Cangemi looked at the helmet in astonishment, then said a silent prayer. The left side of the marine red and gold helmet had been ground paper thin where Cangemi's head had slid on the rough flight deck.
Chapter Nineteen
The CNN anchorman adjusted his tie for the third time, smoothed back his hair, and waited for his cue.
"Tensions in the Gulf of Mexico continue to escalate as President Jarrett attempts to resolve the B-2 hijacking. CNN has learned that another air battle has taken place, this time over the Straits of Florida. Initial reports indicate that American carrier planes were attacked only minutes ago by Cuban-based MiG fighters.
"A Pentagon source confirmed that two fighters from the carrier America were lost. The fate of the crews is unknown. Cuban losses are unconfirmed at this time.
"Premier Fidel Castro has issued a harsh warning to the White House, prompting legislators to call for immediate sanctions against Cuba. In a statement released minutes ago, Premier Castro stated that any further aggression on behalf of the United States will result in a state of war being declared by his government.
"The official newspaper of the Cuban Communist party, Granma, announced that any airplanes, including civilian aircraft, violating Cuban airspace will be shot down.
"In related news, a bipartisan group of congressional leaders is calling for an investigation into the Stealth hijacking." The newscaster paused as fresh information was placed on his desk outside the view of the camera.
"White House sources have confirmed that President Jarrett has increased the military alert status," he continued. "Our White House correspondent, Evelynn Myers, is standing by with an update. Evelynn?"
The pleasant-looking, short-haired woman stepped a few feet to the right to allow a better camera angle. "I just spoke to a White House staff member who confirmed the increased alert status. Fighter aircraft and helicopters from every branch of the services are congregating at Homestead, MacDill, and England Air Force Bases. Unconfirmed reports indicate that B-1 bombers from Dyess and Ellsworth Air Force Bases are en route to Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana.
"Reporters have been given a short release stating that the Army 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, along with the 101st Air Assault Division at Fort Campbell, are on full alert. Secretary Kerchner also informed us that a marine corps special landing force, Amphibious Squadron Three, is embarked on the assault carrier Wasp. Another marine landing team is boarding a sister ship, the Essex."
The television picture switched back to the anchorman. "Evelynn, what is the current status of the Marines at Guantanamo Bay? Is there any provision to extract them from the base?"
"As far as we've been told," the reporter replied, switching her microphone to her other hand, "they will remain in place for the time being. The military does not want to risk flying any aircraft in or out of Guantanamo Bay. I spoke with a Pentagon source who said that the navy fighter planes at the base are remaining on the ground. The aircraft are manned-on immediate alert-to provide air cover if the Marines come under attack.
"One other note. White House sources have indicated that President Jarrett has demanded clarification of Russian involvement from President Ignatyev. Secretary Kerchner, who has scheduled a news conference later today, stated that he would address this subject. John?"
The anchorman waited a moment, adjusted his papers, then looked into the camera. "This item just in. The Kremlin has issued a statement denying any culpability in the Stealth disappearance.
According to Soviet Foreign Minister Sergey Aksenhov, they are interrogating officials of the KGB and Cuban General Counterintelligence Directorate. Kremlin officials have issued an additional statement, saying that they will not participate in any military action we take against Cuba.
"In related news, NATO forces have been placed on alert, pending the outcome of the B-2 situation.
"We'll be right back," the anchor said without emotion, "so stay with us for the latest in headline news."
When a weather update flashed on the monitor, the anchorman turned to a staff member. "You think this is the excuse they've wanted… to eliminate Castro and communism in Cuba?"
"Hell, who knows what goes on in the puzzle palace."
Gennadi Levchenko angrily dismissed the senior Soviet aeronautical engineer and turned to his assistant. "What is it, Natanoly Vitelevich?"
Obukhov, standing outside the director's door, stepped inside. "Comrade director, the American — Simmons — is becoming a problem for us."
"Get him in here," Levchenko blurted, too preoccupied with the security breach to concentrate on the American. "Are they searching the base again?"
"Da, comrade director," Obukhov answered. "The entire base is sealed tight." As Levchenko shook his head in disgust, Obukhov stepped back through the door and motioned for Simmons to approach the director's office. "You're making things difficult for yourself, comrade," Obukhov warned the frightened defector sternly as he ushered him into Levchenko's office.
"Sit down, Comrade Simmons," Levchenko said firmly. "What is your problem?"
Simmons, sitting rigidly on the bench in front of the impatient KGB director, darted a glance at the small photo he held of Irina Rykhov. She had given him the black-and-white picture the afternoon prior to his commandeering the Stealth bomber.
The pretty face smiled at Simmons, giving him strength. He remembered vividly Irina's clear, provocative hazel eyes. Her face had a pronounced Slavic tilt that set off her full, sensuous mouth.
"Comrade director," Simmons began cautiously, "I am concerned about Irina… for her safety."
Levchenko half listened to the scared defector, his mind busy with the repercussions of the breach in security. If the truth reached the Kremlin…
"I am afraid," Simmons continued, unsure of himself, "for Irina. She promised we would be together here, in San Julian. Is something wrong?"
Levchenko heard Simmons's last words. "Yes, comrade," Levchenko answered in his grim, specious manner. "Irina will be reunited with you in Moscow, for security reasons. We have had a security breach here, as you well know, and we cannot place Irina at risk."
Simmons, showing fear and confusion, looked at the picture again. "When will I be able to go to Moscow?"
"In a matter of days," Levchenko answered, trying to contain his anger and frustration. "Right now, Comrade Simmons, we have work to do, and I am counting on you."
Simmons rose slowly. "Yes, comrade director."
Norman Lasharr and his deputy, David Ridgefield, sat quietly, waiting to hear from Hampton Milligan in Key West. Ridgefield refilled their coffee mugs while Lasharr reviewed the latest message traffic. Both men glanced occasionally at the television monitor in the corner of Lasharr's office.
"Well, general," Ridgefield said, picking up the discarded messages, "Wickham pulled it off."
Lasharr remained silent a few seconds, then placed the messages down. "Yes, he did… the crazy son of a bitch. I wish we had another fifty like him."
Ridgefield smiled slightly as he sat down catty-corner from the tenacious director. "I agree, sir."
Lasharr started to speak at the same moment a special report flashed on the television monitor. "Dave, turn it up."
Ridgefield pressed the volume button on the remote control next to his chair. Both men watched a harried, well-known commentator, tie askew, struggle to insert an earpiece.