The Project 02 - The Lance

looked at Nick. "A short time ago I received a phone call from Director Harker. When I heard what happened down here, I decided to see for myself."
    The President was known for hands-on involvement with anything he deemed important. It drove his advisors and his security details crazy.
    " Mr. President," Nick said. "Sir, if I could have a few moments, I need to speak with you."
    " All in good time, Carter, all in good time. Sergeant." He nodded at the police officer. "It is Sergeant, isn't it? Please return Mr. Carter's weapon to him."
    The Israeli policeman was at a loss as to what he should do. He opened his mouth to speak, closed it. Just then Ari came down the hall, his Shin Bet ID held high in front of him. The crowd parted before him like the red sea before Moses. He stopped in front of the policeman.
    " Sergeant Major, I think you had better do as the American President suggests."
    The Israeli cop started to say something, thought better of it and gave the pistol back, butt first. The woman agent had moved to the side of the President and was talking into her microphone, holding one hand against her earpiece, the other on her holstered Glock, watching Nick the way a cat watches a mouse.
    " You are…?" Rice looked at Ari.
    " Ari Herzog, Mr. President, Shin Bet. Mr. Carter and I have been working together. One of my operatives was with him and injured when they were attacked. It's an unfortunate incident. We'll pursue it. "
    " Shin Bet. You believe this was a terrorist operation of some sort?"
    " Mr. President. We—Mr. Carter and I—have been concerned about your safety. It's possible this attack has something to do with your presence here in my country."
    Rice sighed. "Thank you, Mr. Herzog. I regret the trouble my visit causes you. I hope your agent recovers quickly." Rice paused. "Perhaps you would allow me to take charge of Mr. Carter. I'm sure you have much to attend to."
    It was a gracious dismissal and an order at the same time.
    "Of course, Mr. President. Nick, please contact me."
    " As soon as possible, Ari."
    Rice said, " This way, Carter." He turned and headed for the elevators, his detail flanked around him. Nick caught a hard look from Calloway, but the agent said nothing. Rice was the boss. There was no doubt about who was in charge.
    The ride up to the ninth floor was made in silence. Rice looked preoccupied. Calloway and his agents looked unhappy. Nick didn't know how he looked but decided to keep his mouth shut and work at getting the sake under control. He had a vivid picture in his mind of Rivka lying on the floor of his room.

    CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

    Touted as t he most exclusive accommodations in Jerusalem, the Royal Suite where Rice was staying was twelve hundred square feet of carpeted luxury. Kings, Premiers and Presidents had all stayed here.
    The main room featured a grouping of white brocade chairs placed before a fireplace at one end. Sideboards, tables and elegant side chairs of polished hardwoods were arranged throughout. A windowed terrace swept the length of the entire suite, with a million dollar view of the Old City and its spotlighted battlements. Above the ancient walls, the deep black of the Judean night sky glowed with stars.
    The suite had separate reception rooms and a full kitchen. A large bedroom opened off a study furnished with a Chippendale style desk. Paintings in earth tones and grays dotted the walls. The room reeked of privileged elegance and money.
    Rice led the way into the study . He took a seat by the desk and gestured Nick to a chair. Calloway stood by the door, hands clasped in front of him. Nick half expected him to put on sunglasses, even though it was nighttime and indoors.
    " At ease, Carter, for God's sake. You're making me nervous."
    " Yes, sir." Nick made an effort to relax.
    Now that they were in the quiet privacy of the President's rooms, Nick could see how tired he was. Rice's eyes were fringed with red and there were deep shadows under them. The President was a man who needed sleep.
    " John," Rice said to Calloway, "we may have a situation."
    " Yes, Mr. President."
    "Carter ." Rice took a sip of water from a bottle on his desk. "I don't think Director Harker is the kind of person who makes unfounded accusations or gets pulled into conspiracy fantasies. Would you agree?"
    " Yes, sir."
    " Are you aware of her concerns?"
    " Yes, sir. She believes General Dysart may be part of a conspiracy and that there may be a plot to assassinate you."
    For an