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  Taylor held up a hand. “And just to add, I have conferred with the appropriate agencies, and they expect that within five years, parts of LA and D.C. will be resettled.”

  The assembled group began to clap and Longstreet waited for that to subside.

  “Now,” the secretary continued, “I’d like to turn to financial issues. As I’m sure you’re aware, before the heinous Chinese attack on our two cities, that country held a majority of the U.S. national debt. Over the previous ten years, China had been buying a majority of our Treasury bonds.”

  Longstreet paused a moment, then continued. “One very beneficial result of the war is that since the country of China no longer exists, that massive debt has also ceased to exist. For all practical purposes, the United States is debt free.”

  The members of the Cabinet clapped again, this time more loudly.

  “Now that we are debt-free,” Longstreet added, “we no longer have to pay interest on the debt. This has freed up a massive amount of capital and helped our economy grow significantly.”

  The images changed to a graph of the U.S.’s Gross Domestic Product.

  “As you can see on this graph, our GDP has tripled since two years ago.” The secretary paused and smiled. “Also, we have seen tremendous growth in the American manufacturing sector. Up until the war, China was the world’s largest manufacturer. Since then, our industrial production has quadrupled – all of our industries have benefited and grown – automobiles, electronics, aviation, furniture, clothing, you name it. That has contributed to achieving our current national employment level, which, for all intents and purposes, is full employment. It is my estimate, and that of many economists, that the U.S., in a few short years, will once again be the world’s sole superpower.”

  There was more clapping, this time louder, and Taylor waited until it died down. “Thank you, Mike, for that excellent analysis.” The president paused, looked around the room. “I think you will agree that the United States is definitely headed in the right direction.”

  The Cabinet clapped again and the president smiled widely. “Just make sure you vote for me in the upcoming election,” he added, chuckling.

  There was a roar of approval from the group, and Taylor said, “That will be all for today, ladies and gentlemen. We’ll reconvene tomorrow, at the same time.”

  The president stood and the Cabinet members got up also. As they filed out of the room, Taylor shook hands with each of them.

  The president and General Corvan stayed behind, and when they were alone, Taylor asked, “How do you think it went?”

  “Excellent, Mr. President.”

  “I thought so, too. All the economic numbers are good. The country is doing well. By the way, I think I’ll keep Secretary Longstreet after the election – he doesn’t seem so boring now.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Taylor turned and gazed out the broad windows of the room, which overlooked downtown Denver. It was a bright, sunny day, with almost no clouds. “Did you get the Gallup poll numbers, Corvan?”

  “Yes, sir. The latest polls show you’re leading in the presidential race by a wide margin. You’re twenty points ahead of the closest candidate, the businessman from Atlanta.”

  Taylor turned back to the general. “Good news. Very good news.”

  Corvan smiled. “I always knew BlackSnow would work. The country is better off, and so are you.”

  The president nodded. “I love it when a plan comes together.”

  ***

  Monterrey, Mexico

  Bobbie Garcia walked through the kitchen and into the garage of his house, a home he had rented under an assumed name. The garage, much like the rest of the house, was cramped. The room was just big enough to fit his Jeep, leaving a small area in front of the vehicle for a storage cabinet.

  It was brutally hot in the closed garage and Garcia wiped the sweat from his forehead. The garage smelled of oil and mildew, but he had spent so much time in the place that he was used to it.

  Unlocking the storage cabinet, he opened its doors and turned on the bare light bulb that hung overhead. Inside the narrow closet was a wooden table covered with an olive-green tarp. He pulled off the tarp and let it drop to the floor.

  A high-powered snipers rifle sat on the table, a bi-pod supporting the barrel. He caressed the precision scope and the trigger mechanism. Then he ran a hand over the barrel, feeling the latent power of the lethal weapon.

  Ever since Martial Law had been lifted in the United States, he had been planning for this very moment. The time when he would slip back into America and seek revenge. A fugitive for two years, Garcia had hid out in this northern Mexican city, waiting for the right time. It had taken him months to assemble the customized rifle and now it was ready.

  He would get his revenge. For Maria’s death and for the attempt on his own life. Of that he was certain. Not caring if he lived or died, he only cared about one thing. To make sure General Corvan and President Taylor paid. Paid with their lives.

  ***

  Gimmlewald, Switzerland

  Megan Lewis jogged on the park’s trail, as it wound around the edge of the lake. The air felt fresh and cool – Switzerland’s short summer was giving way to sunny, brisk days and cold nights.

  It was midday, but only a few people were in the park. Mostly college-age youths and a few middle-aged people like herself, all wearing jogging clothes.

  Megan stopped to catch her breath, spotted a nearby bench and walked over. Sitting down, her thoughts turned to her plan for today. She had been contemplating it for months and realized the time had come. She couldn’t wait any longer.

  Pulling her cell phone from a pocket, she dialed a familiar number. It rang a minute, then Mueller’s voice came on the line.

  “Henry, I’m glad I caught you.”

  “Great to hear from you,” he replied, his voice warm. “I was just leaving for a meeting with the bank’s other board members. But I always have time for you.”

  “That’s sweet, Henry. Listen, I’ve given a lot of thought to the plan I’ve been discussing with you.”

  “I see,” he said. “What did you decide?”

  “I’m going ahead with it.”

  “Are you sure, Megan? It would be dangerous for you.”

  “My mind is made up. I’m going to run for the Presidency of the United States.”

  “I had a feeling you would. You’re a beautiful, but stubborn woman. I knew I wouldn’t be able to talk you out of it.”

  “I have to do it, Henry. My country needs me.”

  “I understand. As I told you before, I and my bank will financially support your candidacy. I will set up a special bank account, with extensive funds. We’ll match and surpass whatever amount of money Taylor raises.”

