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"We're not looking for a scapegoat, only the facts, which you've been most reluctant to reveal"

"I've had my reasons"

"We'll bethem" The intercom beeped "Yes?"

"They're ready for you"

"On our way" Mercier motioned toward the door "Shall we?"

They stepped into the White House cabinet roo matched the drapes and on the north wall a portrait of Harry Truman peered from above the fireplace The President sat at the center of a huge oval arden Directly opposite, the vice president scratched notes on a pad Ady Dr

Ronald Klein, Secretary of State Douglas Oates and the Director of Central Intelligence, Martin Brogan

The President careeted Sandecker warmly "It's a pleasure to see you, Adet comfortable I believe you know everyone present"

Sandecker nodded and took a vacant chair at the end of the table He sat alone and distant from the others

"Now then," the President said for openers, "suppose you tell us about your "

Dirk Pitt's secretary, Zerri Pochinsky, walked into the computer room with a cup of coffee and a sandwich on a tray The rims of her hazel eyes atery She found it difficult to accept the fact of her boss's death The shock of losing someone so close had not fully settled about her It would come later, she knehen she was alone

She found Giordino straddling a chair, his elbows and chin nestled on the backrest He was staring at the row of inert computers

She sat down next to him "Your favorite," she said softly "Pastrami on wheat"

Giordino shook his head at the sandwich but drank the coffee The caffeine did little to relieve the frustration and anger of having had to watch Pitt and the others die while he stood helpless to prevent it

"Why don't you go ho can be acco here"