[Jack Emery 01.0] The Foundation

by Steve P Vincent

  Jack grabbed Celeste’s arm and they turned and started to walk toward the baggage claim. In his peripheral vision he could see the Foundation goons fall into an easy stroll behind him. Jack picked up his pace, pulled out his cell phone and dialed Peter Weston. He held the phone to his ear and increased the speed of his walking. The phone rang, time after time, but there was no answer.

  He looked back. The men were getting closer. While he doubted they’d try anything at Dulles International Airport, with all the security in the world watching them, he had no doubt that as soon as he and Celeste left the building and got a fair distance away, they’d strike. He had to prevent that. He could approach the police, but they’d do nothing if there was no clear threat. There was only one way they’d pay attention.

  He turned to Celeste as they kept walking. “As soon as we round this corner, stop and cry out for help. As loud as you can.”

  “Why?” She looked at him as they turned a corner, then shrugged. “HELP! HELP ME!”

  Jack kept walking as Celeste stopped in her tracks. He waited a few moments before looking back. She had gathered a small crowd of airport staff and concerned travelers. Most importantly, the gentlemen trailing them had kept moving. He was their primary target, and they weren’t interested in making a scene with a woman who was already shouting for help. Celeste was safe. Now he had to figure out something for himself.

  He walked, mind racing for ideas but coming up blank. He looked down at his cell phone, thinking of who else to call, when he became vaguely aware of someone else getting in his way. He put the phone down and stopped walking, looking up at the pair of strangers with a mix of curiosity and dread. After all he’d been through, from the carrier to his torture to finding Chen, this was how it was going to end.

  One of the suited man took a slight step forward. “Jack Emery?”

  Jack cursed himself for not anticipating that the Foundation would send two teams—one to flush him out and one to scoop him up. Despite that, he saw no reason to make it easy for them. Whatever noise and fuss he could make as they dealt with him, he’d make. He turned around. The four men who’d initially pursued him had stopped dead in their tracks and were now doing their best to look completely disinterested.

  “Are you Jack Emery? I won’t ask again.”

  Jack relaxed slightly, turned back around and summed up the new arrival. Dark suit, dark sunglasses, a buddy dressed in exactly the same way. He nearly laughed. “Yeah?”

  The other man was expressionless as he produced ID. “I’m Agent Brenner, FBI. This is Agent Vaughn. Looks like you could use a friend or two right now.”

  Jack looked back again. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  Brenner was impassive as he put a hand gently on Jack’s back. “Come with us.”

  “Can you look after my colleague, Celeste Adams? She’s back there near gate 6A.”

  Brenner turned to Vaughn. “Go get her and meet us at the café.”

  “Thanks.” Jack smiled with relief as Vaughn peeled off and headed in the direction of Celeste. It had been far too close a call for his liking. He looked back at his pursuers. The one he recognized from Wisconsin seemed pissed.

  He walked with Brenner in silence through the arrivals hall. He didn’t really know what was in store, but the FBI would no doubt be better company than the Foundation. His interview with Serrenko had clearly had an impact, both on Dominique and on the Federal Government, now he just had to hope he had enough ammunition to keep the authorities interested.

  After a few minutes, Brenner stopped next to one of the cafés in the airport. “Mr Emery, the director will see you in here. I’ll keep the bad guys away.”

  “Thanks. And Celeste?”

  “Sorted. I suggest you don’t keep Director McGhinnist waiting.”

  Jack entered the cafeteria and stood next to the only occupied table. Seated there was a large African-American man, who looked as if he could crack Jack open like a walnut. Jack had done his research and knew that Bill McGhinnist, ex-Navy Seal, Director of the FBI, probably could. McGhinnist calmly took one last sip of his coffee, put the cup down then stood to face Jack.

  “Good morning, Director McGhinnist.” Jack held out his hand. “I’m Jack Emery.”

  “Bill will do, Mr Emery.” McGhinnist shook his hand. “Thanks for agreeing to meet.”

