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

headed for the door without a word.

Jericho nodded and extended his hand. “Thank you for your time, Mr. President.”

Herrera shook it gladly. “I will see you tomorrow, Mr. Stone.”

Jericho took his cue and left. Back in the corridor, Miller stepped to his side as they walked a few paces behind Montez.

“That guy didn’t seem too pleased,” said Miller, nodding to Montez. “How did it go in there?”

Jericho shrugged. “He offered to make me General of his armed forces.”

Miller’s eyes went wide. He blew out a long sigh of surprise. “Man, you’re good.”

6

May 3, 2020

A muted rumble of chatter swept through the crowd like dust in the wind as the people of Paluga basked in the afternoon sun. President Herrera was due to arrive in a little under twenty minutes, and so far, the scene had remained subdued.

Jericho and Miller stood beside each other at the back of the stage, looking out at the mass gathering. Three GlobaTech operatives stood with them, with four more on either side of the stage, guarding the steps leading onto it. A cordon stretched a mile in all directions around the city center. The military formed a hard perimeter, save for two checkpoints that were allowing people safely in and out of the area.

The stage had been erected across the middle of a wide intersection, positioned so that it stood in the shadow of a tall building. This provided additional protection behind the stage but also prevented glare in the camera lenses of the media in attendance.

The crowd was spread across the intersection with plenty of room to move. Small tents, each containing a unit of GlobaTech operatives, were placed strategically throughout, making it look like a festival. But people seemed glad they were there; some even stopped to talk with them and pose for pictures.

Miller nodded toward them. “Not as big a turnout as we thought.”

Jericho shook his head. “No, it’s about right. Easily eight or nine thousand out there. I just made sure the area had capacity for twice that, so it looks smaller than it is.”

“I see. So, if it all goes to shit, no one gets crushed and trampled on, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Kinda thought there would be more protesting.”

“From everything the president told me, so did I. But I’m not complaining. I imagine things will get livelier once he arrives.”

Jericho’s phone began buzzing in his pocket. He took it out and looked at the screen, then turned to Miller. “I should take this.”

Miller nodded as Jericho stepped away. “Sure thing.”

Jericho descended the small steps beside the stage and paced away into a quieter corner. Then he answered the phone.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey yourself,” said Julie. “How’s it going?”

“It’s not so bad. At least, not yet. The president should be arriving in a few minutes. I’ll be glad when this little exercise is over, and I can get him safely back into his palace.”

“I’m guessing such a public event wasn’t your idea?”

“Not exactly. It was planned before I arrived. Did the best I could to secure the place. He should be okay.”

“Is it as bad as Buchanan made it sound?”

“There’s definitely something in the air. I wouldn’t trust the military as far as I could throw them—even the ones who say they’re loyal to Herrera. But for now, everything seems civilized. The crowd here seems relaxed.”

“That’ll change once the president arrives.”

“Yeah, that’s what I think.” He paused to swat a bug away. “How are you doing?”

Julie sighed. “It’s not quite noon and I’m sitting in a bar, drinking alone.”

Jericho closed his eyes. His heart felt heavy in his chest, knowing how much she was struggling. He wished he could be there for her.

“I’m sorry, Julie,” he said. “I can’t imagine…”

“Oh, I’m fine, honestly. Just… processing it all, I guess.”

“Your family still in town?”

“Nah. Most of them headed back the day we left. Kyle’s still here with his girlfriend, but I think he’s going home in the morning.”

“Kyle? He’s the youngest, right?”

“Yup. Youngest of my big brothers. Still the most annoying, though.”

They shared a laugh together, the moment briefly lightened.

Jericho looked over as the noise of the crowd grew louder. He saw the president’s limo arriving.

“Jules, I gotta go,” he said regrettably. “He’s just pulled up.”

“I know,” she replied. “I’m watching the news.”

“Really?”

She scoffed. “Hey! We’re not that behind the times here.”

He rolled his eyes. “I know that. I just meant I didn’t think this would get any major news coverage.”

“It’s on some international station. The bar has it on in the—hey, I can see you!”

“Huh?”

He looked around, confused.

Julie laughed. “Aww, look at you. You’re like a big, fluffy puppy.”

Jericho sighed. “Do you mind?”

“A big, fluffy puppy who’s lost his master. So sweet.”

“Finished?”

There was a slight pause, then a giggle. “Yes.”

He smiled. “Good. Call you later, okay?”

“You got it.”

He hung up and stepped forward to meet President Herrera as he approached the stage.

“Afternoon, sir,” said Jericho.

“Mr. Stone,” replied the president. “Lovely day for it, wouldn’t you say?”

“Honestly, it’s like an oven, sir. Nothing lovely about it.”

Herrera laughed and patted Jericho’s shoulder. “You get used to it. Listen, before I go up there, I wanted to thank you for your confidence and advice yesterday. You made a good point. And seeing how calm and organized it is out here, I can see I was right to listen. Thank you.”

“I appreciate that, Mr. President. I was just doing my job.”

“Speaking of which, are you happy with me going up there?”

Jericho shrugged. “As happy as I’ll ever be. You know my concerns, but under the circumstances, it’s as secure as you could hope to be.”

“And the army?”

“They’ve done as requested—kept their distance and maintained the wider perimeter around the rally site. The checkpoints to manage the flow of people have worked well. No sign of additional patrols or movement that you didn’t authorize.”

“Excellent. And what about your men?”

“All exactly where they need to be, sir. There are a hundred operatives in the crowd, working the respite stations, handing out water where needed. They will make sure people