Games of State - Tom Clancy [116]
Less than fifty five years after Hitler's death, the monsters could actually become a political force in the U.S., Hood thought.
"Broken dreams of harmony instead of broken windows," Hood said. "It's a nightmare."
Rodgers said, "Paul, we can still stop this thing. If we can expose Dominique's operation to the people, they'll see how they were manipulated."
"If you can tell me how to get to him," Hood said, "I'll be happy to do it."
"There may be a way," Rodgers said. "I've just spoken with Colonel Bernard Ballon of France's Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale. He's in Toulouse and he's after the same quarry as we are, albeit for different reasons."
"Different how?" Hood asked as Hausen entered the inner office. The German looked distraught.
Rodgers said, "Ballon believes that Gerard Dominique is the head of a group of French terrorists known as the New Jacobins. Their activities against immigrants certainly fit what we know about Dominique."
"And what does the Colonel plan to do with Dominique?" Hood asked.
Hood saw Hausen's eyes sweep past Nancy and lock on him when he mentioned the name.
"We didn't discuss that," Rodgers said. "Officially, I gather he's supposed to arrest him and his bunch. But with Dominique's money and influence, Ballon is obviously worried he'll get off."
"Not necessarily," Hood said. He was still looking at Hausen and thinking about the murder of the two girls. "What about unofficially?"
Rodgers said, "From my talk with Ballon, he sounds like the kind of guy who'd love to see him accidentally-on-purpose fall down a flight of concrete steps."
Hood said, "I take it, Mike, you've got some way we can work together."
"Just one," said Rodgers. "He needs accurate information and satellite surveillance just isn't cutting it."
"Say no more," said Hood. He glanced over at Matt Stoll's innocent-looking backpack. "How do I contact Colonel Ballon?" '
As Hood wrote down the telephone number, he watched Hausen. He had seen the German get agitated before, but now his face revealed something more. It was as though the veneer of two and a half decals had suddenly flaked away leaving only hate, naked and unashamed. Hood told Rodgers he"d let him know what was happening, and reminded McCaskey to keep him briefed on what Herbert was doing. Then he hung up and looked at Hausen.
"How did you make out?" Hood asked.
"Poorly," said Hausen. "The French Ambassador will 'let me know' if we can come in. Which in diplomatese means to go to hell." The eyes dug into him. "What is all this about Dominique?"
Hood said, "There's a Gendarmerie Nationale officer who is in Toulouse and is eager to hand M. Dominique his head." He looked at Nancy. "Sorry, but that's how it is."
Her mouth scrunched unhappily. "I understand," she said, "but I think I'd better be going."
She turned to go. Hood stepped toward her and grabbed her hand.
"Nancy, don't go back there."
"Why?" she asked. "You think I need someone's protection to survive a shitstorm?"
Hausen turned toward Stoll and Lang and busied himself with learning about the game.
Hood led her a few steps away, toward the back of the office. "This shitstorm, yes," he said. "If Ballon gets in, everyone at Demain will be investigated, and as far back as possible."
"There are statutes of limitations."
"That's true," Hood said. "There won't be legal ramifications. But think about blacklists. What company will hire someone who has committed industrial espionage or embezzled or was involved in insider trading?"
"A company