Wired

by Robert L. Wise

  Chicago citizens seemed relieved that Frank Bridges would continue in office they were reported to be highly pleased with the increased number of electronic eyes. Ships sailing in from Lake Michigan were inspected more often now, which put people at greater ease. The smallpox outbreak in Israel was contained within the country and the United States did not appear threatened for the moment.

  However, no one could tie the explosion in the Museum of Science and Industry to any group. An assumption floated around the city that the attack on the Computer Center that spilled over to Harding School and the blast at the museum were linked, but no one could show solid evidence. After a thorough examination, the bodies of the gunmen killed in the school were identified as Arab terrorists, but there was nothing new in the discovery. Middle Eastern terrorists had been attempting attacks for decades. The general conclusion was that these onslaughts were simply the usual periodic episodes. Murder, attacks, explosions, and terrorism had become so common that most of the people quickly forgot what just happened while waiting for another explosion.

  Not Graham Peck.

  Graham now had far more time to sit in his office and stew. He could order police reports and several times he reviewed all the evidence compiled to date. Far from forgetting, he couldn't understand why any of the government security agencies hadn't found something more significant. The FBI, Homeland Security Department, and the Chicago Police Department all used the best electronic devices and the most far-reaching means of identifying terrorists. The fact that nothing had turned up left Graham confounded.

  However, Graham's mind was more unsettled about what was happening on the other side of the world. The dragon was indeed on the loose. Yet what could he do? In a bizarre twist of events, he had been plunged into the center of an unwinding plot that struck at the heart of the destiny of the world.

  The buzzer on his computer sounded. Graham hit the buttons and Frank Bridges's face loomed on his screen.

  “Graham, I want you to come down to my office immediately. Something important is about to occur.”

  “Yes sir. It will take me a couple of minutes.”

  “Good. No one knows you are coming. Knock on the panel entrance and I'll open it from the inside.”

  “I'm on my way.”

  Graham flipped the computer off and hurried out the back entrance. When he arrived in the mayor's office, the secretary was not there. He gently tapped on the door panel and it quickly opened. He hastened down the hallway to Bridges's office.

  “Graham, thanks for coming so quickly.” Bridges had on his formal attire with suspenders. “Time is important.” He slipped on a suit coat.

  Something important was imminent. With a quick glance, Graham could see that the holographic transmitter was open and ready to be used. “Of course.” He forced a smile.

  “I am going to talk with Carson in a moment and wanted you to be part of this conversation. Ready?”

  Graham clenched his teeth and took a deep breath.

  “Yes.”

  “Relax. You are talking with a friend.”

  Graham again made himself smile.

  Bridges hit the buttons on his desk and a brilliant beam of light shot out of the base of the machine. In a few moments the illumination took on a glow and the shape of a man emerged out of the column of light.

  “Welcome to the fraternity of the Inner Circle,” Carson said. The green illumination solidified and Carson's black hair and tanned face appeared in the three-dimensional shape of a person sitting across the room. Once again wearing the Nehru jacket, Carson now appeared to be sitting behind a large wooden desk. “I am delighted we can talk this afternoon.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Bridges bowed formally. “We are looking forward to your response to the adjustments we have recently made.”

  “You have done what I expected you to do, Frank,” Carson began. “As I told you earlier, I was extremely pleased with your solid validation in the election. We are now ready to move forward rapidly. I am also delighted with the speed with which you are getting surveillance systems in place.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Bridges maintained a solemn countenance. “We are moving ahead even as we speak today. The city is almost wired.”

  CHAPTER 37

  WATCHING THE CONVERSATION between Carson and the mayor, Graham tried to listen as if he were a distant observer, but Borden Carson's magnetism almost instantly drew Graham toward him with an aura of trust and affirmation. The man had an uncanny ability to present himself as the embodiment of truth and hope. Even though he listened to what mayor said, Carson seemed to know everything before the words were even spoken. He was the complete master of their conversation.

  “Therefore,” Bridges concluded, “I believe our new level of electronic observation will be completely in place by this Friday afternoon. If not, it will be done by Monday morning.”

  Carson nodded his approval. “Excellent. I will present Your name before a national political council in twenty- four hours. I anticipate your winning margin will add new weight to our future projections. It is mandatory if we are to meet our goals.”

  “Yes sir,” Bridges said with a broad smile, “I am fully prepared. As you can see, today I have my associate Graham Peck with me again. He is prepared to assist me in this work. Your suggestion is our command.”

  Graham froze. Bridges had not yet asked him to do anything more than listen. He was being dragged toward a pit that Graham desperately wanted to avoid. Bridges's casual commitment of Graham to tasks that he knew nothing about frightened him, but it momentarily broke any hold Carson had over him. Graham could feel himself retreating.

  “Good!” Carson said and turned his head toward Graham. “Mr. Peck, the time has come for immediate action.” Carson black eyes stared at Graham with piercing intensity. “We will assemble a new governmental structure in Europe. It will require Mr. Bridges to make a number of trips. I want you to be in control of all activities of government in the Chicago area during his absence. Are you prepared to accept such important responsibilities?”