  Jack laughed. “Your agents made a pretty compelling offer. And please, call me Jack.”

  “Glad they could save you a headache or two. I thought a little show of force might be helpful.” McGhinnist laughed and sat down. “I won’t even charge you for it, if your information is as good as you claim. Take a seat, Jack.”

  Jack did as he was told. “It is.”

  “You have made a lot of people nervous and you’ve hardly set about making friends in all of this. But I was intrigued by your blog and your interview. So I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt. You better not be wasting my time, Jack. It’s a busy time for everyone.”

  Jack could tell that McGhinnist had a lot on his plate, no doubt because of the war. He’d also be nervous at the thought of Jack’s information, which shed new light on the causes of the war and left many prominent Americans with question marks over their head, including a few brand-new members of Congress. Jack was going to have to show off his garter belt before the big dance if he had any hope of enlisting the Bureau’s help.

  “I’ve got a lot of evidence linking the Foundation and Michelle Dominique to prominent politicians, business interests, the media—you name it. It’s more than lobbying and the odd long lunch. We’re talking about endemic political corruption, insider trading, money laundering, perjury, fraud, blackmail, murder—and a whole lot more. They’re a bunch of nasty fuckers.”

  Jack swallowed hard. “I’ve also got evidence linking them to the attacks on Shanghai and to the war with China. A Taiwanese national named Chen Shubian worked with Dominique and organized the attacks using a secure server the Foundation established. He was funded by a series of front companies that I’ve linked to the Foundation, plus Dominique was in Shanghai in the days before and immediately after the attacks.”

  McGhinnist frowned. “And there’s more, I trust?”

  Jack smiled. “Sure is. She’s taken control of EMCorp and now Foundation-aligned candidates have been elected en masse into Congress. They’re taking control, Bill.”

  Jack could clearly see the director tense, but he knew the man was interested. “Your allegations affect some very influential people, Mr Emery. Not to mention the war.”

  “Jack, remember? I’ve got the evidence to back it all up, both from Chen’s confession and Anton Clark’s computer files. Look, I know better than most the power of that organization and its people, but it changes nothing.”

  “Oh, it changes everything, Jack. Michelle Dominique has a large power base in Washington. I’m not sure you realize what you’re asking me to do, Jack, to declare war on the entire Washington elite at the same time as we’re at war with China.”

  Jack could see the man was torn. “That’s about the sum of it, yeah.”

  McGhinnist sighed. “The war is going well, but we’ve lost a couple of carriers, countless air force birds and half of Taiwan has been flattened. The world is now a very different place. The last thing I want is to start a forest fire in Washington.”

  “I know. But you’re my only hope.”

  He looked up at McGhinnist, who was silent. He’d given him everything except Ernest’s links to the Foundation. He didn’t quite know what he’d do if McGhinnist declined to help. He’d have to walk outside and into the arms of the Foundation thugs, having succeeded in releasing the story but failing to protect himself and those he cared about. Plus, it would likely save the Foundation from complete destruction.

  His vengeance would be incomplete.

  Jack dug into his pocket and pulled out the USB containing the evidence. He placed it on the table. “There are strings attached to the information. Some of it incriminat
es Ernest McDowell, and I want that particular part of it forgotten about. Also, Chen Shubian needs immunity. It was the price of his evidence.”

  McGhinnist looked down at the USB, then up at Jack with a smile. “You’re a cheeky bastard, but I like that. I couldn’t care less about a dead old man, so that’s fine. As for Shubian, he blew up half of China, not Los Angeles or Chicago, so what do I care? You’ve got a deal.”

  Jack nodded. “The password is Erin.”

  McGhinnist exhaled, longer and louder than any man Jack had ever heard. “Okay, Jack. I just hope you know what you’re getting us into. This is going to hurt, but I’ll set up a task force and lead it personally. We’ll wrap this network up in a matter of days.”

  Jack stood. “You have my number, if you need anything at all, or if the information isn’t clear to your analysts, I’d be happy to help.”

