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

Buchanan sat in silence, letting the words sink in. He knew this whole charade was a gross over-reaction. He even knew what it could all mean for the future of GlobaTech. But it wasn’t until just then that the true gravity of the situation he was faced with really hit home.

GlobaTech was no stranger to bad press. But Rutherford’s case, in its own way, did make a lot of sense. He knew he could argue against every point being made, but that wouldn’t matter if this got out. All it would take was for this committee’s concerns to leak to the media, and without the necessary context or his defense, GlobaTech would be finished overnight.

“Mr. Buchanan, do you have anything you would like to add?” asked Stackhouse.

He looked at each member of the committee in turn, staring at their judgmental and dismissive expressions. Every one of them had clearly made their mind up already. All except Secretary Phillips. She watched him with a look akin to hope. He knew she was his only real ally in the room. But he also knew her support of him could only go so far. She was restricted by the position she held. She couldn’t help him.

Whatever he said next would be futile. But he had to try.

“Ladies and gentlemen of this… committee,” he began, trying to choose his words carefully. “I’m not a politician or a diplomat. I’m a soldier who was injured fighting for his country. I found myself in an incredibly important and powerful position not through a long journey climbing a corporate ladder but because a great man chose me based on my principles and moral fiber.

“GlobaTech Industries has grown to be what it is organically. We’re the best at what we do in all areas of industry.” He paused to look at General McFadden. “That’s why we have so many defense contracts with different branches of the military. You don’t have a problem with the weapons and technology you pay us to make for you… but you begrudge us making those things for ourselves and others? Double standards aren’t becoming of a man in your position, General.”

He looked along the line again. “After 4/17, we put ourselves at the forefront of the global efforts to help rebuild communities and nations affected by it. We gave technology and medicine to people who needed it for free. The cost to us didn’t matter. What mattered was helping people.”

McFadden scoffed into his mic. “No doubt acting out of guilt for your involvement in it all.”

Buchanan shot him a look that would have turned a lesser man to stone. “That, General, is a flat-out lie. GlobaTech spear-headed the efforts to prevent 4/17, despite every branch of the federal government trying to stop us. We had undeniable proof of what was happening, yet no one believed us because, once again, the people with power were more concerned about keeping the media happy than they were with uncovering the truth.”

McFadden went to speak, but Buchanan cut him off before he could.

“It’s also worth pointing out, General, that the person in charge of GlobaTech at that time, who stood alone against a corrupt government to fight for the truth, is now the president of the United States. So, if you’re going on the record here to say you’re calling into question the integrity of the leader of the country you serve, I will be first in line to testify against you when you’re called up on charges of treason.”

McFadden shrank back into his chair. Buchanan glanced over at Secretary Phillips, who betrayed the smallest of smiles.

“Ladies and gentlemen, what happened in Paluga was a tragedy. We are doing everything we can to find out who’s behind it. We have a lead on the shooter, and I still have men on the ground in Paluga who are working with the local military to keep the peace until this is resolved.”

Rutherford slammed his hand on the desk. “You were told not to get involved, Mr. Buchanan. You were told GlobaTech are no longer representing the United Nations.”

“Due respect, President Rutherford, but in Paluga, we never were. We were hired in a private capacity. We were not dispatched there as Peacekeepers. Even if I were inclined to let my men be dictated to by the U.N., right now they’re trapped in a country with no leader, where the citizens are being forcibly curfewed and the military itself is on the brink of civil war. They will protect themselves, and they will protect innocent people from harm, no matter what anyone tells them. That’s just—”

The large mahogany door leading out of the chamber opened, slamming against the near wall. The bang echoed around the room, stunning everyone to silence. A young aide wearing a creased suit ran across the floor toward Buchanan. He was holding a cell phone.

“What’s the meaning of this interruption?” demanded Rutherford.

The aide looked terrified. His hands were shaking as he held out the phone to Buchanan.

“It’s f-for you, sir,” he whispered. “I-it’s urgent.”

Buchanan took the phone, confused, and held it to his ear. “This is Buchanan.”

“Boss, it’s Julie. Jericho needs your help.”

22

Buchanan turned to the bench. “I’m sorry, but I need to take this.”

He unclipped the lapel mic and stepped away from his desk without waiting to hear any protests. He paced away toward the large horseshoe of empty seats behind him.

“Fisher, what’s going on?” he asked urgently. “I’m kind of in the middle of something here.”

“Jericho’s just called. The situation in Paluga is bad and getting worse. He’s in real danger. We have to do something.”

Buchanan could hear the urgency and panic in her voice. It wasn’t like her to be so shaken, and that concerned him.

“Okay, okay. Tell me what’s happening.”

Julie took a deep breath, blowing static down the phone. “General Guerrero has seemingly assumed leadership of Paluga. He used military force to essentially take over the country. He’s outside the presidential palace right now in a goddamn tank. He’s got twice the