Call to Treason - Tom Clancy [39]
"So often that I've stopped listening," Rodgers admitted.
"Most Americans have tuned out, General Rodgers, which is why we need to get their attention. We need to make a dramatic new start fast, no wasted time." On-leaned forward in his chair. "I am about to announce my candidacy for the presidency. I will be asking the admiral to be my running mate. None of that will surprise anyone. However, what I will be asking for in my acceptance speech will be different from typical convention rhetoric. I will demand what we are calling FAIR change.
That's full American infrastructure reform. Everything from the judicial system to Social Security will be reorganized to serve the people who need them."
"That's going to take clout and money," Rodgers said.
"The funds will come from misguided programs, such as the billions we spend annually in unappreciated foreign aid and foreign products," Orr said. "If other nations want access to our consumers, it will cost them in tariffs. As for clout, I'll get that from the people of this country. We've forgotten the electorate, General Rodgers. If necessary, we will hold monthly plebiscites to decide issues.
Representatives who oppose the wishes of their constituents will become former representatives."
"It's a program with hair on its chest, I'll give you that," Rodgers said.
Orr sat back. "But?"
"I'm from 'show me' Missouri by way of hell," Rodgers said. "I'm a starry-eyed pessimist."
"I like that," Admiral Link confessed.
"Hope for something good but expect the worst," On-said.
"I would say 'anticipate it," " Rodgers said.
"Sam Houston was like that, and look what he accomplished," Orr said.
"He built a state."
Rodgers grinned. "But then, he was from Texas. I'm from Connecticut."
Orr smiled broadly. "Texas is a state of heart, not just geography.
General, we're a little different from you, the admiral and I. We are cautious optimists about how FAIR will be received. Regardless, once our campaign is under way, I will need a military adviser, one with chops. A man who has been out there getting his hands dirty and who also understands intelligence work. One who will become the secretary of defense in an Orr administration."
"You are uniquely qualified," Link added.
"I'm also a little confused," Rodgers said. "Are you making me an offer?"
The senator laughed. That one was a short stage laugh. "As I said, Texas is in here." Orr touched his chest. "I watched how you walked into the office. That's the way I want my cabinet members to step to a podium."
Rodgers was flattered and also suspicious. Either Orr was hooking him for some other reason, or he was exactly as he said: a straight-shooting politician.
"General, may I ask how things are at Op-Center?" Link said.
"Why?" Rodgers asked. "What have you heard?"
"Not much," Link replied.
"In D.C.? That's unlikely," Rodgers said.
"He's got you there, Ken." Orr laughed, once again for real.
"Touche," the admiral said. "The truth is, we just heard they're spearheading the investigation into the murder of William Wilson."
"Really?" Rodgers said.
Link was watching him. "You seem surprised."
"I am. Who's the point man?"
"I don't know. But whoever it is, he's good," Link replied. "He's the one who found signs of trauma under the tongue that the medical examiner missed. He turned this from a heart attack to a homicide."
"I see," Rodgers replied.
That sounded like a street-smart "get" by Darrell McCaskey. Op-Center must have become involved at the request of Interpol or Scotland Yard.
"General, we heard that the CIOC has instructed Op-Center to make budget cuts," Link went on. "Why would Director Hood take on an outside project like this in an environment trending toward austerity and realignment?"
"You would have to ask him," Rodgers said.
"Of course," Orr said. "Ken, you're asking General Rodgers to breach departmental confidentiality "
"Actually, it's more than that," Rodgers informed the men. "This morning I learned that I am part of those bottom-line reductions. My tenure as deputy director is effectively