Hostage (Bodyguard #1)(84)
PRESIDENT’S DAUGHTER TAKEN HOSTAGE!
A clip from the terrorists’ video showed Alicia with a gun to her head. Even though he’d already seen it once, President Mendez clenched his fists and shuddered with a combination of cold horror and burning rage. He was one of the most powerful men in the world yet felt utterly powerless to help his own daughter.
The image was replaced with a soundbite of the President addressing a press conference the previous year. ‘America stands strong against the threat of terrorism,’ he was saying. ‘We don’t negotiate with terrorists and never will …’
The strapline running along the bottom of the screen read: WHAT WILL THE PRESIDENT DO NOW?
The segment came to an end and the monitor filled with scenes of outraged crowds in Times Square calling for Alicia’s release. Some were weeping, others were angry, while a growing number were baying for blood.
Finally, the bulletin switched to a view of a dusty compound outside Sana’a. Eight bodies were laid out, surrounded by wailing families. The headline ran: ATTACK ON FARMERS’ COMPOUND – AN ‘INNOCENT’ MISTAKE?
The newsreel ended on images of spontaneous protests and the burning of American flags in the capital cities of the Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
‘Those men weren’t innocent,’ growled General Shaw, pounding a fist into his palm. ‘They were drug dealers. The SEAL unit uncovered a mass shipment of opium in the compound. That’s why it was so heavily guarded.’
‘The Yemeni people won’t see it that way,’ replied Jennifer. The secretary of state stood by the door, her arms crossed, a frown on her face. ‘And their government are viewing it as an invasion of sovereign territory. We’ve got a full-blown international crisis on our hands.’
‘That was always going to be the case,’ argued Karen. ‘The question is how did we get it so wrong? I know the surviving gunman admitted that Malik Hussein was behind the drug-running, but the SEAL team found no evidence of Alicia or Connor ever having been at that location.’
‘Listen, we’ll have more than enough time for analysis and blame another day,’ said President Mendez, noticing with dismay that a countdown clock had been posted on the TV newsfeed. ‘We’ve less than fifty-five minutes to meet the midnight deadline. I need to hear your views on what our next move should be. You first, Karen.’
‘I think we can all agree these terrorists won’t back down. If we don’t comply, they’ll kill Alicia – or more likely Connor first to prove their point.’
‘We don’t know that for certain,’ said Jennifer. ‘They may bluff again.’
‘The bombs were no bluff,’ reminded Karen.
George held up the list of captured terrorists. ‘How about we make a concession of a handful of prisoners? The least significant ones. Then we may be able to stall them – even seek a chance of ending this crisis.’
‘It’ll make us look weak,’ argued General Shaw, taking the side of the secretary of state. ‘Release any of them and they’ll only push for more.’
‘What about just announcing our troops’ withdrawal then? We don’t have to actually withdraw from the countries.’
Jennifer shook her head. ‘George, I know you’re seeking every possible solution. But such a declaration would send a shockwave through the Middle East. The terrorists know full well that a mere announcement would be enough to create anarchy.’
‘But if we don’t offer the terrorists some consideration at midnight, Connor could die.’
‘Much as I hate to say this,’ interjected Dirk, his steel-blue eyes hardening, ‘it’s his duty to make such a sacrifice.’
‘How can you even think such a thing?’ exclaimed Karen, shocked by her colleague’s cold-heartedness.
Dirk shifted awkwardly under her accusing gaze. ‘Look, if the terrorists kill Connor and we still hold out against their demands, then they’ve lost. They’ll realize that we can’t be forced into submission, even when lives are at stake.’
‘But we’re talking here of a child’s life,’ reminded George. ‘And how will the world view America then?’
A heavy silence descended on the room and President Mendez looked to his press secretary for her opinion.
‘The fact that Alicia and Connor are still children makes this a highly emotive issue,’ explained Lara. ‘The public and media are split on the matter. Half are calling for your daughter’s release under any circumstances, while the rest consider an iron fist should be used. If she is …’ Lara was unable to meet the President’s eyes ‘… killed, there’s a danger her blood will be on both the terrorists’ and the US Government’s hands. Whatever decision you make, Mr President, we must be seen to have done everything possible to save her and Connor.’
‘But we are, aren’t we?’ queried the President, looking round at his staff.
‘Yes,’ replied Karen quickly, ‘but I agree with Lara on this – perception is everything.’
President Mendez sighed in despair. ‘Jennifer, what do you advise?’
‘You’ve an impossible choice,’ stated Jennifer. ‘Give in to their demands and we set a dangerous precedent – one the nation may never recover from. Hold your ground and we maintain the status quo – the Brotherhood may even lose crucial support by using such terror tactics. But you risk losing your daughter. This is a no-win situation. You know my views already, but I’m not the one who has to make the ultimate decision on this.’