Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [61]
Wang knew Lin Cheng’s visit would be a game-changer, but it would also require a major redirection of efforts to fully capitalize on Lin’s rare visit to a foreign country. The Chinese delegation would be dumbfounded to hear of Lin’s willingness to submit to well-staged media interviews. The practical logistics of beefed-up security and coordination between American and Chinese security agencies added a whole new dimension to the mission.
Given Lin Cheng’s desire for better relations with the United States, Wang knew his meeting with Jack McCarty was suddenly a matter of greater importance. While Jack was more of an energy and climate guy, he kept abreast of Washington news, and his backdoor access to the White House might come in handy. The thought saddened him, however. He loved Jack like a brother, and while there was much he wanted to discuss with him regarding the energy and climate situation, he also wanted to simply enjoy the company of his friend. He resolved to do his best to be up-front and genuine with him despite the pressures of their political connections. He would call Jack later tonight to confirm their meeting; he only wished Lin Cheng had scheduled an earlier arrival so that he could have met Jack.
Wang Peng looked down at his half-eaten steak as the effects of jet lag took hold of his body, and he dozed off with a premonition that this would be a world-changing week.
22
The White House
25 September 2017
The thousands of workers making their Monday-morning commute into the nation’s capital had no idea it was to be an historic day, talked about for generations to come. Lyman Burkmeister awoke from a pleasant night’s sleep, but his mind churned as he thought about how the day might unfold. He prayed for the strength to handle the emotional and physical roller coaster he was about to ride.
Last night’s bout with nausea and severe abdominal pain hadn’t helped matters any. Thank goodness, Doc Toomay was there within minutes to see him. “What’s going on, Doc? Why are these things happening?” asked Burkmeister in anguish.
“This may only be a temporary thing, Mr. President, or it may be that the next stage of the disease is kicking in sooner than we had expected. I just don’t know at this time, and there aren’t many tests that can be given now to ascertain the precise stage you are in.”
“Doc, no one but my Maker knows when my time will come, but I’m asking you as a friend, what is your gut telling you? How much effective time do I have left? I need to make sure the transition to Clayton McCarty is done as smoothly as possible. I don’t want this to be a deathbed hand-off.”
“We don’t know that for sure, Mr. President, and medical science is not …”
“Doc,” the president interrupted, exasperated, “I didn’t ask you what medical science thought, and I won’t sue you if you’re wrong. I’m just asking you, man-to-man, as an outstanding medical doctor for over thirty years, what is your gut telling you about how much effective time I have left?”
Admiral Toomay, obviously startled by Burkmeister’s stern command, pondered his response before answering.
“Mr. President, here it is: I think your doctors at Walter Reed are overly optimistic about your prognosis. The attack you had a little while ago, your color, and general demeanor are all telling me that it may only be a matter of weeks for you. If what I think is happening is, indeed, happening, I don’t think you have an effective timeframe that will get you through the end of the next month. We can keep you comfortable, to be sure, but it will mean an increased dose of painkillers that will prevent you from having the clear head you need for your job. I’m sorry to be so blunt, Mr. President, but you asked, and that’s really how it’s looking to me right now.”
“Thanks, Doc,” said Burkmeister, trying to maintain his composure. “That’s very important information for me to have, and I really do appreciate your candor. I’ll take the pain pill you left with me tonight, and we’ll see how things go tomorrow. Thanks so much for coming.”
“Indeed, Mr. President,