“What’s this? Your resignation, I hope,” Meyers replied jovially.
“No,” the standing President replied. “But it is yours.”
Meyers looked up and put a frown on his face. He laid his knife and fork down gently on the table. He stared back at the President for a few seconds. Then the veins in his neck began to bulge. He stood up and roared. “I am the leader now. You will do as I say. Don’t you understand that yet?”
“Your reign is over Meyers. Hitler made it twelve years. You haven’t made it through twenty-four hours,” the President said as an insult.
“You can’t stop me from giving the good White people of America a better place to live,” Meyers replied fanatically. “I’m the Supreme Leader,” Meyers screamed and pounded his chest. “From now on, I’ll decide who lives and dies. I decide who lives in America,” he raged. “It is my decision and only mine.”
“Oh really,” the President replied coolly.
Meyers stopped for a second, calmed himself down and then continued. “You have run out of options and you must resign. That is all there is left for you to do,” he said as he waved his fork at the President. Meyers went back to eating his chicken, but it was clear to the President that he was rattled.
“I see,” replied the President.
“You’re not leaving this room until you sign your resignation,” he said as a threat without raising his head. “I’m going to eat your chicken too,” he said as a metaphor.
“Oh, where is the letter?” the President asked coyly.
“It’s on the table in front of you,” Meyers said calmly as he pointed with his fork without looking up. “This chicken is very good. It’s too bad you passed on it.”
The President reached down and picked up the letter. He read it and then ceremoniously tore it into pieces. He dropped in on the table and some of the pieces landed on Meyers’ plate. “It is you who must resign,” he said with determination.
“No matter, I can understand your anger. I really do,” Meyers replied soothingly. “But you were outsmarted by me,” Meyers replied with an insane smile as he pointed to himself arrogantly. “Besides, I have other copies which you can sign when you are ready,” he said dismissively.
“We have uncovered your whole operation, Meyers,” the President spat back. “You and the Effort are finished.”
“This is getting tiring,” Meyers announced and yawned. “I’ve been up all night. I’ve got riots in Washington to stop and a possible invasion to turn back. I can only allow you five more minutes.”
“Then what?” the President demanded loudly.
“Then I start killing your family, one by one, until you sign your resignation,” Meyers told him. “I already have them under surveillance.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” the President replied coldly.
“Try me,” Meyers said as he finished the last piece of chicken and stared back at the President with an insane look.
“You leave me little choice then,” the President said much stronger then he should have replied. Meyers felt a chill move down his spine. What is he up to?
The President produced a tape recorder from the pocket of his raincoat and waved it at Meyers. “I believe you have incriminated yourself, my friend. It’s a shame the guards didn’t find this when I went through security. Oh, wait, you let me in without checking. I think we could call that a mistake on your part — you arrogant son-of-a-bitch.”
Guards…guards,” Meyers roared as he flapped his arms. “The President is threatening me!” But no sound could leave the room. The Marines remained facing away from the room and at attention. No one noticed the Vice Admirals childish outbreak.
The President unbuttoned his raincoat. He took it off and threw in on a chair. “Look at this,” he suggested.
Meyers immediately saw it was a red swastika. “What the…” But the President cut him off.
“Sit down and shut up,” the President ordered. Meyers sat down and was quiet. “Now tell me this is all a mistake and you want to resign,” the President said and made sure the tape recorder was still running.
Meyers repeated the words exactly.
“Now sign the resignation letter I gave you.”
Meyers reached for a pen and signed the documents. The President grabbed it and stuffed it into his pocket.
After he shut off the recorder, the President continued, “You’ve been a bad boy Michael. You need to be punished.” He reached into his pocket again and brought out a plastic container of mouth spray in a handkerchief and placed it on the conference table. His prints were not on the container. “Your breath stinks,” he said with sarcasm. “Spray your mouth three times and put the container back on the table.”
The President could see terror in Meyers’ eyes as his hand reached out and picked up the container. His mouth opened and his finger pressed the bottle three times. His hand returned it to the table and placed the container in front of him.
“Now, put both of your hands on the table and put a smile on your face,” the President ordered. “I want it to look like we are having a nice conversation to anyone who looks inside the room. Our conversation will only take about forty-five minutes.” The President turned his head and saw several people watching. He had to remember to keep his back turned to the door. No one could see the talisman.
Meyers looked as calm as a cucumber.
“You probably know you have less than an hour to live now,” the President said. “It must be terrifying,” he said shaking his head in sympathy. “You will die unless you give up and leave the bunker. But I can save you,” he offered in a soothing voice.
“You see we have found an antidote to the plague. I have it right outside the bunker. We could administer it right away,” he promised. “If you don’t accept my offer, you will certainly die, just like the hundreds of people you murdered in cold blood at the Pentagon last night,” the President screamed at him. “We have the evidence. We’re sure it was you.”
Meyers could say nothing to defend himself.