  Graham wanted to say no, but couldn't. Once again, Carson mesmerized him back inside the man's circle of control. Almost mechanically, Graham answered. “Yes sir.”

  “Excellent.” Carson smiled and turned back to Bridges. “My true portrait will be released to the public in the immediate future. I am sending you are a secure, top-level, hand-delivered package with materials that I want distributed across your city. The time has come for the citizenry not only to recognize me but also to understand that I am fully prepared to protect from aggression. I will be their defense against the terrorist attacks you have experienced in recent days. Be prepared for immediate distribution of these materials. Are there any questions?”

  Graham instantly shook his head.

  Bridges bowed in formal respect. “No sir. We are prepared to act immediately upon your request.”

  “Excellent.” Carson held upon his hand in the form of a salute. “We move forward.”

  The technicolored image disappeared back into a green light. In a blaze of brilliance, the shape dwindled and disappeared. The color turned into nothing more than an intense white light.

  Graham blinked several times, clearing his eyes. He took a deep breath.

  “As always, Borden Camber Carson was brilliant!” Bridges said. He had a detached look in his eyes almost as if hypnotized. “Magnificent!”

  Catching his breath, Graham took a step backward. He wanted out of the office as quickly as he could run. “Anything else?” be mumbled.

  The mayor walked slowly around his desk again and sat down in a careful, if faltering manner. “I don't think so,” he said mechanically. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Yes sir.” Graham kept walking backward. “I'll be leaving the office shortly.”

  “yes Graham.” Bridges's voice was flat and distant. “I will call you if a need arises.”

  “Thank you.” Graham hurried out of the room and darted down the hall. With
out returning to his office, he went down the back stairs and ran toward the Metro station.

  CHAPTER 38

  WHEN MARY ARRIVED home from school, her brothers had already been there for an hour and were upstairs playing. Graham was sitting at the kitchen table with Jackie, waiting for her.

  “Oh!” Mary blurted out. “I'm surprised to see you home so early, Dad.”

  “Sit down, Mary.” He pointed to the chair across the table. “You mother and I want to talk with you.”

  Mary grimaced. “I haven't done anything,” she instantly protested. “I mean, no one at school has even…”

  “Mary,” Jackie cut her off. “No one has accused you of anything. Your father and I have some important matters to discuss with you. Please sit down.”

  Mary looked suspiciously back and forth between Graham and Jackie. “Okay.” She slowly sat down.

  Jackie reached over and took her hand. “We have something important to talk about.”

  Mary recoiled. “Has someone died?”

  “No,” Jackie smiled. “I'm glad to tell you nothing has happened to anyone we know.”

  “But the matter is just as serious,” Graham said. “We need have a confidential conversation.”

  Mary pursed her lips. “Confidential?”

  “which means you cannot talk with anyone about what we say. Is that agreeable?”

  “Sure.”

  “I mean your brothers, anyone you know, but especially your friends at school.”

  Mary frowned and made a face. “No one?”

  “Absolutely,” Graham said. “I've always trusted you. Can I continue to do so?”

  “Well, sure. Of course, I can keep a secret.”

  “Good.” Jackie said. “We want to talk about the conversation we had the other with the women from Israel. The New Seekers group has become important to us.”

  “Oh, no! Not her.” Mary shook her head. “I wouldn't let anyone on the world know those creeps came to our house. I hate that quasi-religious stuff they're into.”

  “Mary, it is far from nonsense.” Graham said. “We need you to give serious thought to these Matters.”

  “Serious? Listen, Dad. I don't want to hear about this nonsense much less talk about to anybody.”

  “It's no longer an option,” Graham said. “This matter has become extremely serious.”

  Mary crossed her arms over her chest defiantly. “The last thing in the world that my friends want to hear about, and I mean anything about, is religious junk. Whatever you believe is fine with me. Just leave me out of the loop.”

  “Mary, we won't be able to do that,” Graham explained. “I expect serious changes to happen quickly.”

  “Good for you! You and Mom believe whatever you Wish and do whatever you think is right, but I don't want to be any part of it.”

  Graham looked at Jackie and his head. “She doesn't get the picture.”

  “No,” Jackie said. “she refuses to listen. Okay, Mary. We'll leave you out of the picture for the moment but…”

  “But nothing! I don't want to know any of these ideas and I sure don't want my friends hearing about your plans. Let's just leave this issue as a truce. You go your way; I'll go mine.”

  “I don't think we can,” Graham said, “but for the moment we'll agree to leave you out of these discussions.”

  “Your father believes something critical is about to happen,” Jackie said. “if we're wrong. Then it won't make any difference. If he's right, it will all the difference in the world.”

  “Whatever.” Mary stood up. “I need to go upstairs. Is that all right with everybody?”

  “Go on,” Graham said, lowering his head into his hands and sighing.

  Mary stood in the doorway, staring at her parents and their strange behavior.

  “We did our best, Graham.” Jackie patted him on the back. “I'm sorry, but Mary simply isn't with us.”

  “The day is coming when she will have to be,” Graham said. “and I'm afraid the time is growing short.”

