Invasion: China (Invasion America) (Volume 5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Higgins, can’t you be delicate for once? We’re talking about saving the country.”
    I can’t believe what I’m hearing. McGraw is one of them, hungry for power. At least they’re getting their lingo right. No. I can’t believe McGraw is suggesting a coup, not Tom.
    “Sir, if the President is unfit for duty, we should elect a new man. That’s what the Constitution says.”
    “What century are you living in , son? We haven’t been following the Constitution for seventy years already. The politicians do whatever they want, making things up as they go along. When the people try to limit them in some way, that’s the only time the President or the others talk about the sacred Constitution.”
    Stan sat back, stunned. “Are you talking about a triumvirate?” he asked.
    “Speak English. What are you talking about?”
    “Pompey, Julius Caesar and—”
    “What? Caesar? Why are you talking about Roman history now? I don’t get you.”
    “ Back then, Caesar and the others formed a triumvirate that bypassed Roman laws. It sounds like that’s what you’re suggesting here.”
    McGraw stared at him, finally shrugging. “Old son, you’re far too bold with your words. But yes, I’m talking about a triumvirate: Max Harold, me and Chairman Alan.”
    “Homeland Security and the military will run the country?”
    “ Just until we kick the Chinese out,” McGraw said.
    “And if the President fails to have a breakdown?”
    McGraw gave him a hearty smile. “So much the better. We’re just talking about contingency plans.”
    Sure you are .
    “Well?” McGraw asked. “What do you think?”
    “I’m not sure I follow you, sir.”
    McGraw looked up at the ceiling as he shook his head. “You’re not stupid, Higgins. But very well, let’s make this crystal clear. Are you with me?”
    “I’m not against you, sir.”
    “That isn’t want I’m asking. Will you support me?”
    Stan blinked several times as he ingested the general’s words. It began to dawn on him that McGraw wanted to make sure of his legions before he proceeded. If the army backed McGraw, the general could transform that into political power. Yes, if the three of them formed a triumvirate, things could become very sticky between Harold and McGraw. Homeland Security ran the police in all their variations. That was power, but nothing compared to the American military of millions.
    McGraw played a dangerous game, and now the general tried to pull him into it.
    No. I’m already in it. It doesn’t matter what I say. Frankly, joining him is probably the safer choice .
    Stan rested his chin on his chest , feeling the stubble because he hadn’t shaved thoroughly enough this morning. He thought about Jake, how his boy had stood up for his beliefs. It had cost Jake, but he’d been a real man, an adult. The heroes of Stan’s life had stood up for their beliefs: Jesus, Martin Luther of Germany and George Washington.
    This must be my hour to make a stand .
    Stan expelled his breath and faced McGraw. “I believe in the Republic, sir.”
    “What kind of answer is that?”
    “An honest one, I suppose.”
    “You’re going to buck me?”
    Stan found himself in a staring contest with a three hundred and fifty pound drunkard. Tom McGraw could probably pound the crap out of him. Stan shifted in his seat. Well, okay, maybe so. But the general would know he’d been in a fight.
    “Let me paint you a picture,” McGraw said. “It might help focus your thinking.”
    Stan nodded as he held the general’s gaze.
    “Your boy—Jake’s his name, I believe.”
    Stan felt his temper slipping. Is he going to threaten me through my son? “Jake is his name,” he managed to say.
    “ Last year, a Militia tribunal sent him to a penal battalion.”
    “ That’s right,” Stan said. “Jake’s sin was that he pissed on a photograph of Max Harold while in a strip club.”
    “ Your boy has a morality issue, does he? Likes to watch women take off their