  “Okay. In the meantime, I’ll put you and your friend up at a hotel and put my guys on protection duty.” McGhinnist stood as well, patted Jack’s back then paused. “Tell me one thing, though. How did you begin to link all of this to Dominique and the Foundation?”

  Jack paused, then decided it was best not to lie to the man. “Um…would you believe that I slept with her and ransacked her apartment?”

  ‘Damn!” McGhinnist laughed, clearly impressed. “I’ve admired her from afar for years! I’m going to ignore the felony just to hear that story at a later date.”

  Michelle steeled herself, but kept her smile pristine. “Mr President.”

  President Kurzon didn’t stand, but gestured her to a seat. “Congratulations on your election, Michelle. How was your flight?”

  “Fine, Mr President.” Michelle sat. “Thanks for agreeing to see me.”

  She’d flown the short distance from Washington to Maryland, then been driven to Camp David. She hadn’t wanted to leave the capital with the FBI threatening to roll up on the Foundation’s doorstep at any moment, but it was the only way to rein in the situation.

  “You didn’t give me much choice, given what you claim to possess. So what can I do for you? I’ve got a two o’clock with the Australian ambassador.” Kurzon’s tone was cold.

  Michelle sat. “The Bureau is about to start arresting or harassing half of my people on charges that are trash. I want you to make it stop so we can get on with our business.”

  Kurzon waved his hand. “A nasty situation. I don’t know the specifics, but it sounds like some of your people have been freelancing, to say nothing of yourself.”

  “The problem is a bit bigger than that.”

  “How so? Bill McGhinnist wouldn’t be pursuing this if he didn’t have reason. Just keep your hands clean and you’ll be fine.” Kurzon started to stand. “Is that all?”

  Michelle remained where she was. “No.”

  Kurzon sat back down. “Right, let me have it.”

  Michelle reached into her handbag and pulled out her iPad. She unlocked it and hit play on the video that was ready to go. She turned the screen to Kurzon. She didn’t have to watch it again to know what he was seeing: himself having sex with a young woman. She tried to hide her smile as he realized what this meant for his presidency.

  “She really doesn’t look sixteen, does she?”

  Kurzon watched the whole thing. He had the look of a frightened child in his eyes. “Where did you get this?”

  “That doesn’t matter.”

  He sighed. “Fucking hell.”

  She was a bit surprised that he didn’t deny his involvement or try to talk her out of releasing it. They both knew that this would end his presidency, ruin his legacy and probably send him to jail. She was relying on it. Only direct intervention by Kurzon would make the various arms of the Federal Government go away.

  She prompted him. “This can go away, if you do what I ask.”

  He laughed darkly. “You think I can get McGhinnist and the others to call off an investigation against you and your colleagues? It doesn’t work that way. Besides, what’s stopping the journalist from releasing it all publicly? He’s already named you, after all.”

  “I can deal with Jack Emery.” Michelle lowered her voice menacingly. “I just want you to play your role.”

  For several minutes, Kurzon seemed to think through the ramifications of the situation, for himself, his family, the Foundation, the country. With a single stroke of a pen he could protect both of them. She was sure he’d make the right decision. She was surprised when he shook his head and sighed again. She waited patiently.

  “Michelle, for a moment or two I considered your deal. But I’m afraid that, no matter the cost to my professional life, I will not work, collaborate or otherwise be involved in anything you’re peddling.”

  “You’re mad.” She was shocked, but wouldn’t show it. “May I ask why?”

  “Because I spoke to McGhinnist prior to this meeting, and discovered that your organization was probably responsible for the death of my friend, that’s why. Ernest was no saint, but he deserved a hell of a lot better than a bullet in the neck. I’ll try my luck with the press, Ms Dominique.”

  “They’ll crucify you, Mr President. Your administration will be destroyed.”

  Kurzon smiled. “Great thing, democracy. I’m a lame duck after the midterms anyway, and there’s always someone else willing to step up. I’ll already be regarded as the President who took America to war with China, but I’ll be happy if history remembers me as the man who also stood up to the greatest ever threat to American freedom and stopped them getting away with terrible crimes and stacking Congress.”

