Collateral Damage - Marc Cerasini [88]
"Is that so?" Jack folded his arms.
"Sure. You and I will probably be asked to testify when all of this is over, but let's face it: this mess happened in his region, under his watch, as a direct result of his managerial policies." Henderson shook his head. "If Brice Holman had been supported instead of shut down, the terrorists could have been stopped. I'd say Wheelock's career is hanging by a thread that's about to snap, which doesn't leave anyone high enough to authorize the action."
Jack's gaze narrowed. "I don't give a rat's ass about Wheelock's career. What I can't believe is you, trying to find another authority to hide behind." He rose to his feet. "We can take action now. You and I. So we face charges, go to prison? So what? It's a small price to pay to save our country."
Henderson arched an eyebrow. "Spoken like a true patriot."
Jack loomed over Henderson. "You're forgetting that Brice Holman and others have already paid the ultimate price. If we do this, they won't have died in vain. And we'll be ensuring America's security."
Henderson glanced away.
"Look," Jack said in a calmer voice, "if you want to pass the buck, then I have a name for you. Tell him everything you know and he'll back you. He's got the clout to bury an assassination, too. I know, because he's done it before. I haven't met him, you understand? And I can't tell you how I know, but I know..."
As Jack's voice trailed off, Henderson rose to his full height, finally meeting Jack's eyes. "Okay," he said. "Who is this magic man?"
"The Chairman of the Special Defense Appropriation Committee," Jack replied. "Senator David Palmer of Maryland."
* * *
4:18:16 A.M. EDT
Crampton Street
Newark, New Jersey
"Slip this into your pocket," Tony said, handing Judith Foy the dead driver's cell phone.
"What's it for?"
"Keep the line open and I can hear most of what's going on around you, though obviously you can't hear me." Tony shrugged. "It's not like wearing a wire, but it will do in a pinch."
"So if this plan all turns to crap, you'll rush in like the cavalry in a John Ford movie?" Judith said with a smile.
"Something like that," he replied. "CTU knows everything we know, and probably more. CTU knows there's a biological warfare lab in the warehouse, and they know the address of the Thirteen Gang's headquarters. Once we determine Ibrahim Noor is inside, the tactical teams will be dispatched and CTU will raid the entire block."
Tony paused, then met her gaze. "You don't have to do this, you know."
"Yes I do," Judith insisted. "Noor needs this metal box, so he or his minions will let me in. Once I'm inside, I can feed you intelligence, let you know if Noor is present. Maybe we can stop something bad before it happens this time."
"I'll be no further than across the street, even if you can't see me," Tony vowed. "Use the panic phrase if you get in trouble. I'll do what I can to get you out."
Agent Foy nodded, her face pale under the ball cap.
"Remember: Semper fi," Tony said.
Judith nodded. "I should have figured you for a jarhead, Almeida," she said before stepping into the shadowy urban landscape.
* * *
4:20:07 A.M. EDT
CTU Headquarters, NYC
Jack Bauer barged into Layla Abernathy's office.
"Forgot how to knock, Agent Bauer?" she asked.
He closed the door. "I need to talk to you."
"Make it quick, I'm typing my resignation..."
Jack switched off her computer. Layla threw up her arms. Jack saw needle marks in her wrists, forearms. He pointed.
"Henderson did that?"
Layla dropped her hands to her lap. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Don't resign," Jack said. "At least wait twenty-four hours. See this crisis through. Then you can quit if you still want to."
"Why?" Layla cried. "For a country that betrayed me? For an organization that had me tortured?"
"For innocent people who don't deserve what's happening to them now, or what may happen to them in the next few hours," Jack countered. "If you quit and something terrible happens, trust me, you won't