A Better World

CHAPTER 42

“I’m not convinced.”

Secretary of Defense Owen Leahy stared across the coffee table at the president of the United States and thought, This can’t be happening again.

“I understand,” Clay continued, “that a military response may be necessary. But I’m not convinced I need to take that step now. Epstein and I are still in discussion.”

“Sir, the situation in Cleveland—”

“I know what’s happening in Cleveland. People are hungry and scared and angry, and they want a quick fix, want to know that payback has been doled out.”

“It’s more than that—”

“Luckily, we live in a republic, which means that they elect us for the exact reason that in a time of crisis, it probably shouldn’t be the victims calling the shots.” Clay stroked his chin. “Attacking the New Canaan Holdfast won’t get blankets or food into Cleveland.”

“It’s not about food and blankets. It’s about the fact that terrorists are operating with impunity on American soil.”

“An attack on the NCH won’t disrupt the Children of Darwin. Intelligence suggests that it’s unlikely they report directly to anyone in the Holdfast.”

All right, enough. Leahy said, “Sir, that’s not the point, and I need you to stop acting like this is a graduate seminar and we’re debating.”

Clay’s eyes flashed. “Excuse me?”

“This isn’t the time for a lecture on the benefits of living in a republic. Do I need to lay it all out for you?”

“What you need to do is watch that tone.”

Leahy almost laughed. For years, simply microchipping the gifted had seemed a difficult enough goal. Now there was the opportunity to do so much more. He had no intention of letting Clay’s soft sensibilities get in the way of that.

And every normal in America should hit their knees and thank us for it. Because our work, unsavory as it may be, is all that is protecting their children.

“Now, if that’s all . . .”

“It’s not.” Leahy leaned forward, enumerating on his fingers. “Here are the facts. Three cities are under terrorist control. Casualties are in the thousands, property destruction in the hundreds of millions. Faith in the government is the lowest in history. All over the country, people are stockpiling food, hiding in their basements.” That was five, and he switched to his left hand, kept counting. “John Smith is at large in the New Canaan Holdfast. Erik Epstein is a puppet, and we’re not certain for whom. Our intelligence shows that Holdfast technology already outstrips our own. We know they’re manufacturing weapons and funding research labs developing God knows what. And now the American ambassador to the Holdfast has been murdered in public, in front of his family.” He held up all ten fingers. “Do I need to go on?”

“Owen—”

“No, sir. No more discussion, no more thinking it over. For the good of the country, it’s time to act. You have to give the order to attack. You have to do it right—”

“I don’t have to do a goddamn thing.” Clay leaned forward. “I’m the president of the United States. I decide when we attack. If you can’t deal with that, I’ll accept your resignation right now. Do you get me?”

The grandfather clock in the corner ticked off the seconds. Leahy shrugged, said, “I get you.”

“Good.” Clay rose. He turned his back and went to his desk, the dismissal evident.

Ah well. You knew it might come to this. Leahy said, “But you’re only half right.”

The man spun. “Owen, I swear to—”

“You are the president.” Leahy flashed a thin smile. “But you’re not the only one who can order an attack.”