Part 22 (2/2)
”That's no good, senator.”
”That's not even the worst part; the governor of Texas sent us a message. I think the President garbled it, which is understandable; he wouldn't have known what it meant.”
”Don't keep me waiting, what was the message?”
”I believe he was trying to say, 'Byers marked it.'”
The other end of the line was silent for several moments before responding.
”So Byers is alive?”
”I don't know; we know he spoke to the governor before going to Houston, so that may have been when Baker got the information he has. My men on the ground haven't seen any sign of him. If he's alive, he's in deep cover.”
”I would suppose that means Baker has substantial evidence.”
”It appears that way.”
”Alright, I'll see what I can do about the President's trip.”
”What about the Speaker?”
”I don't suppose that coward will be a problem for us.”
”What about Byers?”
”What can we do? We don't even know if he is alive; just keep looking, if he's still breathing he'll turn up eventually.”
”Alright.”
”Call me in several days.”
Click.
The senator reclined in his leather chair as he reflected on the conversation. This would be the largest and most dangerous offensive maneuver of his long and storied career. As he noticed the blinking light on the phone, he leaned forward and dialed Becky again.
”Sorry to disturb you sir; is your conference call complete?”
”I'm on the phone with you, aren't I?”
”Oh, right; um, your ten o'clock is here, shall I send her in?”
”You may. Thank you Becky.”
She walked in without saying a word and took a seat in the chair across from him. He had a look of annoyance as he stared at her, so she waited for him to speak.
”Why is William Galleani still alive?”
She shrugged, ”I don't know; no particular reason, really. I've just grown fond of tormenting him, I suppose.”
”I think a month in that hole is enough; he's probably close to insanity.”
She giggled, ”Oh, we crossed that bridge a couple weeks back.”
”Just finish it, okay?”
”Fine; is there anything else you need?”
”The next few days may get precarious; I need you to lay low. Better yet, just stay home altogether. I need William eliminated today though; I don't need him alive knowing what he knows.”
”Consider it done; I apologize for waiting this long.”
”It's alright; now, go. Check back with me after the news breaks.”
”What news?”
”You'll know it when you see it.”
Kratocracy.
Other Works by Archer Garrett:.
The Western Front Series:.
Book 1: The Western Front (Parts 1-3).
Book 2: Kratocracy Book 3: Crescent City (prequel).
Book 4: the Nine of the North.
The Blighted Series.
the Blighted, Book 1.
the Blighted, Book 2 (to be released Summer 2013).
Other:.
Phases.
Flashback.
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