, if that's really who he was, did most of the dirty work. And the farm's not even in his name.”
“You should keep him locked down, Mr. President, at least until after the polls close.”
“What
do you think about that, Joshua? Can I get away with holding him until after the elections?”
“Legally, no. But if you suspect him, for which I believe you have ample reason, who's going to stop you?”
“I can hear the abuse-of-power drumbeat already.”
“But,” said Sampson, “it won't matter. Someone else will take the shelling.”
General Beech waited at the gate in a jeep. He led them to the prisoner. Mel Zack remained with the corporal in the corridor, as the four men entered. Seeing the number of visitors, the corporal had found four chairs, which each man carried himself, including the president, who refused assistance.
Standing, arrogance flashing from his face, Koppler extended his hand. “Mr. President, nice to see you again. I apologize for not having some refreshments to offer. Gentlemen, we haven't met.”
The president refused his hand, and told him to sit down. “You should be in handcuffs.”
He assessed the man, smiling and at ease, as though they were at the bar at a country club. How so many could be fooled by his charm could be understood in an instant. “Mr. Koppler, we have a great many things to discuss. You and your associates have been responsible for attacks and deaths around the world. You can deny all you wish, but we have witnesses and statements. And photographs. So, I have one primary question. Why? What did you hope to gain by bringing down the government?”
Koppler leaned forward and put his elbows on the table, and his chin on his hands. Then, he grinned. “I don't know what you're talking about, but I expect redress for the unfortunate incident in my barn when one of your men attacked me, and another killed my nephew. I intend to press my case publicly.”
“We have witnesses. You attacked me and missed.”
“I merely turned your man's weapon on him. Now let me ask a question. When will I be released?”
“When I say so.” The president's temper had reached a boil, incensed at the obvious lies.
Koppler continued, “I've disagreed with many of your policies and practices over the past years. But I am a citizen and a patriot. I've served my country. I've seen combat and led men into battle, to preserve the freedoms you so blatantly deny to me. But we'll be rid of you soon.”
The president sensed the power shift.
“You seem to forget yourself, Mr. Koppler. I AM the President of the United States. The list of your crimes is long and your actions, traitorous. On more than one occasion, you have even arranged attempts to have me assassinated. To me, that's personal, but your unbridled efforts to disrupt and destroy are documented. We have sworn testimony about your role in an organization called the Caballeros. Care to comment?”
Koppler pursed his lips, as if thinking. “Doesn't ring a bell. Sorry. You must have someone else in mind.”
“Does the name Gabrielle Sanderson ring a bell? Or Joetta Dunsmore? How about Linda Russell?”
“Well, you are thorough, though wrong in your interpretation. Ms. Sanderson and Ms. Dunsmore were guests aboard a cruise I took. Ms. Dunsmore, I believe, fell overboard, lost at sea. My nephew invited Ms. Russell to be his guest at the farm. We had a few short chats, but nothing more.”
“And are you denying knowledge of multiple murder victims we've found buried on your farm?”
“Not my farm. I just happened to be visiting. You need to charge me with these crimes, or let me go. And I am entitled to a phone call.”
“Mr. Koppler, for almost eight years, I've listened to reality twisted into fantasy. Believe me when I say you're here because it's the safest place for you. I'm saving your life. And you owe me.”
“And you sir, are engaging in your own fantasy. For the past eight years, my friends and I have seen you trample the Constitution to solidify your power. Why, if you could remain in the Oval Office, I'm sure you would. Your speech implied that. I hope to God that nothing gets in the way of your leaving office.”
“Nothing will. And few things will keep you out of jail.” His voice grown loud, the president rose. “I assure you, Mr. Koppler, nothing would please me more, nothing, than to watch you led from here to face a firing squad.” Koppler's guffaw forced the president to muster all the control he had. He turned for the door.
“I blew it,” the president said. Rubbing behind his left ear, he looked at the men surrounding him. All grim-faced, none disagreed. “He can't do anything about a coup, real or not, if Election Day isn't interrupted. General, release him after the election is done.”
“Yes, sir. Mr. President, I may not have another chance so if we could have a moment in private…”
Mel stood close by as the other two men walked to the Suburban. When they had walked far enough away from the car, General Beech said, “I know you've been worried that I might be working against you. Sir, I'm not part of this coup nonsense. Nothing in my professional life has given me as much pleasure as working with you. If you'd okay it, I'll see that Mr. Koppler never leaves this base. He'll disappear.”
