Danger Close by James Sumner (classic novels for teens txt) 📕

strange times, Mr. Stone,” he said. “Not what I expected when I got this job.”

Jericho stood before him, hands clasped behind his back, on the casual side of attention. Herrera’s voice didn’t match his physical presence. It was soft and polite yet had a firmness to it that compelled him to listen to every single word.

“I can’t begin to imagine the scope of what you are faced with, sir,” replied Jericho.

“I saw the suffering this country endured for generations and wanted to change things. I wanted to give the people a better life. And yet… many fear that change. They stand against the pioneers and the visionaries because they prefer the devil they know to the one they don’t.”

Jericho held his gaze but said nothing.

“Mr. Stone, may I speak candidly with you?”

“Of course, Mr. President.”

“I ran for office because I love my country. I’m not a politician. I’m not a businessman. I’m not a salesman. I am a man. I grew up in some of the worst poverty found in our history. My father was killed when I was just a small boy. His crime? Asking that his government listen to the pleas of its people. He was silenced because my predecessor ruled this country for decades as if it were his business and we were all his employees. When he died, what government we had decreed its next leader would be voted for by the people. Our first taste of democracy, Mr. Stone. My popularity within my community grew. Word spread. People began listening to what I had to say. And here I am.” He gestured to the office. “I am finally in a position to do something. To help people. But I can’t. My hands are bound now worse than my father’s ever were. Let me give you some advice, Mr. Stone.”

“Please.”

“If you ever run for office, don’t let politics stand in the way of being a good politician.”

Jericho smiled. “That’s good advice, sir. You should make that the tagline for your memoirs.”

Herrera laughed. “Should I be so lucky to ever get the chance to write them. Now tell me how GlobaTech will help me. Your CEO, Mr. Buchanan, spoke highly of you.”

“He’s a good man, sir,” replied Jericho humbly. “Tell me, how big is your military, Mr. President?”

“According to the last spending report from my defense department, close to seven thousand men.”

Jericho nodded. “Okay. And how many of them would you say are currently loyal to you?”

“I would like to assume all of them…”

“But?”

Herrera sighed. “But the reality is… perhaps half of them. Maybe less.”

“So, let’s say three thousand stand with you. That leaves four thousand that you’re unsure of. If they’re not loyal to you, who do they serve?”

“General Hector Guerrero. The leader of our armed forces and third in command behind myself and my vice president.”

“And where is he? Your VP?”

Herrera smiled apologetically. “I don’t have one. Never got around to it. We’re still figuring out democracy, I’m afraid. I was voted in legally by a majority of the population. But since my first day in office, I’ve been dealing with riots and protests and dissent from the highest ranks.”

Jericho frowned. “I read some reports, but if I may ask, sir… what, exactly, don’t the people like?”

Herrera sat back in his chair. “The military of this country has always had too much power. That was the way my predecessor wanted it. The army obeys my command but has almost full autonomy from the government. Take the United States, for example. Your president gives an order, and the military follows it. But that order has been approved by your senate and validated by your joint chiefs. Here, there was none of this. No process. No safeguards. This office said jump, and the army didn’t care to ask how high. They simply started shooting, knowing no one could stop them.”

“And you want to change that?”

“I do. I want to install a real government. I want to give power back to the people of this country. I want to serve them. The military exists to protect our nation, not rule it. Paluga has always been a dictatorship disguised as a free country. I would see it be free again.”

“And General Guerrero disapproves?”

“He does. He has spoken out in the media, in front of crowds of people, voicing his opposition and calling me weak. He is a strong man. A decorated war hero. He talks and people listen.”

“Sir, do you suspect the general is plotting to overthrow you and your new government?”

Herrera nodded gravely. “I do, Mr. Stone. I have tried to gather as many people as I can whom I trust are loyal to me. We have spies. The beginnings of an intelligence community, I suppose. I have heard rumors he is keeping the soldiers loyal to him on their bases, away from the protests.”

“Gathering his forces…”

“Perhaps, yes.” Herrera stood and leaned forward, resting his hands on his desk. “I brought GlobaTech here at great expense because I need help bringing stability and order to my country. But I do understand what I ask of you and of your men.”

“Mr. President, by the end of the week, you will have two thousand GlobaTech peacekeepers in your country. We are all prepared to protect your people with our lives, if necessary. We’re not mercenaries. We’re not a militia. We’re a business. You paid for the best, and that’s what you’ll get—for as long as you need it.”

Herrera smiled. “It seems the faith of the United Nations was not misplaced. Your company’s efforts in getting this world back on its feet are breathtaking. I believe I am in safe hands.”

The doors opened. Jericho turned to see Montez walking in, carrying a tray with a jug of iced water and two glasses on it. He placed it on the desk and poured a glass, then handed it to Jericho.

“Thank you,” he said, taking a grateful sip.

“Raul, what’s my schedule for the rest of the day?” asked Herrera.

“You have a television interview