“Sit down, Fritz,” said Linda.
“So what's the news?”
“Did you call the president yet?”
“No, not yet.”
“Call him first.”
After the now-routine greeting and TJ comment from Lily Evans, the president got on and said he was sorry they were going through all they were.
“Mr. President, this isn't your fault. I just hope it's a manufacturing defect.”
“It is my fault, Fritz, that too many know about you and the portal. We don't know how many people Koppler might have told, but hoarding information was his way of doing business. Not sharing. So we have another trail to sniff out. Maybe.”
“Is there anything you want me to do on Sunday? I have a couple of questions for the prime minister.”
“Write them down and send them to me. They may be better coming from me, or maybe not. You may get answers I wouldn't.”
“I'll email them this evening. I'll see you at eight on Sunday morning.”
FRITZ ASKED, “So what's the news? He didn't say anything.”
“Ash and I set a date.”
“When?”
“August twentieth. That gives us a couple of weeks for a honeymoon before school starts. And it's enough time for my mother to overdo everything. We decided we wouldn't have any time, so we are letting her plan stuff. I hope we're not sorry.”
Fritz reached across the table, squeezed her hand, and then kissed her. “Why didn't Ash say anything to me?”
“I asked him not to.”
Banging at the backdoor preceded Ashley, who had his arms wrapped around bags.
“Congratulations, old friend,” said Fritz.
“Who are you calling old?”
“You. What's in the bags?”
“I don't know. I was told to pick up an order, so I did. I always do what I'm told.”
Chapter 21
FRITZ PULLED THE door, and they stepped into Israel.
“Welcome, Mr. President, Mr. Russell. Have you had your breakfast?” asked the prime minister.
“I haven't,” said Fritz.
“Nor I,” said the president.
“Good. Good. Then please sit. We'll eat and talk.” Fritz appreciated the prime minister's thoughtfulness. It was mid-afternoon in Israel.
Trays filled with a variety of foods were place on the table by four men who looked very much like soldiers, not waiters, in spite of their white jackets. The president noticed, but Fritz asked, “Mr. Prime Minister, are they soldiers? They look familiar.” Fritz had seen the faces of all the soldiers who had been in Riverboro during the settlement rescue.
“Good memory, Mr. Russell. They were at your school. I thought it best not to have new faces to know about your, shall we call it, transportation.”
“Is this pastrami?” asked Fritz, serving himself.
“Straight from Brooklyn. My favorite. It comes once a week, fresh. So is the rye bread. It arrived this morning while you were sleeping.”
The prime minister seemed too jovial for this meeting.
Fritz asked how the settlers they'd rescued were doing. The prime minister said they were all well. “We are a resilient people. We have been survivors for thousands of years.”
“And what did they think about New Jersey?” Fritz glanced at the president.
“Frankly, Mr. Russell, they were more relieved to be safe than they were concerned about how it was done. I told them our government had found a way to pass through space, but we used it only in a limited way. Your secret is safe, not to mention unbelievable.”
Fritz took a bite of his sandwich. The prime minister asked if something was of particular concern. The president was direct. He said he wanted the prime minister's vocal support for the plan he'd announce at the summit, whether he liked it or not. If he was reluctant, the others would have a reason to balk.
“I don't even know what it is.”
The president reached into his jacket pocket and passed the outline to the prime minister. “The second thing I want is your thoughts on bringing each leader to the meeting using the portal. This is business, not diplomacy. It's not a party. I am prepared to use the portal to achieve agreement. You and I are elected to represent our countries, but not all our participants can say that. I am prepared to stay until they are convinced.”
Fritz said, “Mr. Prime Minister, since I discovered the portal, I have been involved in actions in Pakistan, Naria, Russia, and Israel, as well as the summit in Geneva in October. Your fight to survive has been going on since before I was born.” The prime minister nodded. “It's time for level heads to prevail. I may be out of place, but I have put my life and that of my family at risk to help the president. The world has to change.”
“Mr. Russell,” said the prime minister, “I too would like an end to this madness. Agreements have been made. But people change, people die, and old accords are forgotten.”
“Not if people benefit,” said Fritz. “Your neighbors live in poverty and have no hope of escaping it. If a road out is available, don't you think the people would take it?”
The president took over. “Mr. Prime Minister, the outline of the meeting addresses how to build that road. But my second question, using the portal, matters. Do you think we should bring them to Washington using the portal or show them later?”
The prime minister pondered the question. “Mr. President,” he began slowly, “if you bypass the usual transportation and accommodations, you will alert every country to the portal's existence. Do you want to do that before they know your plan? Some things are best left for demonstration.”
Although the sun shone through high windows and the casual décor indicated a sunroom, the prime minister said it was not. He pushed a button. Fritz thought that was how he summoned his staff. But within seconds, a dozen soldiers entered, and the room began to sink. The windows disappeared. Within thirty seconds, a pleasant sunroom converted into an armed bunker. “This is a secure room. The only entrance is opening doors from the inside. We have full communications, a kitchen, sleeping area, and food for a year. Almost no one knows about it.”
The president looked around and said, “We're even.” The prime minister unfolded the outline.
