A Heartbeat Away - Michael Palmer [124]
A primitive rage twisted Allaire’s expression. Ellis took a cautious step backward.
“You had no right going into that room,” he said. “I am the president. It is my job to make decisions that are in the best interest of this country. Telling the whole truth about WRX3883 would have caused a panic here and on the outside that would have endangered everyone. I could not take the chance of triggering a pandemic.”
“Wrong, Mr. President. I have the inalienable right to life, same as every man, woman, and child whose survival you’ve so callously put at risk.”
Jordan Lamar looked concerned.
“What is she talking about, Jim?” he asked. “You told us the virus wasn’t that dangerous.”
“He lied to you, Jordan,” Ellis said. “He lied to us all. And what I propose we do is turn those network television cameras back on and show the American people exactly what it is that we’re facing.”
“Just what are we facing, Ursula?” the architect asked.
“A certain and horrible death, that’s what. But this legislation I plan to present will guarantee us the delivery of an antiviral treatment.”
Allaire’s jaw fell slack. His look was of total dismay and disbelief.
“You’re mad,” he said. “Absolutely mad.”
“A no vote to what I’m proposing would be no different than putting a gun to our heads and pulling the trigger.”
“Don’t listen to her, Jordan,” Allaire insisted. “She doesn’t have the facts. She can’t deliver what she’s promising.”
“Is it true, sir?” Lamar asked. “Did you lie to us?”
“I did what I believed was right—for all of us.”
For the first time, there was little conviction in his voice.
“The virus is going to kill us,” Ellis repeated. “I have proof I can show you. And it will be a horrible death, Jordan. But I tell you again, I’ve secured us an antiviral treatment.”
“How?” Allaire shouted at her. “How is that possible, Ursula, when the only person who could deliver a treatment is working with us?”
“We pass my bill, and Genesis will deliver the antiviral treatment. They got the virus, they have the treatment.”
Allaire went pale.
“What have you done?” he managed.
“I’ve cut a deal with them,” she said. “This bill—their bill—for our lives. And before you say we don’t negotiate with terrorists, I want everybody to see what is going to become of us. Jordan, get this video to play for everybody inside this chamber. And I want to simultaneously broadcast it to the American people. No more lies. No more deception. The time has come to do what must be done. Let’s get that broadcast going.”
“Jordan, don’t!” Allaire exclaimed. “Our scientist is getting close. He’s nearing a breakthrough. Whatever this—this madwoman has been promised by the terrorists is a lie. I’m telling you the truth. There is no treatment yet. No cure. You will severely impede our ability to operate if you undermine my authority here.”
“Give me the BlackBerry,” Lamar said to Ursula. “I want to see the video myself.”
“Jordan, no!”
But Lamar snatched the device from Ellis’s outstretched hand and turned his back to keep the president from taking it away. The architect’s shoulders slumped as he watched the horrific recording. Ellis could hear the tinny audio track sounding through the BlackBerry’s mono speaker. She heard the grunts and the screams. The sound of vomiting. The gunshot.
“Mr. President, what have you done?” Lamar asked.
“Jordan, don’t do it!” the president said again.
“I am the architect of the Capitol, sir. If I wish to broadcast chamber activities, the rules governing this facility permit me to do just that.”
“You will be committing a treasonous act,” Allaire warned.
Lamar shook his head grimly.
“Then that will be an action of which we will both be guilty, Mr. President,” he said. “Madam Speaker, I’ll arrange for the broadcast.”
Lamar turned on his heels and quickly walked away.
“Come back here!” Allaire cried out. “Come back here this instant!”
The president grabbed the armrest of