I stare at him full on now. “Why don’t you tell me what you’re here about. I doubt it’s my father’s 200,000 estate.”
He’s taken aback. “Of course, Mr. Pierce. I was only trying to advise… for your best interests. Indeed, that’s what I’m here about. I bring a message from Henry Drury Hatfield, Governor of the Great State of West Virginia. His Excellency wishes you to, well first off, he sends his deepest condolences for your loss, indeed the State’s and our Great Nation’s. Additionally, he would like for you to know that he is prepared to appoint you to your father’s seat in the US Senate, as this authority has just been vested in him by the state legislature.”
I’m beginning to realize how the McCoys could hate these snakes so much. Henry Hatfield is the nephew of Devil Hatfield, the leader of the infamous Hatfield Clan. The governor can’t run for a second term. He had himself set up for that US Senate seat two years ago, but the states ratified the Seventeenth Amendment the year before, allowing for direct election of US Senators, yanking the power away from the corrupt state legislatures and manipulators like Hatfield. My father was in the first class of US Senators elected by the people. His death, and the talk of the money now make more sense. But not the appointment.
Webster doesn’t let the mystery linger long. He leans against the foot of the bed, speaking like we’re old pals now. “Of course your status as a war hero will make you a popular choice. There will be a special election. As you know, Senators are now elected by the people,” he nods, “as they should be. The governor is ready to appoint you to serve in your father’s seat on the condition that you will endorse him in the special election and campaign for him. In return, he is willing to further support your career. Perhaps as a congressional candidate. Congressman Patrick Pierce has a nice ring to it, I think.” He pushes off the bed and smiles at me. “So, can I give the governor the good news then?”
I glower at him. I’ve never wanted to stand so much in my whole life, to be able to walk this demon to the front door and toss him out.
“I know the circumstances aren’t ideal, but we must all rise to the occasion.” Webster nods toward the leg. “And with your… limitations, it could be a good fit. You’re not likely to find better work—”
“Get out.”
“Now, Mr. Pierce, I know—”
“You heard me. And don’t come back. You’ve got the only answer you’re ever going to get. Tell that thug Hatfield to do his own dirty work, or maybe one of his cousins. I hear they’re good at it.”
He steps toward me, but Helena catches him by the arm. “This way, Mr. Webster.”
When he’s gone, she returns. “I’m very sorry about your parents.”
“As am I. My mother was very kind, and very loving.” I know she can see how sad I am now, but I can’t hold it any more.
“Can I bring you anything?” I can tell she didn’t mean to, but her eyes dart to where the bottle would sit beside the bed.
“Yes. A doctor. For my leg.”
CHAPTER 74
Situation Room
Clocktower HQ
New Delhi, India
Dorian lingered by the door, surveying the situation room. It looked almost like mission control for a NASA launch. Several rows of analysts were speaking into headsets and working computers that controlled the drones. On the long wall, a patchwork of screens showed telemetry from the drones: scenes of mountains and forests.
Dmitry had been coordinating the search. The burly Russian looked as though he hadn’t slept since the explosions in China. He pushed his way through the throngs of analysts and joined Dorian at the back of the room. “We’ve got nothing so far. There’s just too much area to search.”
“What about satellite surveillance?”
“Still waiting on it.”
“Why? What’s taking so long?”
“Repositioning takes time, and there’s so much area to cover.”
Dorian watched the screens for a moment. “Start shaking the bushes.”
“Shaking?”
“Burning,” Dorian said as he turned and led Dmitry to the door, out of earshot of the analysts. “See what falls out. My guess is Warner is in one of those monasteries. Where are we on Toba?”
“The bodies are on planes bound for Europe, North America, Australia, and China. The live ones are in local hospitals in India and—” he checked his watch, “Bangladesh within the hour.”
“Reports?”
“Nothing so far.”
At least there was some good news.
CHAPTER 75
The next morning, Milo was waiting on Kate, just as he had the previous morning. How long did he sit there, waiting for her to wake up?
Kate rose and found the bowl of breakfast waiting in the same place. She and Milo exchanged their morning pleasantries, and he again led her to David’s room.