  Michelle didn’t reply. She turned the iPad back around and placed it in her lap. She sent an email she’d already prepared. It gave her no pleasure and got her no closer to solving the issue of Jack Emery and his evidence, but she had to follow through. The Foundation was only as powerful as the punishment backing up its threats. Not even the President was immune. She’d have to deal with Emery another way.

  “It’s done, Mr President.” She stood. “I hope you don’t live to regret your decision.”

  “Miss, I kindly regret I can’t shove my telephone down your throat. Get out.”

  29

  “Addressing the nation, the President looked tired and beaten. He did his best to downplay the contents of the video and the allegations against him, revealed by the New York Standard, but had no answer for the damning nature of the vision. Kurzon has vowed to fight the allegations and any impeachment. At the same time, he commented on the allegations against Michelle Dominique and the Foundation for a New America, stating that while the investigation and arrests were ongoing, there was clear evidence showing that the organization was responsible for the attacks in Shanghai. As allegations continue to fly in Washington, following the release of the new information, the President has made a public and unconditional offer of a ceasefire with the People’s Republic of China. Kurzon stressed the recent success of United States forces and noted that America had no desire to fight with China for years to come, especially given the Foundation’s likely involvement in starting it. He stated that if China could accept the independence of Taiwan, peace could be had within hours. Considering their losses, and the ongoing domestic difficulties that Chinese authorities are facing in trying to maintain order, it is quite possible a deal could be on the cards.”

  Vanessa McKenzie, PBS News Hour, November 3

  Jack breathed as deeply as he could, trying to calm his nerves. He twirled his pen and tapped his foot on the floor. There was nothing else to do. The television news had wall-to-wall coverage of the war and the scandal facing President Kurzon, and he was under strict orders not to use his phone. All the while, he couldn’t help but think he’d made a mistake and that this would all end badly.

  While the President’s Suite of the Washington Marriott was a nice enough place to wait, he could think of a million other places he’d prefer to be. Earlier in the day, McGhinnist had called him with mixed news. He’d told Jack that the Bureau was rolling up Founda
tion for a New America cells all over the country, but still hadn’t manage to locate Michelle Dominique since she’d left Camp David. Jack had convinced himself that Dominique had slipped the net, leaving him to walk the Earth as a hunted man. McGhinnist had said, when they’d first met, that the tendrils of her power base extended deeper than anyone could fathom. There was no way for him to stand up to that. So he had been forced to wait for a second day in the hotel, relying on McGhinnist, and with nobody but Celeste, Agent Brenner and Agent Vaughn for company.

  His eyes were on the table when the door to the suite unlocked with a clunk. Jack looked up as it opened and he smiled with relief when Agent Brenner walked into the room, fresh from completing a security check of the hotel. Agent Vaughn had stayed in the room, silent, but he freaked Jack out a bit.

  Jack held out his hands up with his palms facing outward. “Don’t shoot.”

  Brenner raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay, Mr Emery?”

  As Vaughn walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain, taking a peek outside, Jack felt like telling Brenner that, no, everything was not okay. In truth, he felt minutes away from needing a change of underwear, and that his faith in the competency of the FBI and its agents was being sorely tested. But he held his tongue and nodded. He felt exposed, and wanted the FBI to get on with arresting Dominique.

  “Don’t worry, there’s more than a handful of decent shots between the lobby and you.” Brenner clearly sensed he was uneasy. “Unless she brings an army, you’re fine.”

  Jack smiled. “I know, I just feel a bit vulnerable. I’ll be the happiest man on the planet when Dominique is in cuffs. Hell, I’ll buy you guys a beer downstairs.”

  Brenner shrugged. “Just part of the job. You’re the one who’s put yourself on the line, can’t say I understand why though.”

  “She killed my wife, started a war, ordered my boss murdered and tried to stab me in a museum. If that’s not enough for you, she’s also trying to stack Congress.”