  This scene is way too much, Mary thought and turned toward the stairs up to her bedroom. I think my parents are completely unzipped. I'm living in Nutsville.

  CHAPTER 39

  DURING THE WEEK that followed Graham's attempt to confront his daughter, the European nations began to fall in line behind Borden Carson. Turkey declared its total national support for Carson as its new prime minister. Working behind the scenes, the oil magnate lined up Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia immediately. Romania and Poland pledged to unify with him in a few days as did Croatia and the Netherlands. France and Germany held out, waiting to see what the rest of Europe did, but Greece seemed to be a pushover. Political disunity for well over a decade in Europe had shoved these nations apart. Carson's challenge had a sudden jolting affect, reeling them back in. None of these changes affected Mary Peck one iota. The fourteen- year-old never watched the news on television or got it anywhere else. She shut her ears and avoided all talk of what was on in the world. While she and her friends wouldn't admit it, they worked to avoid hearing about incidents of terror exploding all over the world. Affluent and happy, she had no intention of upsetting her apple cart.

  George and Jeff listened carefully when their parents talked about a rising world leader who could prove dangerous to their family. Jeff quickly tired of chattering about family problems and the five-year-old went back to playing, but his bright mind still picked up and retained the details of what was going on. George remained fascinated and was willing to talk constantly. His world had turned into an exotic movie offering a thousand strange plots for him to think about and giving George constant diversion.

  With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the weather abruptly turned unusually warm. Matt called to ask what the family would do for the holidays if it stayed hot. Mathew generally called home in the evenings to inquire how the family was doing. He shared what he was learning in the New Seekers group and exchanged worries with his father. The growing reach of the security cameras that were now almost everywhere concerned him. Graham kept him informed about the areas of the metroplex that were wired and the he should avoid if Matt wanted to stay away from the big “eye.”

  “Dad,” Matt said over the phone, “if this heat wave stays, have you considered going to the summer place at Tomahawk? The woods in Wisconsin are great in hot weather.”

  Graham laughed. “Usually Mohawksin Lake is snowed under at this time of the year. It's a thought, but who knows, by tomorrow the temperature may drop freezing.”

  Matt lowered his voice to nearly a whisper. “We are going to have an important meeting tomorrow night. The president of the United States is going to speak on television and many of the students feel we should listen as a group. Would you and Mom would like to join us?”

  Graham thought for a minute. “Do these people know who I am? My involvement in politics?”

  “Jennifer and Adah do, but the others don't. We still keep our identities under wraps.”

  “Good. As a matter of fact, I'd like to hear what your friends think about this presidential address. Yes, your mother and I will be there.”

  “Excellent! I'll let you know where the meeting will be tomorrow. We keep the place secret until the last minute, but it will be somewhere with a television.”

  “Thanks, son. We'll look forward to seeing you.”

  Graham had barely hung up when his private cell phone rang. He clicked it on.

  “Graham, we need to have a special meeting early in the morning.” The familiar voice Frank Bridges boomed over the tiny receiver. “At the crack of dawn.”

  “How early?”

  “Can you get here by seven o'clock?”

  “Certainly.”

  “As your Middle Eastern friend would say, this is an Inner Circle meeting so you'll need to come up the back way.”

  “I'll be there.”

  The phone clicked off. These special meeting inside Bridges's inner sanctum always proved disconcerting. If there was any
thing Graham didn't want, it was another holographic conversation with Carson. The man frightened him and Graham now had plenty of evidence to fear whatever it was that this Middle Eastern oil tycoon was doing. Maybe he was simply an international opportunist; nevertheless, he had personal capacities that were too powerful to be treated lightly. Graham would not sleep well that night.

  CHAPTER 40

  AT PRECISELY seven o'clock, Graham walked down the hidden hallway into the mayor's office. Jake Pemrose was already sitting in front of Bridges's desk smoking a cigar.

  “Ah, our star athlete of the behind-the-scenes maneuvers,” Pemrose greeted him. “Welcome.”

  Graham's eyes squinted menacingly. “Good morning,” he said solemnly.

  “Surprised to see me?” Jake quipped and blew a big cloud of smoke in the air.

  “Every morning the sun comes up on a new day,” Graham said. “Can't ever tell what expect next.”

  “Now, now, you boys put your swords away,” the mayor said. “We're all playing on the same team. I haven't revealed any other identities to you, Graham, because it's been important to keep our work in complete secret.”

  “Oh?” Graham said.

  “Sit down, Peck,” Bridges said. “Before you arrived, Jake and I were discussing some of the details of what will be unfolding in the next twenty-four hours. I believe that today will prove to be a major turning point for the entire globe.”

  “Really?” Graham said. “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, boy!” Pemrose said in a condescending tone. “You should be able to guess what's on the table.”

  Graham shot a hard glance at Jake, but said nothing. The fact that Pemrose had arrived earlier meant the man was at least one step up the ladder from Graham and maybe many more rungs.

  “Peck,” the mayor began, “between now and Christmas you will see amazing things happen across the world. Borden Carson has already talked with me about most of what will be developing and tonight the president of the United States will start the big ball rolling.”