02 Thunder of Heaven: A Joshua Jordan Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

missile wasn’t the only thing that did a U-turn,” Admiral Patch muttered, loud enough to evoke a few chuckles. Then, with a heavy dose of cynicism, he added, “Of course, there’s no chance that those pilots were pressured to say that …”
    President Corland threw him a wearied look but said nothing.
    “I want this on the record,” Jessica Tulrude shot back, slightly red in the face as she threw a pointed look toward the CIA liaison. “I want to know how and why the CIA is getting domestic surveillance data from satellites tasked by the National Security Agency. That is a major breach of privacy of American citizens — and is probably illegal. You people have no business using satellites to spy on American citizens or on American soil. Was permission obtained from the FISA court for this?”
    The CIA guy was nonplused. “This data regarded foreign actors inside the United States trying to shoot down our planes — ”
    Tulrude dug in. “I repeat, domestic spying that is probably illegal — ”
    Brokested jumped into the fray. “There’s enough dispute here, Mr. President, that I think we should be careful about what we say publicly. I suggest that we go along with the recommendations of Madam Vice President, and limit our statement to the following — that a missile was fired at the Chicago flight, and the onboard RTS system failed to stop it, resulting in the tragic destruction of the Chicago flight. Period. Nothing about the LAX or the JFK flights being at risk. At least for now.”
    To the left of the president, Hank Strand, his chief of staff, had a suggestion. “Mr. President, a thought. We could simply say that the LAX and JFK flights were rerouted back to their airports based on preliminary security information. Out of an abundance of caution. The pilots on both flights would back us up on that.”
    President Corland sighed and asked his chief of staff a simple question: “Would that be the truth?”
    Hank Strand grimaced, tried to smile, and then said, “Well, in a manner of speaking.”
    “All right,” Corland said. “I’ll think on it, Hank, and get back to you in a few hours. Now, good day, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all.”
    When everyone had cleared out of the room, Vice President Tulrude and the president’s chief of staff stayed behind. The situation room was impenetrable in terms of security, acoustics, and privacy. And they knew it.
    Tulrude started. “Well, I bet this changes Corland’s decision about who’s going to be on his list for the Medal of Freedom.”
    Hank Strand looked worried. “Don’t be so sure.”
    “You’re kidding.”
    “No, I wouldn’t joke about something like that.”
    “He’s got to be nuts if he doesn’t change his mind …”
    “Madam Vice President, I’m telling you, things are different with him lately. I’m not saying we are losing control …”
    “Let’s hope not …” Then she thought about something. “Are the White House physicians still talking about the same diagnosis for Corland?”
    “Yeah. TIA. Transient Ischemic Attack.”
    “Next time he has one of his blackouts I could demand an immediate transfer of power to myself. Constitutionally I could do it and Corland knows it. So what are you noticing?”
    “He’s less compliant. More unpredictable. And he’s changing course on some policy issues. I’m worried about whether he’ll keep his promise to you …”
    Tulrude tapped a painted fingernail against Strand’s chest. “Just make sure he does. He’s got to know he can’t run for a second term. I’ve kept my part of the bargain. I haven’t told the press about his medical condition. Now he has to keep his by putting his seal of approval on me publicly and then declaring he won’t run again.”
    She couldn’t resist another jab at the president. “Did you hear him today? His question … ‘Would it be the truth?’ he asks. Since when did he become such a Boy Scout?”
    Hank Strand was about to say something,