CHAPTER 70

THE GROUP WAS GATHERED for the trip. Two Sea King helicopters were just waiting for the entourage to be complete before departing.

When Gregory Evans and Floyd Kenagan arrived, boarding was already underway.

Kenan Vaine had considerably reduced his schedule of commitments, due to the expectation and fear of being ambushed by his strange offender. When they entered the aircraft, the President was arguing with his advisor, Peter, who was trying to convince him to give up the commitment they were going to:

— It's no use, Peter, I'm not going to back down like a scared dog just because someone threatened me! I've already canceled many commitments and this one won't be discarded, I'm not going to tarnish my public image because of someone I don't even know if he really is who he says he is!

— But, sir! This event is precisely the riskiest of all! You'll be in an extremely exposed place!

— Enough! It's over, this decision is mine!

The delegation, made up of numerous Secret Service agents, advisors and others, was taken to Dulles Airport, from where they would board the presidential flight to New York, the location of the afternoon event. Despite the disagreements between the President and his Advisor and their initial discussion, they left in a calm atmosphere.

Since the hacking of Kenan's computer, no new incidents had occurred, which meant peace for some and expectation for others. The big news was the news that the suspect behind the wiretapping, Allison Bates, had been discovered, a fact that always brought praise for the work of Gregory Evans on the lips of those who commented.

DURING THE FLIGHT, FLOYD KENAGAN and President Kenan discussed matters of state. Gregory Evans was sitting next to the table where the two were discussing and, at the same time as he listened to his boss's conversation with the President, he also observed the agents and officers who were with them. He noticed that, even inside the presidential plane, several agents remained extremely alert, as they knew of the internal alert and the possibility of anyone being a traitor.

Floyd Kenagan agreed with Peter's arguments about President Kenan's presence at an open event and, like the advisor, also tried to convince him:

— Mr. President, I insist, participating in a public event of such exposure is very dangerous at the moment, please reconsider this decision.

— I cannot afford to disappear now, Mr. Kenagan.

Kenan replied, holding an attractive cup of coffee, exuding its scent throughout the vicinity.

— A king rules by power, a President, by opinion. I need public opinion more than ever for what I intend to do, do you understand what I mean? We are at a crucial moment for the success of the project.

Floyd Kenagan also picked up his cup and leaned back on his sofa, crossing one leg over the other. He insisted on the subject:

— Couldn't the Vice President replace him in public appearances?

Kenan raised his eyebrows and shook his head, politely exhaling his sarcasm:

— Thristan Abnigale? You're disappointing me, Kenagan. You know very well who he represents in the power structure, I don't delude myself into thinking that he would ignore any opportunity, the situation is delicate, I'm alone in this...

— I understand what you mean. — Floyd Kenagan replied.

— Besides, he's out of the country for a series of important meetings about the global economic plan, I'm not going to bring him back and ask him to take my place. Not only would I make myself weak, but I would also destroy the credibility of National Security in the eyes of the public. The game has already begun, Mr. Kenagan!

— I still believe there might be another way to...

— I'm not going to lose the slightest bit of credibility that I've gained because of a seemingly innocuous threat, that's not an option for me. — Kenan said resolutely.

After a few sips of coffee, he put the cup back on the table.

— I see… — Floyd Kenagan said, still not convinced, but without arguments.

GREGORY EVANS WAS LISTENING discreetly to the conversation between the two, trying to interpret the meanings that were hidden among their inferences. His simple espionage was interrupted when he felt a strong step on his foot and, turning to look, an agent was trying to balance himself, with his hand on his shoulder. The man almost fell on him, he had lost his balance, his hands were shaking, and he was sweating excessively.

— Everything is fine, agent… — he looked for the name on his badge, stuck in his jacket pocket. — — Adams?

— I'm not feeling very well — the man replied, speaking heavily.

— But nothing that will compromise my service.

— Find some medicine — Greg said, helping him get up and recover.

— I'll be fine, thank you. — The agent continued walking and sat down in an armchair next to Greg, perhaps trying to breathe a little and regain his balance.

Meanwhile, the conversation between Kenan and Floyd continued: