Part 38 (1/2)

He looked at Lakota and mouthed the name. Her eyes widened and she s.h.i.+fted close to him, putting her ear near the phone.

Brent took a deep breath and answered, ”General, what can I do for you?”

”I just got off a call with Sheikh Hussein. He's in the process of having some of his oil reserves moved, but there's an unidentified force, company size right now, moving toward Dubai. He's concerned.”

”I understand, sir.”

”The sheikh has asked me to appoint you as a special liaison officer for the JSF, acting in that capacity and as a consultant to the sheikh's security forces. In addition, you'd work with his cousin's militia, rebuilding and training that force. Interested?”

Brent took a deep breath. He hadn't asked Hussein for a favor yet, and the kid had already come through. Sure, Hussein had probably been influenced by Juma-you could almost hear that influence in the general's report-but that didn't matter.

”Sir, I'm interested, and I'd like the opportunity to handpick my own staff, with your endors.e.m.e.nt, of course.”

”You want Schleck, Voeckler, and Lakota to start ...”

”Well, sir, that would enable me to-”

”You got 'em. Just get me a list before the end of the day. We'll have you in Dubai by the weekend.”

”Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

”We'll be in touch, Captain.”

”Yes, sir.” He thumbed off the phone.

Brent's life was about to change again, only this time the change would not not be marked by swelling clouds of smoke and fire. be marked by swelling clouds of smoke and fire.

It would be marked by something very different.

He leaned over and took Lakota into his arms. Without hesitation, he gave her the longest, hottest kiss he could muster. As she hugged him even tighter, he ignored the cheers and applause from his colleagues, surrendering himself to her grasp.

When they finally came up for air, she looked at him and whispered, ”To h.e.l.l with the movie. Take me home.”

NOVELS BY TOM CLANCY.

The Hunt for Red October

Red Storm Rising

Patriot Games

The Cardinal of the Kremlin

Clear and Present Danger

The Sum of All Fears