A Heartbeat Away - Michael Palmer [123]
“You assume correctly,” Ellis said.
“And I used version twenty-three of the bill, is that correct as well?”
“Yes it is. Well done. Now, have you been able to locate Jordan Lamar? As architect of the Capitol, we need his support to make everything happen as I’ve planned.”
“I haven’t tried to find him yet,” Gladstone said, “but I don’t believe that will be necessary.”
“I want those television cameras turned back on, Leland. Our dear Mr. Jordan is the only person with the authority to defy the president and restore those transmissions. It’s essential the American people be made aware of the truth. They must see with their own eyes the reason why I have been negotiating with Genesis.”
Gladstone peered over Ellis’s shoulder.
“I’m saying it won’t be necessary to find him,” he explained, “because it appears he has found us.”
Ellis turned to see Lamar, Bethany Townsend, and the president heading toward them. All three looked gravely concerned.
“We haven’t seen Vice President Tilden in over an hour,” Allaire said, without a greeting. “Have either of you seen him?”
Ellis’s eyes narrowed.
“No, I haven’t,” she said. “Not for hours. Leland? You?”
“Nope. He was in line here when all the craziness started, but that was the last time I saw him.”
“Well, keep your eyes out. He’s on treatment for high blood pressure.”
Ellis tried to make eye contact with Townsend, hoping she might bring up the meeting the three of them had, but the physician looked away.
Enough is enough, Ellis decided.
“President Allaire,” she said, “as long as you’re here, I think you should know that I’ve had a change of plans regarding my committee.”
“I hope that change involves your disbanding it,” the president said.
“Actually, my current plan is to seek cooperation from the Committee on Rules, in hopes that they will grant privileged status to a special rule for a specific legislative measure that I intend to bring to the House floor for consideration.”
Allaire looked appalled.
“I’ve had enough of your antics, Ursula,” he exclaimed. “We’re involved in a deadly crisis of unparalleled scope, and you have been nothing but an impediment to resolving it.”
Ellis urged herself not to become rattled.
“Well, I’m afraid, Mr. President, that the rules of the House preclude your displeasure from interfering with permitted congressional business. Besides, you are in no position to be combative with me. That will only cause you trouble. Just ask your Dr. Townsend, here.”
Allaire turned to his physician, concern drawing a shadow across his face.
“What is she talking about, Bethany?”
Townsend shuffled her feet and struggled to make eye contact with the president.
“I … have some serious concerns about your ability to control your emotions,” Townsend responded, “especially your temper.” She paused to give Ellis a venomous stare. “I witnessed your outburst myself, and as is my duty to the country, I brought my concerns to the attention of Vice President Tilden and the speaker of the house.”
“Why would you do that?” Allaire asked with the sting of betrayal evident in his voice.
“You know what infection with the WRX virus can do to any of us. It could become incumbent on them to initiate the proceedings.”
“By proceedings,” Allaire said, now straining to remain calm, “you mean my forcible removal from office.”
Townsend nodded somewhat sheepishly.
“You demonstrated behavior that you, yourself, had warned me about, sir.”
Ellis’s inward smile broadened.
“Yes, Mr. President,” she chimed in, “you never told most of us, but you warned Dr. Townsend and your inner circle about the true dangers of this virus. Isn’t that correct?”
“What are you talking about?” Allaire demanded.
“Why, the virus,” Ellis said saccharinely. “I’m talking about the dreadfully lethal virus you called the flu—the virus that is going to kill us all unless somebody does something drastic.”
“It is not always lethal,” Allaire countered.
“Oh, the fuck it isn