Chapter 39

Chapter 39—Reginald wins Jack’s support

4:31 a.m., Monday, December 26

Jack was not yet ready to put this situation to bed, even though that’s where he would like to have put his weary head.
“Let’s see if I’ve got this right,” Jack said. “We’ve got a plan. The Israelis have a plan—and theirs is different from ours.
“The Russians have a plan, too—or at least an agenda. They want to see this guy remain in office for another few years because they want to see their deal for Alaska go through. If this guy gets killed, that deal is off. And then there are the Chinese. They have a vested interest in how this turns out because they own the whole country. But they’re not satisfied—now they want the deed to it.
“And they all view us, you and me, as their enemy? Because they think we’re spearheading the assassination? Is that about how you see it?”
“That’s it,” Reginald said. “And the only one we really have to fear is Al. She is the most ruthless of all. If she had any notion of our intentions, we would be dead in a second, and someone else would be in here running with it. She will let nothing stand in her way.”
 “So, that means that we’re getting paid for not killing the principal target,” Jack said. “We just have to kill off all those other guys who don’t know what we’re up to? And at the same time make Allison think we’re doing her bidding?”
 “That’s just about right,” Reginald said. “Our main objective is to give every appearance of intent and preparation. But in the end turn, we the plot back on the plotters.”
“What are the chances of getting caught?” Jack asked. “I’m not liking the idea of having so many players. Who’s to say they keep quiet once this is over?”
“You do,” Reginald said.
“And how does that work?”
“You are the one person that I know who can pull this off. No one has the guts to buck you. They all know what you’re capable of.”
“And they’re right,” Jack agreed. “They had better be scared of me. I will certainly give them reason to be scared. Hell, I’m not liking this much at all. I really do not know if I trust any of them, except for you.”
“That’s why I want you to come to the next meeting,” Reginald said. “I want you to put the fear of God in them. You know, make a statement. Also, you will be able to scrutinize the situation, and see just who cannot be trusted to keep silent afterward.”
“When is this meeting?” Jack asked.
“Coming right up, Jack. Tuesday evening. I’ll pick you up for it.”
Jack did not have time to think much about the upcoming meeting, because his phone rang.