Red Hammer 1994

The ex-speaker of the House struck a much-less imposing figure in loose-fitting casual clothes. Unpretentious, he didn’t sport the usual aristocratic air that marked his imperious style within Washington’s chummy power circles. His longish white hair was thinner than Thomas had remembered, and he bore a pale expression that summoned compassion and pity. His blue eyes were deeper in color than Thomas’s, but lacked clarity at the moment.

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you’re alive, General Thomas,” he said sincerely. He gazed for the longest time into Thomas’s eyes.

Thomas experienced a powerful wave of guilt that washed over him for his earlier reservations about the man’s abilities. The president held his hand firmly and wouldn’t let go, clasping it with his second.

“I’m glad you’re safe, Mr. President.” The instinctive reply echoed strangely in Thomas’s head, but it had a soothing effect. He had experienced firsthand the power of orderly succession, the benefit of presidential continuity. When a leader falls, another must immediately take his place, or chaos ensues.

The president reluctantly released Thomas’s hand and gave him the once-over. His focus was on Thomas’s bandaged arm and blood-soaked shirt. “We’ll get a doctor to attend to you, General.”

“I’m OK, sir, just a little banged up.”

“Let’s step over here,” suggested the president, motioning to his right. They moved away from the doorway to a secluded corner. “Has General Hargesty briefed you?” The mere mention of recent events hurt, and it showed in the president’s face.

“Not really, sir. I don’t know anything that’s happened since two or three in the morning.”

The president folded his arms. “I’ll be frank,” he said, letting the words soak in. “I need your help. I need someone I can count on, someone I can trust.” His words carried an undercurrent of desperation. The president carefully studied Thomas for his knee-jerk response. That would be the key.

Thomas was too tired to think very hard on the matter. He wanted to get on with it. And, it felt right.

“I’ll accept any assignment you have for me, Mr. President.”

The president was obviously pleased. His voice softened, and his face relaxed momentarily. “Good.”

The president backed up a step and put his hands on his hips and sized up Thomas one last time. “It won’t be easy, you know. Certain people will be gunning for you.”

Thomas recalled his firm commitment to Alexander, to the chairman, to see this to the end. “I can handle it, sir.” He wasn’t sure what “it” meant yet.

The president didn’t keep him waiting. “I want you to be my senior military advisor. General Hargesty concurs. And for now, I’m making you acting vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. You’ll be the number-two military officer in the armed forces. That’s right where I want you.”

Thomas’s face blanched. It clearly wasn’t what he expected.

Before he could muster a counter, Hargesty jumped in.

“I’ll work the theater CINCs, Bob, while you’ll do the strategic stuff and help the president make the tough decisions. You understand that crap. Your first job will be to call on CINCSTRAT and introduce General McClain to the facts of life. He can bullshit me. He won’t you.”

The gears in Thomas’s mind finally began to turn.

“I’m flattered, Mr. President, but you must know that I’ve made more than my share of enemies.” He sounded like he was whining. He wanted to yank the words back, but they were true.

“Let me worry about that, General.” The president put his hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “After you get something to eat, we’ll talk about your trip. I want you to brief me on your recollections of the last twenty-four hours.” The president turned and took three steps but stopped suddenly. He turned his head to speak.

“I thought highly of Matt Alexander. I’m not going to second-guess decisions already made under impossible circumstances. God knows I already experienced enough of that myself to last a lifetime.” With that, he returned to pressing business and immersed himself with his staff.

Hargesty quickly read Thomas’s mind. “He’s done a remarkable job, all things considered. He’s made a believer of me.” Hargesty put his arm around Thomas’s shoulders like a consoling uncle. “But the president’s got a problem. The government’s beat up bad, and he needs our help in pulling it back together. He can’t tolerate dissension within the military, no matter how well-intentioned. Any infighting will cripple his efforts to stop this war.”

Thomas nodded. “I’ll support him one hundred percent. You’ve got my word on it.” A flicker of hope touched his face. “You mentioned stopping the war. Has there been any contact with the Russians?”

“Some third-party feelers. Nothing substantive. Come on, let’s get you washed up and fed.”

CHAPTER 29