“Even after the storyThe New York Timesis planning to release hits the news streams?”
The article in question, written by Adam Dixon, would be going live midday, Eastern Standard Time, sans any quote from the Callahan family.Even without reading it, Jamie knew it was going to cause a lot of problems.The mere hint that Richard Callahan’s son was lying about his deployment and being seen with a known criminal, the same criminal who had dealings with the Reborn IRA group that attacked the Victoria and Albert Museum, would throw the Republican nomination fight into chaos.
“We have people working on a fix for that.You’ll be informed of your role when you and Alpha Team return later on today,” Nazari said.
Jamie could only nod in the face of that order.Liam gave him a faintly commiserating look from across the table.The other man knew, better than most, just how difficult it was to be part of a prominent family while trying to serve your country.
“Any update on Cillian Halloran?”Liam asked.
Chapman’s jaw went tight for a second before he unclenched his teeth, the only sign of his anger.“It doesn’t look like he was on-site during the attack.Whether or not he was even in London whilst the attack went down is debatable.We’ve been in contact with Interpol and advised them to issue a Red Notice on Halloran.We’ll see where that gets us.”
“And Emmet Doyle?”
“Unfortunately, being a guest at the gala isn’t a crime.He and Jansen survived the attack.We’ll keep Doyle under surveillance.As for Jansen, there’s more to gain from his freedom than locking him up.”
“So we let them go, sir?”Jamie wanted to know.
“As much as it pains me to do so, yes.We let them go.”Chapman folded his hands together, gaze sweeping around the table.“Whilst the results aren’t exactly what we wanted, this mission was necessary.We still believe that, but the fight ahead of us is going to be difficult.I’d say, at this point, the facts are clear.We’re in the middle of a genetic arms race between countries and terrorists, and I’m not sure we’re in a position to win it because we can’t stoop to their level.Wewon’tstoop to their level.In the end, our morals might be what get us all killed.”
“At least we have them,” Liam said quietly.
It was more than anyone could say of the people who had orchestrated the terrorist attack Friday night.
Nazari cleared his throat, breaking the silence.“Let’s finish up.I need Alpha Team back on American soil as soon as possible.”
Jamie reached for his cup of cold synthcaf and drank the dregs of it down, steeling himself for the hours ahead.
Later, when the debrief was finally over and the UMG released them, Liam was the one who drove Jamie and Kyle out to Heathrow and the private jet waiting for them there.The rest of the team had closed up the house in Kensington while they remained ensconced with the brass, preparing for the trip back home.Katie had even sent an agent back to UMG headquarters with a change of their own clothes to get into.They still had a cover to uphold, after all.
Nazari wanted them in the air and out of England before Adam Dixon’s story hit the media streams.Their flight back was registered under Katie’s identity as the CEO of Root Source, Inc.rather than his or Leah’s to further keep the press in the dark about his location.
Getting through Heathrow’s Terminal 6 security was quick and painless.Liam drove them right up to the private jet, letting the airport’s ground crew handle the baggage while he walked Jamie and Kyle to the jet’s stairs.
“I’ll see you inside,” Kyle said.
“He’s a bit of alright, that one,” Liam commented, watching as Kyle disappeared into the jet.
“He’s something,” Jamie agreed.
“Gran said the next time you visit, we’re not allowed to break anything.”
Jamie winced.Just thinking about the dressing-down Liam must have taken from the queen made him want to hide.“Did you tell her I was sorry?”
“She knows.”Liam shrugged in awhat can you do?sort of way.“Considering what happened, the press isn’t tearing into us quite as badly as they could, if only because the people in question who died were technically criminals.Public opinion so far is they got their comeuppance.I expect it to change by the hour.”
“The media needs to keep their ratings up somehow.”
Liam extended his hand, and Jamie gripped it with his own, pulling the other man into a hard hug.“I’d say don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, but we all know there’s very little I won’t do,” Liam told him with a tired smile as they separated.
“Katie won’t let me,” Jamie replied.
“That one’s always had you by the bollocks.”
“For the good of the country, or so she tells me.”
Liam laughed, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets.The wind was sharp and cold on the tarmac, but after long hours spent inside the cold walls of UMG headquarters, it felt good.
“Be safe,” Liam said.
