“Snapp knows he is being tailed. He is very difficult to follow with the men we have currently.”
“All right. Use more if you need. I want to keep close tabs on Mr. Snapp.”
“Yes sir. I will be back in touch when we have further news.”
“Good. Thank you.”
As ecstatic as the general was a few hours ago he was now angry. The Department of Homeland Security had absolutely no jurisdiction over a matter like this. The CIA or FBI maybe, but not Homeland Security.
The President was leaning back in his desk chair, looking out the window on the South Lawn. The rain had stopped and the sun was breaking through the clouds. Water sparkled on the lawn. He had the urge to take off his shoes and run through the grass but somehow it didn’t seem appropriate. The press would be sure to make something more out of it than there really was. It was strange to be the most powerful man in the world and to not be able to do what he wanted, when he wanted.
The intercom buzzed and announced that Raymond Eller was here for his appointment. The door opened and the President greeted Raymond.
“Let’s sit over here. I wanted you to be here when I call General Devin. I will have him on speakerphone but I would like for you to say nothing until I give you the word.”
“Yes sir. I’ll just listen.”
“Don’t worry; everything is tapped for future reference. I will have a transcript sent to you for your records.”
“Yes sir. What should I do if he asks if I’m here?”
“I’ll handle that. I won’t lie to him, but I won’t volunteer any information either. We will play that by ear,” the President said picking up the phone and having the call put through.
“General Devin, Nellis Gunnery Range.”
The President pressed the speakerphone button when he answered.
“Hello General. How is the weather out your way?”
“Gloomy.”
“Sorry to hear that. It’s sunny and clear here.”
“Sorry I can’t say the same.” It was a quick sparing match. Feeling out each other.
“General, about our previous conversation. I have been giving it a great deal of thought and I believe I have come to a solution that should be acceptable to both of us,” the President said.
“I’m all ears.”
“After a lot of thought, and going over the possible solutions, I have decided that Raymond Eller, Director of Homeland Security, will oversee the operations at Nellis and attached facilities.”
Silence followed. He couldn’t even hear the general breathing.
“General?”
Another silence.
Finally, “Sir, with all due respect, that bumbling bureaucrat at Homeland Security doesn’t know up from down. What in the world made you come to that conclusion?” he sputtered.
“Well general, I know that you don’t get along with the Secretary of Defense, which seemed like an excellent possibility. I didn’t want to have you two going at it constantly. The CIA and FBI have no business in something of this magnitude. The CIA can have their BlackOps projects, but S-4 is not their concern, nor do I want it that way. I decided Eller was the right man for the job,” the President.
“Eller? What the hell does he know about what we do here? For that matter what does anyone know?”
“And that is my point exactly. I couldn’t have made a better case. The fact is that no one other than you knows what’s going on. What would happen if you were in an accident? Where would we be then?” the President replied.
“With all due respect sir. Bullshit. That’s just smoke and mirrors. The real reason is that you don’t have confidence in my loyalties,” the General said, his pitch raising.
The President didn’t say anything for a second. He was fighting off letting Devin get to him.
“General. Two things. Change your tone with me immediately and secondly, that is my decision and you will not call it into question. This is the last time I will mention your attitude. There will be no next time, got it?” the President asked, anger in his voice.
The general fought down the urge to slam the phone down and took a deep breath, “I understand, Mr. President. I am not calling your decision making abilities into question. I simply cannot see someone like Eller in charge of our most valuable Ultra Secret projects. He is simply not equipped to handle such a job.”
“I understand your concerns. I do. Maybe it would be best if you told Eller about your reservations. He is sitting here with me,” the President said.
“Hello General Devin. I’m looking forward to working with you,” Raymond said in a cheerful voice.
Silence for a few seconds then, “Mr. Eller. I believe we have met before.”
“Yes. At a reception for the retiring Secretary of State. You got my wife’s name wrong a couple of times, but it was late and everyone had a few too many drinks by that time,” Raymond replied.
“Yes. My best to your lovely wife,” he said.
