Page 73 of Enemy of My Enemy

What could he say to that? Ethan buried his face in the curve of Jack’s neck and breathed in his soft, woodsy scent. The hint of pine that came from his aftershave, the tang of his shampoo. The scent of his skin. “And you’re mine. Always.”

* * *

Fury over State Funeral

General Moroshkin and Hardline Russian Political Party Boycott Proceedings

General Moroshkin delivered another scathing invective against President Puchkov and his plans to honor terrorist victim Evgeni Konnikov with a state funeral in Moscow. “President Puchkov insists on pushing his Western agenda on the motherland. This is unacceptable, and Russians will not stand for this kind of continuing behavior.” General Moroshkin and other military commanders scheduled a series of military drills in the Murmansk and Siberian regions at the time of the funeral, seriously limiting the number of military units President Puchkov could call upon to bolster security for the funeral. Hardline political elements within Russia applauded Moroshkin’s position and seemed to rally behind the general as an opposition leader to President Puchkov.

* * *

Elizabeth Wall Confirmed as Vice President

The House and Senate confirmed Elizabeth Wall as President Spiers’s vice presidential appointee, despite bitter confirmation hearings that centered around how Wall would react should she become president. Wall refused to engage in the discussions, repeatedly stating that she stood with President Spiers and that discussions such as those only invited the worst kind of possibility.

* * *

Chapter 26

Moscow

The streetsof Moscow were filled with riot police, over half wearing sour expressions, as Jack’s motorcade sped him through the capital and toward the Kremlin. “The funeral begins at the House of Unions in two hours, Mr. President.” Scott twisted around in the front seat of the armored SUV. “We’re wheels up and back to the US in eight hours. We’ll be staging in the Grand Palace at the Kremlin before and after the funeral, at President Puchkov’s request.”

Traffic had been halted on all surface streets, and the infamous Garden Ring circling Moscow, a veritable traffic jam at all hours of the day and night, was empty. Scott’s driver floored the accelerator, and their motorcade zoomed down the highway.

“We’re mixing up the different modes of transportation, Mr. President. Motorcade to the Kremlin, chopper back to the airport.”

A huge section of Moscow’s airport had been closed, all air traffic diverted, for Jack’s use. Air Force One was parked and surrounded by a combined force of Secret Service and military guards.

“We’ll be on you at all times, Mr. President. The Russian FSB has deployed agents in the crowd, and the Russian Presidential Security Services are securing overwatch. Snipers are in place in all exposed areas of the funeral procession. Their security looks similar to what we do for inaugurations.”

Jack smiled at Scott. “I trust you, Agent Collard, and so does Ethan. We have every confidence in you.” He jiggled his cell phone. “And Ethan says to tell you hello.”

“Hey, Ethan.” Scott waved back at Jack. “Backseat Agent,” he quipped, before turning back around and speaking into his radio.

Over Jack’s cell phone, Ethan chuckled in Jack’s ear.“How’s it look so far?”

“Fast.” Trees sped by, next to the highway.

“The people? We always try to get a read on the crowd. See what kind of atmosphere we’re dealing with.”

“They’re Russian, Ethan. Not a lot of smiles here on a good day, and things are pretty tense right now.”

“You have a point.”

Jack changed the subject, picking lint from his pants. “What time is it there? Must be early.”

“Sun hasn’t risen yet.”Ethan yawned.“But I don’t care. I’m talking to you.”

Jack smiled. “When does Lieutenant Cooper arrive?”

“His flight lands in about an hour. Daniels and I are getting ready to head to Andrews.”

“You’ll find something. I know you guys will.” Jack smiled, even though Ethan couldn’t see him. Ethan and Lieutenant Cooper were getting together for a review of the intelligence on Madigan, trying to plan their next move. Neither Jack nor Ethan was willing to send Cooper and his men into Somalia blind, not with Madigan’s reach or his capabilities unknown. They wouldn’t send them on a one-way mission, despite Cooper’s repeated requests to saddle his men up and let loose.

“Mr. President, we’ll be arriving at the Kremlin in three minutes.”

“Gotta go, love. Talk to you soon.”