Page 127 of Cross Down
Grissom stops in midturn. “What?”
Ned says, “I’m sorry to say this, sir, but no, you can’t leave.”
The general’s expression twists as he reacts to a word he’s not used to hearing:No.
“The hell I can’t,” he says. “There’s nothing on earth that’s going to keep me here.”
Ned says, “Well, U.S. code title eighteen is going to do its very best, sir. General Grissom, you’re under arrest for violating eighteen U.S. code section 1956, laundering of monetary instruments; eighteen U.S. code section 2381, treason; and eighteen U.S. code section 2384, seditious conspiracy. And that’s just the beginning. Sir, I ask you to remove your protective force as I place you into custody.”
Ned steps away from the Impala, one hand holding the pump-action shotgun, the other a dangling pair of handcuffs, and I know what’s going through the minds of Grissom and his entourage:This isn’t part of the plan!
Good.
I keep my position but I wonder how long Ned can stand like this, exposed and vulnerable. Grissom says in a steel-hard voice, “Agent Mahoney, this is intolerable. There are decisions to be made and forces on the move that are way, way above your job title.”
He turns to the four well-armed members of his security force and makes a motion, and they slide back to the protection of the parked Chevrolet Suburbans. The four Pentagon officers, seeing what’s going on, move back to the cover of their cruisers. The female army colonel stays with him.
“Ned,” I say.
But Ned walks out, one firm step at a time. Grissom says, “Not one step closer, Agent Mahoney.” Grissom looks at his watch, frowns.
We’re screwing up his schedule,I think.Outstanding.
The general says, “You have five seconds to remove yourself and your vehicle from this position. At the end of that time, if you two haven’t moved, I will tell my protective force that I am in fear for my life, and they will respond appropriately. Do you understand?”
I have the M4 in my hands. I aim and stare right back.
“Five,” Grissom begins.
Behind me, I hear thethump-thump-thumpof explosives. I don’t turn around.
“Four,” Grissom says.
I say, “Ned, you’re a brave soul, but please come back here.”
Ned says, “Not a chance. I’m arresting the general.”
“Three.”
Ned keeps on walking to Grissom, and in my peripheral vision, I see people lining up on the sidewalk, curious to see what the hell is going on. I want to tell them to back off, but no, if this slides into violence, I want witnesses to tell their children what happened this day.
“Two.”
Ned says, “General Grissom, I’m placing you under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney.”
Grissom’s security force and the Pentagon Police raise their weapons. I aim straight at Grissom’s forehead, and as soon as he gets to one and orders his men to open fire, I plan to drill a round right into the middle of that smug, traitorous face.
I think,Bree, I sure hope you got that last text.
I see Grissom’s lips beginning to form the last number. My finger slides onto the trigger, and from behind me comes the loud rumble of diesel engines.
I keep staring at Grissom, and the shocked look on the general’s face makes it all worthwhile.
Even Ned has stopped walking. He quickly turns and looks behind me with relief.
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