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

we cannot do it on a foundation of lies. That will lead to history repeating itself.”

“I guess you’re right,” said Jericho, smiling. He placed a hand on Montez’s shoulder. “Sounds to me like you’re the perfect man for the job.”

Montez didn’t say anything. His mouth fell open. His eyes grew wide with surprise, then narrowed as they fought back tears of pride. He simply nodded.

“Thank you, Jericho. For everything.”

“Any time,” he replied.

“So, what will you do now? What’s GlobaTech’s plan?”

Jericho shrugged. “I imagine our future will remain uncertain for a while. But until we hear otherwise, we’ll continue to do what we were paid to do. We’ll stick around and help you get back on your feet.”

“I would surely welcome your counsel,” said Montez, extending his hand.

Jericho shook it and smiled. “I appreciate the sentiment, but I’ll be heading back to the States on the first flight you allow out of here.”

“I see. Do you have more work to do?”

Jericho shook his head. “No. I have a woman waiting for me who, frankly, is better looking than you.”

Montez laughed. “Even better.”

26

May 8, 2020

The sun beat down on Santa Clarita. Despite the early hour, steam rose from the gravel and blacktop of the compound as the temperature continued to climb.

Outside, the herd of reporters and news crews had thinned significantly for the first time in almost a week. As more and more details became known about the nature—and the end—of the Palugan crisis, national interest shifted, and the broadcasters accommodated.

GlobaTech was no longer the story.

Jericho had arrived back on U.S. soil the previous day, along with a number of operatives all eager to return home. After being checked out by medical personnel, he headed straight for Julie’s quarters. Their reunion began frantically, then relaxed into one of relief and joy.

Inside the main building, on the top floor, Buchanan sat behind the desk in his office. His elbows rested on the arms of his chair, and his fingers were bridged in front of his face. In front of him, his laptop stood open, displaying wallpaper emblazoned with the GlobaTech logo.

Over by the window, a tired and sore Collins stood looking at the daily activities unfolding below him. Men and women moved around the small town, all motivated by a common purpose.

The silence was comfortable. Both men were operating on little sleep. From the moment they had landed two days ago, they and Julie had worked every bit of information, evidence, and theory they had to try and figure out what was really going on.

They had drawn nothing but blanks.

Collins turned to address Buchanan. “So, nothing more from the suits in Washington?”

His inquiry was met with silence.

“Boss?”

Buchanan looked up, dazed. “Hmm?”

“I just asked if ya had any news from Washington.”

“Sorry, I was distracted.” He shook his head. “I’ve heard nothing from the U.N., no. Nor have I heard anything more about the hearings.”

“Do ya think we’re in the clear?”

“I spoke with President Schultz last night. He’s up to date with our working theory about what happened and what’s to come. I suspect he will put in a good word for us with the people who matter. It will buy us some time, at least.”

“Well, that’s something, eh?”

Just as Buchanan checked his watch, the door to his office opened. Julie walked in, followed closely by Jericho.

“Sorry we’re late,” said Julie.

Buchanan rolled his eyes. “You’re not. We were early.”

He stood and made his way around the desk to greet Jericho, who had just closed the door behind him. They shook hands, and Buchanan patted his shoulder.

“Truly outstanding work, soldier,” he said.

Jericho looked around awkwardly. “Thank you. I was just doing my job.”

“I was sorry to hear about Colonel Ramirez.”

“He was a good man. We wouldn’t have survived without him and his men. He saved my life.”

“Both sides suffered considerable losses,” said Buchanan, taking his seat again. “I’ll be committing a third of our initial manpower investment to stay on the ground in Paluga free of charge. Help out however we can.”

Collins approached Jericho, smiling. They bumped fists, then embraced.

“Damn good to see ya, Jerry,” said Collins.

“Good to be back, brother.”

“I tell ya, it’s a good job ya got back when ya did. Jules here was half a day away from moving on.” He smiled when Jericho rolled his eyes. “I swear, she was gearing up to elope with me. I mean, I knew I was a rebound, but I’d have dealt with it, ya know.”

He flinched as Julie punched his arm from behind.

“Hey!” he said, turning to face her. “Is that any way to treat the man whose arms ya were about to run into? Jeez…”

They both smiled and laughed. Jericho soon joined in, relieved to be back with his team. With his family.

“All right, settle down,” said Buchanan after a minute. “We ain’t out of the woods yet.”

Collins perched on the windowsill over where he was standing before. Jericho leaned his enormous frame against the door. Julie sat opposite Buchanan.

“What was the damage in Paluga?” she asked. “Any idea of final numbers yet?”

Buchanan shook his head gravely. “Nothing concrete, but we lost at least two hundred people. The military lost almost double that—both the general’s and the colonel’s men.”

Jericho sighed heavily. “So much of that could’ve been avoided. This whole thing was—”

“I know, Jericho. But it happened. We dealt with it as best we could, and as callous as it sounds, we need to look ahead to what comes next.” He looked at Julie. “Did you bring him up to speed?”

She nodded. “He knows what we know. He knows what we need to know. We dropped off one of Tristar’s weapons with Devon on the way here. We’ll see what he can make of it.”

“Excellent.” He looked back at Jericho. “So, having been on the ground there this whole time, what’s your assessment of everything?”

Jericho pushed himself away from the door and paced over to the windows, stopping beside Collins. “I think we’re probably right on the money. I don’t believe the