Cyber Attack by Bobby Akart Read Free Book Online Page A

impact all of this will have on the American people,” said Jarrett. “Whatever one might think of the euro, the possibility of its total collapse, or even rampant speculation about its collapse, is going to devastate economic growth in Europe and will negatively impact our own economy. If this news creates market volatility with no feasible solutions, then U.S. consumers will be hesitant to spend money in the face of the economic uncertainty.”
    “Each of you has a unique role and contribution to the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board,” added NSA Rice. “I want a full assessment of these events from your perspective to be presented in tomorrow morning’s briefing. Ordinarily, I believe there is little that time and money can’t solve. We are short on both, people.”
     

Chapter 11
    May 15, 2016
    John Morgan Residence
    39 Sears Road
    Brookline, Massachusetts
     
    “Sir, this is Katie O’Shea. I have just left the Situation Room at the White House.” Morgan gestured for Lowe to leave the billiards room and close the door behind him. He looked at Abigail before responding.
    “Yes, Miss O’Shea,” said Morgan. “What do you have for me?”
    “I was called to an emergency meeting in the Situation Room conducted by Secretary Lew,” said Katie. “The Eurozone will collapse tomorrow. Greece, Spain and Italy are all intentionally defaulting on their payments to the IMF. Portugal is expected to follow suit. Banks across Europe will be closed indefinitely as the Germans and French sort things out.”
    “Anything else?” asked Morgan. He looked at Abigail to assess her mood.
    “Yes, sir,” said Katie. “Valerie Jarrett was also present throughout the meeting. Her primary concern was market volatility and the lack of a feasible solution.”
    “Interesting. Who will be running point on behalf of the administration with the media?”
    “Secretary Lew,” responded Katie.
    “Thank you, Miss O’Shea. Keep me informed.” Morgan ended the call. He turned his attention to Abigail.
    “Is everything okay?” she asked.
    “Tomorrow the house of cards formerly known as the Eurozone will come to an end,” said Morgan. “Greece, Spain and Italy are willfully defaulting on their obligations to the International Monetary Fund. All banks across Europe will be closed until further notice. This will have global repercussions on the markets.” Morgan saw Abigail look at him with skepticism.
    “Did you know this was going to happen?”
    “I did.”
    “For how long?” she asked.
    “I’ve known for several weeks, Abigail,” replied Morgan, who was growing weary of his daughter’s tone. There is work to be done .
    “So you knew the compromise on the NDAA reached Friday night would be buried by the financial catastrophe in Europe?”
    “Yes, I did—for several weeks now,” replied Morgan. Both of them stood silently for a long moment.
    “I understand, Father. Thank you.” Perhaps his daughter was beginning to understand the burdens he carried. She came to hug him—a rare, brief moment of affection between them.
    “You’re welcome, Abigail,” said Morgan. Morgan opened the doors and spoke to Lowe, who was dutifully waiting outside.
    “Malcolm, discreetly advise the others to meet me in the study to discuss a serious matter.” He walked across the hallway towards his study. He turned to Abigail, who followed him.
    “It is best that you are not present in this meeting, Abigail,” said Morgan. He noticed the look of hurt on her face. “You do understand the reasons?”
    “Of course, Father, plausible deniability.”
     
    ***
     
    Morgan walked to the bar and poured himself a Macallan. Not bad, but certainly not his beloved Scotch whisky—Glengoyne, which was in short supply. As he took a moment to gather his thoughts, he admired the renovations to his study. Intricate walnut carvings adorned the walls, filling the room with the colors of chocolate brown and smoky swirls of honey. This was a man’s