The Sum of All Fears.pdf - Delta Force

nightie back on, and on her way back from the bathroom she cancelled the wake-up
call that Jack had just ordered. It was her turn to stare out the windows at the
home of the President. The world had never seemed prettier. Now, if she could
just get Jack to quit working for those people . . .
***
The truck made a fuel stop outside of Lexington, Kentucky. The driver paused ten
minutes to load up on coffee and pancakes – he found breakfasts best for staying
awake on the road – then pressed on. The thousand dollar bonus sounded pretty
good, and to be sure of it he had to cross the Mississippi before the rush hour
in St Louis.
CHAPTER 31
Dancers
Ryan knew it was too late when the traffic woke him up and he saw that the
windows were flooded with light. A look at his watch showed eight-fifteen. That
almost set off a panic attack, but it was too late to panic, wasn't it? Jack
rose from the bed and walked into the sitting room to see his wife already
working on her morning coffee.
'Don't you have to work today?'
'I was supposed to assist with a procedure that started a few minutes ago, but
Bernie is covering for me. I think you ought to put some clothes on, though.'
'How do I get to work?'
'John'll be here at nine.'
'Right.' Ryan walked off to shower and shave. On the way, he looked in the
closet and noted that a suit, shirt, and tie were waiting for him. His wife had
certainly planned this one carefully. He had to smile. Jack had never thought of
his wife as a master – mistress? – of conspiracy. By eight-forty, he was washed
and shaved.
'You know I have an appointment right across the street at eleven.'
'No, I didn't. Say hi to that Elliot bitch for me.' Cathy smiled.
'You don't like her, either?' he asked.
'Not much there to like. She was a crummy college teacher. She's not as smart as
she thinks. Major ego problems.'
'I've noticed. She doesn't like me very much.'
'I did get that impression. We had a little fight yesterday. I think I won,'
Cathy observed.
'What was it all about anyway?'
'Oh, just a girl-to-girl thing.' Cathy paused. 'Jack . . . ?'
'Yeah, babe?'
'I think it's time for you to leave.'
Ryan examined his breakfast plate. 'I think you may be right. I have a couple
more things to do . . . but when they're done . . .'
'How long?' she asked.
'Two months at the outside. I can't just leave, babe. I'm a presidential
appointee. I had to be confirmed by the Senate, remember? You can't just walk
away from that – it's like desertion if you do. There are rules you have to