Page 114 of The Presidents Shadow

THE LIFE-GIVING POWERS of the earth nurtured me through the close shave in Africa.

Now recovered, I sit and listen at home while Maddy updates us about her extraordinary confrontation with the late Detective McCarthy, who had ultimately made use of a cyanide capsule under his tongue.

At one point, he knew he’d said too much and would never be forgiven by Carla Spector.

Margo is shocked and furious at Maddy’s revelations. I am shocked and furious and—I must also admit—proud of Maddy.

With the vital information that Maddy gives, I believe, more than ever, that another expedition—this time to East Africa—is the only way to combat Newbola Strong, and possibly advance some sort of solution or defense to the Terrageddon crisis.

The sooner the better. And by “sooner” I mean immediately.

I was unprepared on my first attempt, and possibly still in a weakened state. Quite simply I believe that the return journey I will soon undertake is the most important mission I have ever had and will ever have. I also realize without a doubt that it could be my final mission.

There is a group of evildoers at the root of these exceptional tragedies.

From Carla Spector to Glenn Ambrose, but who knows how much further their circle extends?

It could be anyone from Townsend to Khan.

One of them? All of them? It is my job to find out.

Then it is my job to do something about it.

I organize my thoughts. Then I gather my colleagues and inform them of my plans. I begin my remarks with an honest note of reality and humility.

“I realize that I am the person in this group who is fortunate enough to have special powers. The ability to shape-shift, the ability to exert control over the minds of others, the ability to defy the structure of time and space. But these powers can weaken and disappear without warning. Thus, I need strong and smart and faithful colleagues on this mission. It will be a tough, smart, and small group.”

Everyone is standing very still. I now say what they all want to know.

“Margo will accompany me. If I am the power in this project, she is the brains.”

My wife’s face remains placid. She knows that this is not idle flattery on my part. I really mean it, and, deep inside herself, I sense Margo knows that this is true.

“Maddy and Grandma Jessica will remain here in New York.”

I can easily tell that Maddy is disappointed… no, not just disappointed, angry. But she knows that this is not the time for protest.

“We’ll keep everything in top form,” says Jessica. Then she turns to Maddy and says, “Won’t we, Maddy?”

Maddy says, “Of course.” I believe she’s frustrated by being excluded, but I hope she will come to see the wisdom of my decisions.

“For the sake of expediency and efficacy, I can designate only two more people to accompany me. This is a difficult decision, for all the people I work with are the absolute best. As such, I am offering no rationale for my choices.”

I look around the room. While I sense anxiety in the air, I see nothing but stoic expressions on each and every face. Then I continue speaking.

“Burbank and Jericho, please prepare for the expedition. Margo, same for you. We’ll be leaving in the next five minutes.”

There will be no exchanges of “safe travels” or “good luck.” That’s not the way we operate. What’s more, everyone understands the gravity of the situation.

Before I end this meeting, I have one more piece of information to impart.

“I am about to contact Dr. Anna DaSilva. I’m asking her to join us in East Africa.

You all know that Dr. DaSilva is the world’s leading expert on the Newbola virus.

She understands the complexities of the new strain called Newbola Strong and has created the antidote as well, although it hasn’t moved into mass production as yet. ”

There are nods of agreement in the room. I know I have everyone’s support. Then I say something I have never said before to my family and friends.

“Please say a prayer.”