show you some places,” he decided suddenly. “Yes, the guerrillas, the
freedom fighters you know they’re there and that’s where your story
is.”
A small trace of bitterness crept into his voice. “But there is so
much more, so much more that Cuba has to offer to America.
There must be cooperation, you see. Not only for our survival, but for
America’s as well.”
“And that’s why I decided to come with you,” Pamela said decisively.
“To show the American people both sides of the picture. You claim
there’s a difference between your objectives and Leyta’s. Fine, well
show it to me. Show me why America should be a friend to Cuba instead
of a suspicious neighbor. Show me how much we have in common, where
our true future lies. If you can show me, I can show the rest of the
world.” She leaned forward, stared past him out the window. “That’s
why I came.”
“I know.” He resisted the impulse to reach out and trace his fingers
up her thigh, groaned inwardly as he imagined how it would feel to
reach the top of the delicate hose. But that’s not why I have you with
me.
“From here we will go by seaplane, then by small boat,” he continued,
regretfully suppressing the ripple of lust she always caused. “And
something else as well despite our differences, Leyta and I cooperate
on a number of issues.
His people will be guiding your tour. I believe he may himself be in
Cuba at this very moment.”
“Leyta? But why?”
Aguillar shrugged. “You’ve seen most of what I do. I work through
existing organizations and channels in Washington. Leyta has other
connections.” He frowned for a moment, remembering that his public
adversary had even gambled his own brother’s life on an overt mission
gambled and lost. “While I disapprove completely of his methods,
unfortunately he is the better equipped to show you our homeland. He
will be rendezvousing with us off the coast of Cuba. I think you will
find his planned tour itinerary most enlightening.”
More interesting than you planned on, my sweet American bitch. If you
knew how we are using you, my chances would disappear entirely.
2209 Local +5 GMT) The White House “So this is it?” the President
asked. “He gestured at the battle plan drawn on the chalkboard. “Why
the Arsenal ship?”
“It’s time for an operational task, Mr. President,” the chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff said calmly. “With the rash of accidents
we’ve had on board Jefferson, I’m afraid . . .” He let his voice
trail off delicately.
Vice Admiral Thomas Magruder snorted. “There’s absolutely nothing
wrong with Jefferson and her battle group,” he snapped. “Mr.
President, with all due respect to the chairman, that ship is as ready
as she’s ever been. She was ready when my nephew Tombstone commanded
her, and she’s ready now.” He leaned forward and jabbed angrily in the
air with a forefinger. “If you want a strike on Cuba, Jefferson is the
best bet. Using anything else is a mistake.”
“The question of assets has already been decided,” the chairman said
shortly. He turned to the President and added smoothly, “Subject to
your approval, of course, sir.”
The President leaned back in his chair and looked puzzled. “Aircraft
carriers have always been the primary platform for force projection,”
he said slowly. “I’m not sure why we should deviate now.”
“The Arsenal ship can do the same job at a fraction of the risk,” the
chairman pointed out. “Totally independent, capable of putting massive
amounts of ordnance onshore smart weapons, Mr. President, specifically
tailored to reach each target we want, without any collateral damage.
Without any collateral damage. More importantly, every step of the
battle can be controlled personally by you. The ability to order the
attack while you’re still talking to the Cubans on the telephone gives
you a superb bargaining position.”
The President glanced up at him sharply. “You’re going to guarantee
that?” He shook his head. “Impossible. There’s always collateral
damage.”
“And how much did you see during Desert Storm and Desert Shield?” the
chairman asked politely. “There were stories, allegations but you have
to admit, the smart weapons performed superbly. The weapons on the