Murder at the Opera - Margaret Truman [73]
Montgomery, who consumed less of the matching chair, nodded. “I’ve had some briefings on the case from our Justice Department. One thing we don’t need is for the press to make an international incident out of it
Colmes laughed heartily. “They are capable of that, aren’t they? Before we know it, one of your television commentators will find something untoward about our meeting like this before the dinner
“I wouldn’t doubt it. I do want you to know that our local police are doing everything possible to find the murderer and bring him to justice. I’m told the young lady was quite a promising singer
“My understanding, too. You enjoy opera, don’t you, Arthur?”
“Yes, I do, not to the extent Pamela does, but I respond to the spectacle onstage, the incredible voices, the drama of it all. It’s a little like politics, I suppose
“I’ve never developed a taste,” Colmes said. “I prefer country-and-western music. At least I like the voters to believe that’s my musical choice. The common man and all
“That was the problem with Adlai Stevenson when he twice ran for president,” Montgomery said. “Maybe if he’d played the fiddle, he would have done better
“I’m sure he would have,” Colmes said, eliciting a smile from the president, who was well aware that his Canadian counterpart was a lot more sophisticated than he let on.
Montgomery checked his watch. “Let’s get to the meat of this little get-together, Bruce. My intelligence people tell me that this latest al-Qaeda threat has what they’re terming ‘a Canadian connection.’ What the hell is that all about?”
“We’re trying to ascertain the same thing on our end,” Colmes said. “Our people have been in close contact with your intelligence agencies, unlike the way your FBI and CIA function together
“We’re getting better at it,” Montgomery said, knowing that the jibe was without barbs. They’d discussed this subject on earlier occasions.
“So I hear. I was briefed on the situation this morning before coming to Washington. It’s the considered opinion of our intelligence that al-Qaeda has decided to forgo large, bigger-than-life strikes, as happened on your nine-eleven, and concentrate on smaller but symbolic targets—namely, people like you, Arthur
“I should be flattered
“And concerned
“The president is always a target. History proves that. Goes with the job. Security is good around here, and has been enhanced since the latest raising of the threat level
“Still
“I know, I know. If someone really wants to get you, they probably will. But I’m not concerned. Have they named me specifically?”
“What do your people say?”
“Nothing so specific, except…”
“Except that the threat might come by way of Canada,” Colmes said.
“That’s what I’m told,” the president said. “Makes me wonder whether an assassin will come riding into the White House wearing a red Mountie uniform and pronouncing ‘roof’ funny
“Pronouncing it differently, Arthur. Differently
Montgomery laughed. “I stand corrected
“Obviously,” Colmes said, “we need more specifics. Hopefully, there’ll be additional intelligence to provide it. Right now, all your people and ours know is that al-Qaeda plans to assassinate high-profile leaders here in the States rather than attempt to hijack airplanes again. I suppose they could coordinate such an attack for maximum impact—you know, target a dozen government leaders for a simultaneous strike, one or two of your governors here or there, a few of your senators, a cabinet member.” He hesitated. “The children of a prominent figure
Montgomery’s eyes narrowed and his jaw worked. That same scenario had been presented to him only a few days earlier during an intelligence briefing, a what-if? exercise, one of three offered by his briefers.
“The British have been helpful,” Montgomery said.
“They sometimes are,” Colmes said.
“Our Homeland Security people have been briefed by British go-betweens,” Montgomery said. “The border with you has been beefed up. In the meantime, life goes on
“As it must. I want you to know that