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

under our protection. It’s not our fault. We know that. Jericho covered every possible eventuality with the information he had. No one could have anticipated this happening.”

“So, what’s the problem?” asked Collins.

“GlobaTech is more than just private security. We’re the peacekeepers for the United Nations—a job offered to us by our own government with the full support of every member nation. For the last three years, it’s been our job to maintain peace and security across the globe. And we just lost the president of another country on our watch. Like it or not, agree with it or not… someone needs to be blamed, and right now that someone is us.”

“You can’t be serious?” said Julie.

Buchanan pointed to the flashing light on his phone. “That call is to summon me to a hearing before the U.N. Security Council, which will involve our own secretary of state. I imagine our ability to act on behalf of the U.N. will be called into question.”

“They would take the peacekeeping gig away from us because of this?” asked Collins.

Buchanan shrugged. “It’s a strong possibility, yes. And if they do, our image sinks lower than Hell itself. That happens, we lose shareholders, we lose contracts… we lose our ability to help people.”

“Are you saying they could shut down GlobaTech completely over this?” asked Julie.

“I’m saying I’m preparing for the worst-case scenario right now.”

“Jesus…”

“So, what can we do?” asked Collins.

“For now, I need you to—” Raised voices sounded outside. Buchanan frowned, staring at the door. “What the hell is going on out there?”

He stood and moved to the door. As he opened it, the muffled shouting became clearer.

“…and I said you can’t just barge in there,” Kim asserted. “I don’t care who you are. Mr. Buchanan is in a meeting and—”

She stopped and turned when she realized Buchanan was standing in the doorway.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

Kim sighed and pointed to the man standing in front of her, dressed in GlobaTech tactical gear. He was tall and disheveled. Dust was engrained on his face. His eyes had dark rims of fatigue around them.

“This gentleman marched in here demanding to see you,” she began. “I tried explaining you were busy and that we have a crisis going on, but he won’t leave.” She turned to him. “This isn’t the time to put your job at risk.”

The man didn’t say anything. He simply turned to Buchanan, staring at him imploringly.

Buchanan took a deep breath. “It’s okay, Kim. Just take it easy.” He looked at the GlobaTech operative. “What’s so urgent, son?”

The operative relaxed. “Mr. Buchanan, sir. Mr. Stone sent me. Told me not to stop for anything or anyone until I see you.”

Buchanan was taken aback. “Jericho sent you? You just got here from Paluga? How?”

“I was… I was there, sir. I was standing with Mr. Stone when it all happened. He told me to get back here at all costs. I left straight away. Managed to hop a flight before everything was locked down.”

“Jesus. Step inside, please.” He moved aside to let the man through. He looked out at Kim and smiled. “You’re a good girl, Ms. Mitchell.”

Her cheeks flushed as she took her seat.

Back inside his office, he moved behind his desk and stared at the operative, who was standing awkwardly behind Collins and Julie.

“What’s your name?” asked Buchanan.

“Jones, sir. Killian Jones.”

“Okay, Mr. Jones. Quit siring me and tell me why you’re here.”

Jones stepped between Collins and Julie, reached into his pocket, and placed an object on the desk. Everyone leaned forward and stared at it, bewildered.

“What the hell is that?” asked Collins.

“That’s what remains of the bullet that killed the president of Paluga and three of my colleagues,” said Jones matter-of-factly.

“That’s not a bullet,” said Julie. “That’s a goddamn torpedo.”

The bullet had maintained most of its shape. It was maybe four inches long. Usually, bullets were small and made up just the tip of the overall ammunition round. This was huge by comparison. Its surface was almost mirrored, made from silver instead of copper or bronze.

Buchanan picked it up carefully, examining it in his hand.

“And this was the only bullet you found?” he asked.

Jones nodded. “There was only one shot. No doubt. I saw Mr. Stone pick that out of… out of someone’s head.”

Buchanan looked up, suddenly aware of where the bullet he was now holding had been. He placed it carefully on the desk.

“Jones, I can’t tell you how important it is that you made it here,” he said. “Thank you.”

Jones nodded. “Just doing my job, sir. Mr. Buchanan. Truth be told, I wish I were still over there. I feel useless now that I can’t help.”

“Oh, believe me, you’ve helped more than you know. I want you to take the rest of the day, okay? Shower, sleep, whatever you have to do. Tomorrow, I want you back here. You want to help, I’ll put you to work.”

“Thank you, Mr. Buchanan. That means a lot to me.” He looked at Collins and Julie in turn. “It’s an honor to meet you both, honestly. Mr. Stone spoke highly of you.”

Julie smiled politely. Collins nodded his thanks.

Jones left the office. Silence fell on the three of them as they stared, transfixed by the bullet.

“Have either of you ever seen anything like this before?” asked Buchanan.

“Nothing even close,” said Julie.

Collins picked it up. “Not me. But look here…” He tilted it to show the base of the bullet. “What does that look like to you?”

He pointed at three small prongs of metal, arranged to look like fan blades.

Julie leaned in, squinting. “I don’t know. If it were anything else, I’d say propellors.”

Collins nodded. “Me too. I think ya might’ve been spot on when ya called it a torpedo, Jules.” He looked up at Buchanan. “This is cutting edge shit, boss. Is this… is this one of ours?”

Buchanan shook his head. “We aren’t working on anything that even resembles that thing. Most of our R and D right now is quality of life tech. We’re not developing any new