“You have made many mistakes as a leader, Michael,” The President continued as he slipped into a chair facing the fascist. “For example, did you really think you could shut down the NSA, the CIA, the FBI or Homeland Security? The leaders just went to their assigned back up areas. We have monitored all your communications and movements. You had accomplished nothing — you idiot.”
Meyers could only return a blank stare.
“We found the man who was watching my family. He has been, you could say,” the President sarcastically spoke, “relieved of his duty. Oh, by the way, we found the horse farm, found the second nanobot manufacturing facility, stopped all the letters in Chicago which had nanobots in them, captured or killed your courageous Effort members sent to the home centers, and recovered the talisman I am wearing.”
Meyers didn’t move, but his eyes reflected panic.
“I’m sure by now you have realized Brenda is dead, Bernard Schultz is dead, and we have rounded up most of the remaining Effort members. All because you made mistakes, just like the people you modeled yourself after — the stupid arrogant Nazis.”
Meyers’ eyes now showed an insane hatred.
“I might also mention you didn’t count on us finding out about the threat to Congress so quickly, did you? Just before I came here, one state legally appointed a woman to the Senate. That gives the Senate a quorum. Martial law is now illegal, you are out of a job, Michael,” the President said shaking his head. “Too bad for you.”
“Also, the riots in Washington were squashed last night. General Davidson is now the new Commandant of USNORTHCOM. Your ‘shoot to kill’ order was sent out prematurely and made him realize you were mad. We used the riot as a little diversion to keep you busy. His people are replacing all the people in the bunker right now.” The President extended his arm, showing Meyers all the activity in the bunker. “It was a big mistake to allow me into the bunker, Michael. If you hadn’t, it would have been much harder to d
ethrone you. But your arrogant ego wanted me inside — so sorry.”
“One last thing,” the President offered. “The imminent invasion by the Chinese and N. Koreans is a hoax. The Chinese ambassador is waiting — up top — for me to give him the signal to turn the fleet around. They will announce they were practicing war games. It was not hard to convince them that your view of America would be bad for business. It was another diversion to keep you busy.”
Meyers continued to smile like he was hearing a funny story.
“Well, Michael that’s about it,” the President informed him. “I’m going to leave you now. Maybe I’ll see you outside the bunker, or maybe not.” The President stood and put on his raincoat but kept the talisman pointed at Meyers. He walked to the door and pressed the button to open it. The two Marines came to attention. As he stepped through the threshold he turned back to Vice Admiral Michael Meyers.
“You will remember everything I have told you,” the America leader said. He then closed his raincoat and pushed the button to close the heavy glass door just as Meyers came out of his stupor.
The President saluted the two marine guards. “Permission to speak?” one asked.
“Of course,” the President replied
“Glad to see you’re back in charge, sir.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “Now, don’t let him out for five minutes. I want to get back outside before he gets loose. He is a dangerous man,” the President said.
“Yes, sir,” the marine replied.
The President turned and walked confidently to the elevator, smiling and waving at all the people in the bunker. He entered the opening and the door closed behind him.
Chapter Ninety
A
sizable crowd greeted the President as he exited the bunker looking strong and confident as he waved to everyone. He saw all the former bunker employees standing, under armed guard, off to the side. They would all be interviewed to see if they were Effort members. General Davidson stood at attention along the pathway. The President walked up to him and they both saluted and then shook hands. The general soon left to take command of the bunker. The President spied the Chinese Ambassador, where he stood along the fence, and nodded. The ambassador immediately got on his cell phone. The President now went directly to Colton Banyon.
“How did it go, sir?” Banyon asked as the President came into hearing range. The rest of Banyon’s team crowded around.
“I’ve extracted my revenge. I’m satisfied,” he replied as he turned up the collar on his raincoat and slid the talisman off of his neck so nobody else could see. He handed it to Banyon who made it disappear in his pocket. “Vice Admiral Meyers should be coming out of the bunker in about a minute.”
“That should be interesting.” Banyon responded.
“I heard you have found some treasure, is that true?” the President asked. “You know the government will be making you a large payment for your services too.”
“Thank you, sir,” Banyon replied. “We are going to turn over the treasure to Marlene’s people at ICE as soon as we leave here,” Banyon said. “It’s all valuables looted by the Nazis before the war. It needs to be returned.
“And what will you do with the talisman?”
“We are going to hide it where no one can find it.”
“Actually, I think that is the right thing to do. In the wrong hands, it could be a powerful weapon,” the President admitted. “Then what are you going to do?”
“My team and I will head back to Chicago. Then Loni and I will attempt to start our vacation again in Las Vegas.”
“I envy you,” the leader replied. “My work has just begun.”
Suddenly, there was a commotion by the bunker entrance. Vice Admiral Meyers came lumbering out of the entrance. His face was all puffy and red from straining to make his overly bloated body move. He paid no attention to anybody and didn’t salute the other military members. He searched the crowd like a mad man. He located the President and saw him talking with a man. Meyers charged like a rhino. When he was only a few steps from the President, several Secret Service agents corralled him.
