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“Was the killing from Keta’ib Hezbollah? Is that who claimed it?”

The aide said, “Yes, yes it was.”

President Hannister said, “How did you know that?”

“Because that’s what Pike’s helping the Israelis with. They had two government officials killed with the same group claiming credit. Or apparently the same group. Pike is helping them sort that out.”

Palmer said, “Pike’s doingwhat? Have you lost your mind? You have no sanction for that.”

Wolffe said, “I told you, it’s an Israeli mission. Not Taskforce. I don’t need sanction for that.”

“Damn it, you can’t just freelance the Taskforce like a bunch of mercenaries from Russia! I want to know what—”

President Hannister cut him off with a hand, saying, “Be quiet, Alexander.”

He turned to Wolffe and said, “Pike’s on this same thread? Right now?”

“Yes, sir. The Israelis aren’t sure if it’s truly Keta’ib Hezbollah. That’s what they’re trying to sort out. Did this one come with a note?”

The aide said, “Yes. It was shoved in her mouth.”

He flipped the screen and they saw a picture of a bloody piece of paper that had been crumpled at one time, now spread out.

The “mighty” Great Satan hires the abomination against Allah to serve their corrupt regime even as they assassinate the pure from cowardly drone strikes. Little Satan tries the same, killing the pure from the air. Now we kill you. The firstwas the Ambassador to the Crusaders. Who’s next? Only time will tell, but the punishment will continue until you leave our lands.

Hannister said, “What the hell does that mean? ‘Abomination of Allah’?”

Amanda said, “She was gay. She was a lesbian.”

The SECDEF nodded and said, “In Mosul, ISIS did a ‘cleansing’ of the city, throwing anyone who was suspected of homosexuality off of roofs.”

Incredulous, Hannister said, “She was killed because she’s gay?”

Nobody responded, causing Hannister to pound his fist on the desk, saying, “Damnanimals. I’m sick of this shit.” He immediately regretted his outburst and said, “I apologize. That was uncalled for.”

Wolffe said, “No it wasn’t.”

Hannister shook his head and said, “What about the ‘ambassador to the crusader’ statement?”

Croft put her hand to her mouth, realization hitting. She said, “They’re claiming credit for Geoffrey Combine. The ambassador to the Holy See.”

“That was an accident. Wasn’t it?”

Palmer said, “Yes. According to the Italians.” Hannister tapped his pen on the desk, now back in control, saying, “So a militia run by Iran is assassinating American diplomats. And openly admitting it.”

Palmer said, “That’s what it looks like.”

Hannister turned to the SECDEF and said, “Start looking at options. We’re going to have to respond, but I’ll be damned if I know how. The last thing I want to do is be drawn into another quagmire in Iraq by blowing up a bunch of militia members.”

Wolffe said, “Before we go off bombing targets in Syria and Iraq, we should make sure it’s true.”

That brought everyone up short. Hannister said, “What’s that mean?”

“Pike’s mission is precisely to see if Keta’ib Hezbollah—meaning Iran—is really behind this. The Israelis aren’t sure, which is why they’ve kept that connection quiet. They’ve covered it up until they can get proof. There are components within the Mossad who think someone’s trying to gin up a war with Iran.”

Kerry, the D/CIA, said, “How do you know all of this and I don’t? What the hell are the Israelis doing? What happened to coordination among allies?”

Wolffe spread his hands and said, “Hey, man, I’m sorry. I was just as pissed as you are when I was told. In fact, I said the exact same thing. According to Pike, there’s a ferocious fight going on in Israel right now. The majority want to start hammering Iran immediately, but a section thinks it’s a false flag. That section sent Aaron and Shoshana on their mission. They aren’t even sanctioned by the Mossad, but a powerful segment is afraid of going to war for the wrong reasons, and they’ve managed to convince the others to keep it secret until they’re sure.”