Collateral Damage - Marc Cerasini [95]
"The cavalry has arrived," he said, grinning. "Not that you needed us."
"Believe me, I needed you. Grab that computer and let's get out of here! This whole place is ready to blow!" she yelled, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Just then, a rolling ball of fire roared out of the tunnel.
"Out! Everybody out!" Bauer shouted, gesturing wildly.
Tony grabbed the computer. And Jack rushed up to Foy.
"Where's Noor?" he cried as they ran.
"Gone. Ten, maybe fifteen minutes ago."
Jack cursed. "And the truck?"
Judith blinked. "What truck?"
24
THE FOLLOWING TAKES PLACE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6:00 A.M. AND 7:00 A.M. EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME
2:00:02 P.M. CEST
Ungar Financial Building
Geneva, Switzerland
Robert Ellis avoided the crowd at the front of the auditorium, got in line at an entrance marked "Press" in six languages. A pair of security guards checked off every name on the list as the reporters arrived.
"Ellis, Robert, Theological News Service, New York," he said, handing over his identification. The guard checked his name against the roster and returned his ID.
"Through the metal detector and straight ahead, Mr. Ellis," the guard told him.
After he passed through the X-ray machine, a slight, effeminate man swathed in Armani stepped out of the shadows to greet him. His English was slightly fractured, but Ellis had to admit the man's pronunciation was excellent.
"Mr. Ellis! How good of you to come, sir. Archbishop Holzer had many good things to say about you. When His Excellency called with this last-minute request for an invitation, I could not refuse him."
Ellis smiled. "I appreciate your hospitality, Mr..."
"Jorg Schactenberg," he said, extending his hand. "I am Soren Ungar's amanuensis."
The man's handshake had all the warmth and life of a dead fish.
"I understand you attended this event last year," Schactenberg purred.
"Two years ago," Ellis corrected. "Last year I was away from Geneva on urgent business."
"Ah, yes," the other man replied. "Always with the business. His Excellency, the Archbishop, told me you have kept him up late many times, with talking about the philosophy and the religion — and your many amazing adventures. You have a seminary background?"
"A bachelor's degree in theology, from Fordham University in New York," Ellis replied. "And I might add that Archbishop Holzer possesses an amazing mind. I have often been a guest in his home, and it was always most stimulating."
Everything Ellis told Schactenberg was true, though if today's bit of wet work ever came to light, Ellis doubted he would ever be welcome in the Archbishop's residence again.
"I'm sure Herr Ungar's speech will be quite enlightening," Ellis added graciously.
Schactenberg offered Ellis a thin smile. "As an American, I'm sure you will hear something that interests you."
The man led Ellis behind the massive stage, to a room packed with members of the international press.
"I have reserved a place for you in the reception line, Mr. Ellis. I do believe Herr Ungar will greet all the members of the media before he delivers his address."
Ellis smiled. "I'm counting on it."
* * *
6:09:32 A.M. EDT
Aboard Raptor Three
In the light of a blazing dawn, Jack Bauer, Layla Abernathy, and Tony Almeida watched the Peralta Storage facility collapse in on itself from the air. Burning cinders rose into the smoky sky. Howard and Crampton Streets were packed with emergency vehicles, lights flashing.
"There's nothing more to see here," Jack declared, directing the pilot to return to Manhattan.
Before they lifted off, Jack used a mobile Wi-Fi broadband communications system to forward the contents of the enemy's computer to experts at Langley.
Agent Foy was aboard Raptor One, on her way to CTU's infirmary, where her injuries would be treated. Jack kept the laptop at his side once he realized it belonged to Said Kabbibi or one of his technicians.
"Morris, can you hear me?" Jack said into his headset. "Loud and clear, Jack."
"Any sign of the missing truck?"
There was a long sigh. "Jack, you're asking