“Give me the antidote,” he screamed. “I quit, you win. Give me the antidote or I will die.”
“What antidote?’ the President asked sincerely as a frown formed on his face. “But you are correct. You are going to die, Michael. Probably by gun shot, I would imagine. But that’s not going to happen until after you and your buddies are tried and convicted for treason against this country. I don’t think your friends at the ACLU will want or could win this case. Until that time you are going to be kept in a nice soundproof room with no visitors allowed,” the President said evenly.
“But you had me spray myself with nanobots. You said there is an antidote,” Meyers screamed uncontrollably. “You said you would give it to me if I came out of the bunker.” Meyers was all but babbling now.
“Well, you certainly have become delusional,” the President said with concern. “There is no antidote for the plague that we know of.”
“You’ve killed me then,” Meyers wailed. “You’ve murdered me in cold blood. You’re no different than me. You’ve decided who will live and who will die,” Meyers roared.
“I did no such thing,” the President responded strongly. “I am a leader, not a thug like you are.”
“Then explain this,” Meyers yelled. He broke his arm free from the Secret Service man holding him and quickly reached into his pocket. He pulled out the mouth wash canister and sprayed it at the President before anyone could react.
“Oh my God,” Loni screamed as some spray went her way. She batted at the air around her head.
“Now you will die too,” Meyers said with satisfaction.
“But, Michael,” the President responded. “That’s just mouth wash. I told you that your breath stank.”
“You tricked me,” Meyers screamed.
“All’s fair in love and war,” the President replied with a smile. “You are an incompetent boob Michael,” he added as he turned away.
Michael Meyers began spraying insults and swearing as the Secret Service men dragged him away. The invited media recorded it all.
Epilogue
I
t was late in the afternoon when Colton Banyon finally returned to his ranch home in South Barrington, Illinois. He and his team had left the bunker soon after Vice Admiral Michael Meyers was put into custody. They drove down to Virginia and met with agents from ICE. The agents took control of the treasure, informing the team they would receive a 10% finders’ fee and gave Banyon a detailed receipt. The three priceless artifacts had owners on record in Europe, so the owners would also pony up any additional rewards.
The finders’ fee was 8.2 million dollars. The entire fee was designated to go to their company LLC and then split up to each member. The fee, from the government, for working on the crisis would also take the same route, after Bart took out his outlandish expenses, of course. Banyon thought they would realize about a million each. He planned to gift some of that to Detective Haleigh Taylor, her husband Chase Sanborn and Steve.
On the plane ride back to Chicago, everyone was in a festive mood. They were laughing, joking, and literally dancing in the aisles. Someplace along the way, the Patel Clan invited themselves to dinner at Banyon’s house. They wanted steaks and Caesar salad, they were Banyon specialties.
When they finally landed, Banyon called Elizabeth, his housekeeper, and told her to go to the store and buy the steaks and the makings for the salad. He then told her she could go home when done or she could stay and join the festivities. He was in an expansive mood.
***
While he prepared dinner, the women all took showers and changed into some additional clothes they had purchased in Washington — on the Banyon credit card. Eric also showered, but still had on his same grubby clothes. He sat in the connecting great room and was watching the news on TV.
The first piece of news which caught Banyon’s attention was that the
country was reeling from the loss of many members of Congress. The President was on screen and making a statement. He was still in front of the bunker.
“I repeat,” he said into the camera. “There is no plague. The many people who have died were poisoned. We have uncovered the plot, captured the plotters, destroyed the poison, and now can assure you that this will never happen again.”
“He’s putting his own spin on the crisis,” Eric commented from the couch.
“It’s an election year,” Banyon retorted.
The President continued. “I know many of you were also concerned about the Chinese and N. Korean fleets which appeared to be steaming our way. The ships have all turned around. The Chinese claim it was all a training exercise and apologized.”
“I think he just gained about ten points in popularity,” Eric laughed.
“Also, the legislature for the state of Wyoming appointed a new Senator, this morning. As a result, we now have enough members of Congress to continue to drive this country. America is strong and will stay strong on my watch.”
***
The women started filtering into the kitchen just as Banyon threw the steaks on the outside grill. They set the table and poured red wine for everyone. They portioned out the salad and they all sat down to eat.
“When are you going to give me the talisman?” Previne asked sweetly.
“When is the next time that you are going to New Delhi?” Banyon responded with a question of his own. He knew if he gave the artifact to her beforehand, she would be tempted to use it on him.
“Oh, that reminds me,” Maya suddenly spoke up. Everyone turned to the youngest member of the team.
“I know that look, Maya,” Pramilla exclaimed. “It means you have uncovered something.”
“I have,” Maya proudly said. She then continued. “Have any of you ever heard of the Tunguska Event?”
A Dubious Device: The Nanobot Terror (A Colton Banyon Mystery Book 10) Page 32