* * *
“SO WHAT DID the president need you for?” asked Linda.
“Actually, I think I was the opening act. For the first half hour, I did all the talking. He just nodded a couple of times, as if he wanted me to keep going.”
“So the prime minister is on board?” Jane asked.
“He said he wanted to consider the possible ramifications, and he asked what would happen if the Arabs don't agree. The president told him about his episode with the Speaker. By the time the story ended, the prime minister was laughing. He said if the Speaker could be convinced, he was sure the disagreeable could be turned. Ash, I forgot to ask. Is everything good for the tournament?”
“Liz was fine with the last game. By next Friday, we're half done. George told me other principals are coming. Honestly, if he had feathers, he'd be a peacock.”
“That's one big headache gone. What about the play?”
“Eric is drilling them to learn lines and stage directions. Jean has recruited my entire class to write the parts, advertising, website posts. Your ninth graders are contagious. All my kids want the same recognition. They even got Abby Anderson's art classes to help with the scenery. They've added crowd scenes and extras. A lot of the extras are kids who didn't sign up for one of your teams. Dana Goldsense told me that next year every kid might want to be in the tournament.”
Fritz inhaled deeply. “At least tomorrow is a day off.”
“Not for me,” said Linda. “I have classes early, and I'll be gone most of the day.”
“I'll be here. Unless you want me to get anything. Should I make dinner or get something?”
“I have a shopping list, but you still don't have a car.”
“I forgot. Have we heard anything yet? It was supposed to
be done yesterday.”
Jane said, “I spoke to the head of the team earlier. This morning, they found a wire that shouldn't have been there. He said it wasn't attached to anything. Anyway, he said they might have it completed by tomorrow.”
“If you need a ride, I'll take you,” said Ashley. “Problem solved.”
* * *
FRITZ'S SUV was parked in the driveway when they returned. Jane and a man in overalls were waiting. Jane introduced Mike Morgan.
“Mr. Russell, you had a loose wire that we followed into the door. That's all it was. We called the company and spoke to a technician and an engineer. Apparently, it's a known defect. We fixed everything, and you're all set. This car is okay, not like your last one.”
“You worked on that?” asked Fritz.
“I was amazed no one was killed. What they did was clever and would have been hard to detect in a routine investigation. Acid on the axle and an electrical charge to open the seal. Just enough to be a slow leak.” Jane and Ashley listened, Jane with a faraway look.
“Want some coffee?” Fritz asked. “I assume you need a ride back.”
“Love some. My ride will be here in about twenty minutes.”
As they walked up the driveway, Jane raised some questions. “Mike, there are a lot of different acids. They needed the right container so it wouldn't burn, and the right acid to slowly eat through the axles. It had to be strong enough to cut through while the car was moving. That had to be hard to figure.”
“It was also expensive. Whoever put it together spent a lot to get the containers designed. They resisted the acid enough to survive the accident, but if they weren't discovered quickly, in this case by us, they would have disappeared.”
“Disappeared?” Fritz opened the door and waved to Mary.
“Yeah. If the accident had been somewhere on a country road and had been left for a couple of hours more, the acid would have eaten through and the containers would be gone. The acid burns would still show, but we would never have figured it out. We needed a strong alkali to counter the acid when we saw the containers evaporating.”
They sat at the kitchen table. “Mr. Morgan, you said they spent a lot,” said Fritz. “Who would have that kind of technology?”
Morgan sipped his coffee. “Mr. Russell, in my opinion, the design work, metallurgy, and chemistry were industrial and military. You can't buy that stuff at a hardware store. It was specially made. And whoever made it knew it was for no good deed.” A horn sounded, and Morgan said, “My ride.”
“Thanks for checking it out. I just felt it was too coincidental.”
“No problem. After Thanksgiving, I would be concerned too. Any questions, or if any problems, give me a call.” Morgan handed Fritz a business card. “Don't give that to anyone.”
Ashley's worried look returned when the back door closed. He cleared his throat. “We already know Koppler was behind your crash. But if that guy is right, someone funded him. Jane, you have a money tie to Eledoria. Maybe there's another connection.”
“Not maybe,” she said. “Caballeros. The German, Badenhof, ran a major industrial research company, among other things. We have no proof, but it fits.” She took her phone from her pocket. “I have to get the report Morgan filed after your accident, Fritz. Pass me that business card.” She dialed Mike Morgan and asked for a copy of the report. He told her that it was still in progress.
“I called Mr. Koppler with a preliminary,” he said, “but we're still trying to figure out the pieces. Jane, the metal and the acid were custom-made. Koppler told me to file a report when we knew what we had. With him dead, no one else asked. I'll check to see what's happening, if you want.”
“If you would, Mike, please. You have my number.”
Jane sucked in her lips and stared at the table. “He told Koppler about the initial findings, and Koppler told him to find out what the components were. I bet Koppler knew it would take a while, and no one else asked. I'm trying to decide if I should call the president.”
“He'll want to know I got my car back, Jane, so one of us should call him.”
“I don't think he's at the White House. He went to a President's Day event somewhere. I'll call later.”
