Collateral Damage (Stone Barrington 25)

“All right, we don’t need them, we’ll do it ourselves.”

“It’s entirely possible,” Habib said.

“We set it off from our escape car, then we head west.”

“All right,” Habib said.

“You still sound doubtful.”

“It’s just that I’ve never made and detonated a bomb this big before.”

“The bigger the bomb, the bigger the effect,” she said.

“If you like.”

Jasmine smiled. “I like.”

Lance Cabot stood on the far side of the Oval Office from the president’s desk and listened as he made his address to the nation. Once again, he was impressed at how Will Lee could project informality and sincerity in a talk on television. The president always spoke perfect standard English but still managed to engender an intimacy with his audience. Lance noted that there was no teleprompter present. Finally, he said good night, and a moment later the lights were turned off and the crew began removing equipment from the large room.

Kate Lee, who had been standing closer to her husband, in the doorway to his secretary’s office, walked over, kissed him on the lips, and whispered a few words in his ear, then the two of them, holding hands, walked across the room to where Lance stood.

“That was a remarkable job, Mr. President,” Lance said, offering his hand.

“Thank you, Lance. Hungry?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then let’s head up to the quarters.”

“After you, sir.” Lance followed them out of the Oval Office and to the elevator. Once in the living room of the quarters, the president shucked off his jacket, and Lance was surprised to see that his shirt was soaked through with sweat.

“Let me slip into something more comfortable, and I’ll be right back,” the president said, then left the room.

“Let me get you a drink, Lance,” Kate said. “We’ll be having one.”

“A scotch on the rocks would be welcome, ma’am.”

“A blend or a single malt? We have, let’s see, Laphroaig and Glenfiddich.”

“The Laphroaig would be just fine.”

Kate poured the drink, then poured two bourbons and handed Lance his drink. “You’re not married, are you, Lance? How come?”

“Oh, I’ve had a couple of close brushes, but I’ve managed to stay out of serious trouble.”

Kate laughed. “That’s what Will used to say before I got him into serious trouble. Got a girl? Or a boyfriend?”

“A girlfriend. She lives with me most of the time.”

“Good for you. By the way, I was kidding about the boyfriend.”

“I know, ma’am.” She liked to needle him once in a while.

The president returned to the living room wearing khakis, a sport shirt, and loafers, then accepted the drink from his wife. “That’s better,” he said, sipping the bourbon. “I allow myself one before dinner. You never know when I might have to make a complicated decision.” He waved Lance to a chair. “Make yourself comfortable, Lance. Dinner will be another half an hour.”

Lance slipped into a soft armchair, and the first

couple sat on the sofa facing him. He noticed that they sat close together rather than at opposite ends. It was the first time he had dined in the family quarters, and he was surprised how at ease they were with each other.