“Nothing would make me happier if he's not around to cause any more heartache. But I'll deal with the fallout, Jim. I'm not convinced yet that we're out of the woods. We've seen the damage he's caused, but we live by the rule of law, as imperfect as it may be. Just don't let him go before the election is decided, no matter how long it takes. I'm convinced the election will be close, so we may have to wait until Wednesday morning. After that, I'll deal with him. And if Fritz makes it, I'll still have a portal to use.” The president looked around him, the SUV waiting. “Jim, I never included you as one of them. You wouldn't look good in a black hat.”
* * *
“HOW ARE YOU, Fritz,” Jane asked. “It's been a while.” Jane filled him in on what had happened to her since the spring. She said she had agreed to the mission to break the Caballeros because she had been led to believe that Ashley had been killed. Fritz told her that Ashley had been told the same about her. “We've been miserable together,” he said.
“What do you mean?”
“Linda left me.” He recapped what had happened to him in the past six months. “She ended up in the barn with you when her father broke his oath about the portal. He told James Sapphire. Apparently, Koppler is a client. His people kidnapped her.”
“Joe, his nephew, did that. They were both on the cruise. Dangerous then and Joe proved to be even worse in that barn. Tell me the rest.”
“That's some story,” said Jane. “And Linda has no idea of any of this?” For the past few hours, Fritz and Jane had swapped stories.
“I hope she's going to be all right,” said Fritz. “We've got a lot to talk about. Especially her father.”
“You both need to heal before anything can be fixed. You almost didn't make it. And that doctor's still hanging around. To be sure that you don't tear anything loose.”
“I have to heal if I'm gonna get to your wedding. I wouldn't miss it.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “In spite of all the craziness going on, you can still think of that.”
“I compartmentalize.” She smiled.
“So, tell me your plan to get Linda back. Has Emily reached out to you?”
Fritz shook his head. He said he'd called her and left messages, but she hadn't called back. He'd sent her a text but she hadn't read it. “It seems Tim's convinced her that this is my fault. She knows what happened, but still…”
Jane watched the pain cover his face. “Fritz, when you're out of here and things begin to settle, you'll work it out. She's too smart not to see both sides. You can't let him win. You need to be in her face. We need a battle plan.”
* * *
UNLIKE A USUAL presidential address from the Oval Office or the East Room, the president entered a packed press room, and stepped to the lectern, a row of microphones in front of him. Dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, with his red, white and blue tie in full display, the president blazed a bold image for the viewers across the country. The missing smile telegraphed the news wasn't good.
He reminded everyone tha
t in a little more than two weeks, the home stretch to the end of his term began. He emphasized the continuing price that had been paid to make the nation's choice of office holders free and unencumbered. Every four years, he said, we renew the world's oldest continuous democracy.
“To remain a free people requires vigilance. As President Reagan said, 'Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.' I would like to amend that. Freedom is never more than one ignored election from extinction. That brings me to the reason we're here tonight.” He stepped back and scanned the faces of the White House press corps, faces the cameras could not see. “Over the past few days, we have verified intelligence that on Election Day, an attempt to prevent you from voting has been set in motion. A coup d'etat will end government as we have known it since our country's birth.” He stared into a single network's camera. “Why am I telling you this now? I can even hear some asking what I intend to do about it. The answer is simple. Regardless of who you support, I believe in my soul that no one in the country, no matter their beliefs, would willingly turn America over to a person not chosen through the process we all hold so dear. And so, I am asking you to go to your polling places and vote. But more importantly, if anything or anyone prevents you from casting your ballot, inform us. If anyone, particularly someone in uniform, police or military, attempts to separate you from your birthright, call for help. Get names if you can. Take pictures and post them. When I'm done here tonight, you will see a list of phone numbers and websites for you to report interference. The numbers will be posted on the White House website until the election is decided. To paraphrase another president, “Ask not what your country can do for you. But on Election Day, do what you can to protect our country.”
The normal response from the press corps, competition to ask questions of the president, vanished. The TV audience watched a stunned group of noisy professional journalists immobile and mute. Before exiting, the president said, “Instead of taking questions, I think tonight should be reserved for a single question—what kind of country do we want to live in?” He turned toward the door, when one reporter asked, “Mr. President, what should we do?”
Storm Surge (Quantum Touch Book 5) Page 25