Chasing the Night - Iris Johansen [79]
“My God.”
“It could be less. It probably is less. I told you, red herrings. But even if it’s only half that number, it’s a disaster.”
“One city would be a disaster,” Eve said. “Two thousand people in Lima…”
“New York, Washington, Chicago,” Catherine said. “Those cities are prime targets. Where else?”
“You name it. L.A., Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis. Large population centers and areas that have patriotic or sentimental value to the American people. Strikes to the wallet and the emotions.”
“Those sons of bitches,” Joe said.
“Yes. And Rakovac is making it all possible. That’s why we have to find him. He has to have all the information about the airport personnel who are going to help the terrorists. His people have to be on-site and ready to roll when Rakovac gives the orders. He has to have records, disks…something. You can’t touch him until I have those records, Catherine.”
Catherine was silent. “If he’s dead, then he couldn’t give any orders.”
“And what if Ali Dabala knows the names and contacts Rakovac is using and tries to initiate the attack without Rakovac’s go-ahead?”
“Listen to me.” She drew a deep breath, her hand tightening on the phone. “When I find Rakovac, his first act is going to be to try to kill Luke in front of me. He’d consider that the ultimate revenge. I’ve got to find some way to save Luke and you’re trying to take away one of the only ways I can do it. You want me to risk Luke to keep Rakovac alive until you get those records? How can I promise to—”
“Catherine, think. I know what you’re going through. But this is—”
“You don’t know what I’m going through,” she said harshly. “You’ve never known. Now you’re saying I should give up Luke on the chance that—” She drew a deep breath. “I can’t talk to you any longer. I’m not thinking straight. All I can do is feel.”
“It has to be done, Catherine,” Venable said quietly. “I have to have those records, and soon.”
“We’re not even close to finding Luke yet. We’ve just started.”
“But there’s a promise if Rakovac’s gone to the trouble of luring you into his world. Act on that promise.”
“You don’t think we are? We’re doing everything we can.”
“And I’m not seeing any signs that you’re doing much to help, Venable,” Joe said. “Don’t you have any idea where Rakovac could be?”
“I’m working on it. I’m heading for Moscow now so that I’ll be on the spot,” Venable said. “But I don’t have your advantage, Catherine. He’s waving Luke like a toreador does his cape at a bull. You might be able to get close enough to gore him.”
“After we find those records,” Joe said grimly. “Catherine’s right, it’s not a win-win situation.”
“Those people in Lima didn’t have a chance. If you want to see a no-win situation, take a look at the photos of the aftereffects of that explosion on your computer. It looks like—” Venable stopped. “It’s hell. I don’t want to have to see the same thing happen on our turf. I’ll sacrifice Catherine’s son and all the rest of you if I can stop that from happening. Now find that son of a bitch. If you tell me where he is, I’ll send an army to get him. But you’d better be damn sure that you have those records before he can destroy them.” He hung up.
The room was silent as Catherine pressed the disconnect.
“I won’t give up Luke,” she said shakily. “Venable may be ready to sacrifice all of us for the general good, but not my little boy. I can’t do that.”
“I know,” Eve said. “Venable is desperate.”
“Not my son,” Catherine said. She gazed around the room at them. “I’m actually feeling guilty. I won’t feel guilty, dammit. I won’t.”
“Venable wasn’t fair,” Joe said. “But the choice isn’t fair. I can see where he’s at.”
“Do you think I can’t?” She shook her head. “The way this damn scenario is shaping up, I may be blamed for Armageddon. Well, let them blame me. I won’t let my son be killed.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “But what about all those other children who will die if—”
“Enough of this.” Eve got to her feet. “Stop torturing yourself, Catherine. This isn’t only up to you. We’re