Ashley thought she should call anyway and leave a message with Lily Evans, who told her that the president would be right with her. The vice president had gone to the event instead. She told the president about the conversation with Mike Morgan and that Fritz had his car back. He said he hadn't seen a report, but wasn't surprised. “Jane, I don't know if this gets us closer to an answer or farther away. It's so elaborate, so evil. Are you with Fritz now?” She passed Fritz the phone.
“Hi, Mr. President.”
“Glad everything's okay this time, Fritz. I wanted you to know that I spoke to the prime minister this morning. He said he was glad you came and offered you and Linda a vacation, his treat, whenever you want.”
“Thanks, Mr. President. Is he on board with the summit?”
“He will be. Believe me. But you really can't blame him for being skeptical. The Israelis know how hard it will be to convince the Arabs. Both sides have to win to make this work. He also knows that if we don't stop all the wars, it's only a matter of time before the whole region explodes again.”
“Then we'll make it work, Mr. President.”
“Let me talk to Jane. Bye for now.”
He told her that the money link looked solid. They had gotten into the bank's computers.
“Mr. President, I think we should check if Georg Badenhof or any of his companies had ownership or accounts there. We should look for large transfers within a couple of months before Thanksgiving, especially if his chemical company has an account. It's just another clue, but it may tie him to Koppler.”
“Noted, Jane. Let me think about all this. I'll talk to you later.”
When Linda arrived home, she told Fritz to move his car. Not hello. A sour look at the crowded table pushed Fritz from his chair. “What's wrong?”
“I had an argument with a professor who told me my business plan wasn't well thought out. So I asked him what he thought wasn't working. He went through my outline and criticized it line by line. When he was done, I told him it had been reviewed by one of Daddy's friends at Harvard Business, who said when I was ready, he had financing lined up. The professor said he didn't believe in Harvard. I thanked him and walked out, only to drive right into a traffic jam all the way home. So how was your day?”
Chapter 22
LINDA'S FLIGHT departed for Cleveland at 6:20 p.m. Her break allowed her to go home to talk to her father. At the terminal entrance, they were met by Charles Dougherty and three security officers.
“Ms. Russell, a friend has asked us to get you safely to your plane.” Fritz smiled, said hello, and introduced Linda and TJ to the airport security director. “Mr. Russell, we'll have an escort for you back to the bridge. Our friend told me what happened last time. He asked for our help to keep you safe. How could I refuse?” Fritz thanked him, grabbed Linda's bag, and kissed her.
“I'm going to miss you. Call me when you land. And say hi to your folks.”
“I love you. Stay out of trouble.”
“See you soon. I love you, too.”
* * *
AS CHARLES DOUGHERTY WAS escorting Linda and TJ through the terminal, eight men arrived at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. They unloaded eight golf bags from three taxis.
“We have reservations for Nakamura Industries. I will register for all of us.” He spoke to his companions in a language that the desk clerk didn't understand. When the paperwork was completed, the man said, “We requested rooms as high up as possible, with a view.”
“We have reserved four suites for you, sir. Two bedrooms in each. Is that satisfactory?”
He nodded. “And we have a meeting planned for Saturday evening.”
“We have everything arranged.” The man handed $20.00 bills to each of the available bellhops as the carts were wheeled to the
elevator.
* * *
“DID JANE SAY when the leaders are arriving?” Fritz asked.
“Most are coming on Friday. She said the president might be having informal talks with some of them. She tried to talk him out of it. She said he shouldn't give them a chance to get mad.”
“I think she's right.”
Ashley had his phone to his ear when Fritz returned with a new yellow pad. “Jane,” he mouthed. “Then the whole meeting schedule has changed? I'll tell Fritz. Do we need to do anything? Okay, see you then.” He refilled his soda and said, “The meeting will start Friday night. Saturday morning they'll have breakfast. Here. Colonel Mitchell's guys will be the waiters. He's keeping them in the meeting.”
“That means I can't be home. I might need to be gone Friday night and all day Saturday.”
“No problem,” Mary said. “Jim's off Friday and Saturday. If it's okay, I can ask him to come over. Will Jane and Ashley be with you?”
“Jane will. Are you coming with me?”
“Hadn't planned on it.”
* * *
FRITZ DIDN'T sleep well with Linda away. Friday morning, he and Ashley arrived together, both with dark under their eyes. Milt Chelton had already arrived.
“Fritz, you know the schedule has changed. Timing is really tight. My guys need to be here right after school. They're bringing the walls and floor that will disguise the hallway. Then they have to change to be waiters. Oh, and we put veneer on your door, a couple of screws and Velcro. Can't tell.”
“That's good. I'll warn George, have an announcement that this corridor will be closed, and get signs made.”
“Then I'll see you later.”
* * *
“HOW MAY I HELP you, Mr. Nakamura?” asked the concierge.
“Our plans have changed. When will Ms. Porter arrive?”
“She's already here. I'll find her for you if you would like to wait at her office.”
“Yes, thank you. I will meet her in half an hour, after I have breakfast.” Nakamura bowed slightly and walked to the dining room.
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