Eye for an Eye by Ben Coes Read Free Book Online Page B

there.”
    “Gentle?” she asked. “Are we talking about the same guy?”
    “You look like you just stepped off a Hollywood set, Jessica.”
    Jessica blushed light red.
    “Thank you,” she said. “Dewey and I are leaving for Argentina at lunchtime. I thought I’d wear my travel outfit to work.”
    The morning sun shone brightly through the French doors, creating a checkered, geometric pattern on the tan leather. Dellenbaugh reached forward and poured two cups of coffee from the silver service atop the table, handing one to Jessica.
    Dellenbaugh raised the cup to his lips to take a sip.
    “So what’s up?”
    “I’m resigning,” said Jessica.
    Dellenbaugh paused as he was about to take a sip. For a moment, he didn’t move.
    “I know the timing isn’t great, sir. But I want you to know it has nothing to do with you or the team here. I love my job.”
    The president put the coffee cup back down on the table. He leaned back, put his hand to his tie, loosened it, then unbuttoned the top of his shirt.
    “Wow. I definitely was not expecting that. You and Hector are the linchpins of our national security team. You more than anyone. I need you here.”
    “I’m sorry, Mr. President.”
    “Does Hector know?”
    “Not even Dewey knows,” said Jessica. “I felt it was my duty to inform you first.”
    “Is there something wrong?”
    “Not at all. I love it here. And, President Dellenbaugh, I truly enjoy working with you. To be perfectly frank, I didn’t think I would. I thought after President Allaire died, I’d hate my job and resent you. But the opposite is true. You’re doing a fantastic job. Every day has been a blast. I understand now why Rob Allaire asked you to be his vice president. And, you’ve given me the freedom to do my work, and you’ve given me your trust. That’s all a national security advisor can ask for.”
    Dellenbaugh ran his hand back through his hair.
    “You didn’t answer me, Jess.”
    “I’m thirty-seven years old,” said Jessica. “I’ve got a wedding to plan, and that’s just for starters. I also want to make some money, sir. I’ve never held a job outside of government.”
    “There’s plenty of time for that,” said Dellenbaugh. “You are at the center of this administration. You are a critical component to our national security. This might sound corny, but we need you. America needs you.”
    Jessica smiled.
    “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to hear you say that. But I’ve made up my mind.”
    Jessica’s eyes were red with emotion.
    Dellenbaugh paused, then smiled. He stared at Jessica in silence for several moments. He sighed.
    “I understand,” he whispered. “I understand, and, as sad as I am right now, I’m very proud of you. How much time do I have?”
    “A while,” said Jessica. “I’d like to work with you to find the best possible individual to serve as your next national security advisor. Then, from the private sector somewhere, I’d like to remain your friend, as well as be a part of the team that gets you reelected in two years.”
    Dellenbaugh laughed.
    “Jessica, I can’t stop you. But I’m going to try and talk you out of it.”
    “I’ll always listen to anything you have to say, President Dellenbaugh.”
    Jessica stood up. She walked around the coffee table and put her hand out, but Dellenbaugh ignored her outstretched hand and wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug.
    “You have fun down there, will you?” he said.
    “I will. Thank you, Mr. President. I’ll check in from the ranch.”
    “Don’t do that,” said Dellenbaugh. “You’re on vacation. I’ve got things covered here. You go have fun with Dewey. Let him know I already ordered him a new helmet and a decent pair of skates.”

 
    8
    MINISTRY OF STATE SECURITY
BEIJING
    Headquarters for the Ministry of State Security comprised six large buildings in a sprawling rectangular campus on the southern outskirts of Beijing, the buildings connected underground by