The Sum of All Fears.pdf - Delta Force

He wrapped the towel around Russell's neck. The man was more stunned than
unconscious, and his hands were beginning to move. Ghosn had to move quickly.
Qati handed him the steak knife that he'd removed from the coffee shop after
dinner the previous night. Ghosn took it and cut deeply into the side of
Russell's neck, just below the right ear. Blood shot out as though from a hose,
and Ibrahim pushed the towel back down to keep it from splashing on his clothes.
Then he did the same thing to the carotid artery on the left side. Both men held
the towel down, almost as though to staunch the bloodflow.
It was at that moment that Marvin's eyes came completely open. There was no
comprehension in them, there was no time for him to understand what was
happening. His arms moved, but each man used all his weight to hold them down
and prevented the American from accomplishing anything. He didn't speak, though
his mouth opened, and, after a last accusing look at Ghosn, the eyes went dreamy
for a moment, then rolled back. By this time, Qati and Ghosn were leaning back
to avoid the blood that now filled the grooves between the bathroom tiles.
Ibrahim pulled back the towel. The blood was trickling out now, and was not a
concern. The towel was quite sodden, however. He tossed it into the tub. Qati
handed him another.
'I hope God will be merciful to him,' Ghosn said quietly.
'He was a pagan.' It was too late for recriminations.
'Is it his fault that he never met a godly man?'
'Wash,' Qati said. There were two sinks outside the bathroom. Each man lathered
his hands thoroughly, checking his clothes for any sign of blood. There was
none.
'What will happen to this place when the bomb goes off?' Qati asked.
Ghosn thought about that. 'This close . . . it will be outside the fireball, but
– ' he walked to the windows and pulled the drapes back a few centimeters. The
stadium was readily visible, and a direct line of sight made it easy to say what
would happen. 'The thermal pulse will set it afire, and then the blast wave will
flatten the building. The whole building will be consumed.'
'You're sure?'
'Completely. The effects of the bomb are easy to predict.'
'Good.' Qati removed all the travel documents and identification he and Ghosn
had used to this point. They'd have to clear customs inspection, and they had
already tempted fate enough. The surplus documents they tossed in a trash can.
Ghosn got both bags and took them out to the car. They checked the room once
more. Qati got into the car. Ghosn closed the door for the last time, leaving
the 'Do Not Disturb' card on the knob. It was a short drive to the airport, and
their flight left in two hours.
***
The parking lot filled up rapidly. By three hours before game time, much to
Dawkins' surprise, the VIP lot was filled. Already the pre-game show had begun.
He could see a team wandering around the lot with a minicam, interviewing the
Vikings fans, who had converted one entire half of the parking lot into a giant
tail-gate party. There were white vapor trails rising from charcoal grills.
Dawkins knew that the Vikings fans were slightly nutty, but this was ridiculous.
All they had to do was walk inside. They could have any manner of food and