  “That’s good to hear. I really appreciate it.”

  “I’m still worried about your safety. How will you deal with that?”

  “I’ve thought it all through, Henry. I’ll hold a press conference in Switzerland, announcing my candidacy for president. Once I do that, it’ll be difficult for Taylor to send his goons after me. Plus, I plan to hire a large group of bodyguards.”

  “I agree with your thinking.”

  “Henry, can you set up the press conference in Zurich? And invite the press from around the world?”

  “Of course. I’ll start working on that today. I have a lot of contacts. I’ll put that to good use.”

  “Excellent. Thank you.”

  “How soon before you leave for the States, Megan?”

  “After the press conference and after I retain the bodyguards.”

  “I can help you with that too.”

  “Good. I estimate I’ll leave for the U.S. in a matter of days. The election is in six months. I need to start campaigning immediately.”

  “I will miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too, Henry. Our…relationship…has been very special. But don’t worry, I’ll come back and visit.”

  “That is g
ood to hear. I’ll call you later with information on the press conference.”

  “Thank you, Henry.”

  She turned off the phone and put it back in her pocket. Then she gazed out over the lake and watched as a noisy flock of birds flew over the water.

  Megan felt good, now that she’d made the decision.

  There were risks ahead, but also the potential for the ultimate reward. Visualizing winning the election, she saw herself being sworn in as president. President Lewis. It sounds great. Damn great.

  A broad smile crossed her face.

  Feeling invigorated, she continued her jog.

  ***

  Recoleta Park

  Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Erica Blake walked through the large, crowd-filled park, occasionally stopping to browse the numerous vendor carts that dotted the area. Some of the vendors sold food and the aroma of spicy meats and strong coffee filled the air.

  It was Saturday and many families were out, strolling along the park’s paths or picnicking on the lush green lawns. Music was everywhere – coming from street musicians, from an amateur band on the stage, and from radios people carried.

  But the party-like atmosphere did nothing to brighten Erica’s mood. She had been depressed for months, the mental wear of being a fugitive had taken its toll.

  She had assumed a new identity and altered her appearance, dying her hair blonde and cutting it short, and donning wire-frame eyeglasses. But she never felt safe, always felt like they were just one step behind her. Nightmares of U.S. government goons breaking down her apartment door while she slept haunted her.

  Passing a newsstand, she browsed the selection of newspapers. Picking up a copy of La Nacion, Buenos Aires largest daily, she spotted a small café at the corner and headed in that direction.

  Sitting at one of the outside tables, she ordered coffee and spread the newspaper in front of her. Most of the news was about Argentina’s sour economy, but one article below the fold peaked her interest.

  Economia de los Estados Unidos creciendo rapidamente, the headline read. U.S. Economy Booming. After two years in her adopted country, she had become fluent in Spanish.

  Sipping coffee, she read through the article, which described the robust economic recovery the U.S. had experienced since the Chinese-American war. The article also mentioned the upcoming American presidential election. President Taylor was a candidate, and based on current polls, his chances for re-election were very good.

  As she read Taylor’s name, a surge of anger filled her. The despicable man had been responsible for Steve’s death. Even after all this time, the visceral hatred she had for the president had not diminished. And now it appeared he would be president for the next four years.

  She grimaced, then shook her head slowly, knowing she had to do something, anything, to prevent that from happening.

  Pushing aside the newspaper, Erica made a snap decision. She would go back to the U.S., regardless of the risk. Steve’s death would be avenged. She didn’t know how she would do it, or even if she had a chance of success. But she would do everything in her power to stop Taylor from being elected. She owed Steve that much.

  A feeling of relief and hope filled her. Now she had a goal.

  Taking a last sip of the coffee, she paid her bill and began strolling through the park again.

  The day looked brighter as she took in the local colors, the sounds and the smells, knowing it would be her last visit to the park.

  END

  END

  About the author

  Lee Gimenez's books at Amazon: Lee Gimenez/Amazon

  Lee Gimenez is the award-winning author of 15 novels, including his highly-acclaimed J.T. Ryan series. Lee was a Finalist for the 2019 Author Academy Award. Many of his books were Featured Novels of the International Thriller Writers Association, among them CROSSFIRE, FIREBALL, The MEDIA MURDERS, FBI CODE RED, and SKYFLASH. Lee is a multi-year nominee for the Georgia Author of the Year Award. Lee’s books are available at Amazon and many other bookstores in the U.S. and Internationally. For more information about him, visit his website at: www.LeeGimenez.com.

  ***

  Novels by Lee Gimenez

  All at Amazon: LeeGimenez/Amazon

  Blacksnow Zero

  The Sigma Conspiracy

  Crossfire

  Fireball

  FBI Code Red

  The Media Murders

  Skyflash

  Killing West

  The Washington Ultimatum

  The Nanotech Murders

  Death on Zanath

  Virtual Thoughtstream

  Azul 7

  Terralus 4

  The Tomorrow Solution

  CROSSFIRE, a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: Crossfire at Amazon

  The SIGMA CONSPIRACY, a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: Sigma Conspiracy at Amazon

  FIREBALL, a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: Fireball at Amazon

  FBI CODE RED, a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: FBI Code Red at Amazon

  THE MEDIA MURDERS, a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: Media Murders at Amazon

  SKYFLASH, a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: Skyflash at Amazon

  KILLING WEST, a Rachel West Thriller

  is available at Amazon and many other bookstores.

  Link to Amazon: Killing West at Amazon

  THE WASHINGTON ULTIMATUM,

  a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  Link to Amazon: Washington Ultimatum at Amazon

  Lee Gimenez’s other novels are all available at Amazon and many other bookstores in the U.S. and Internationally.

  Link to Lee Gimenez's books at Amazon:

  Lee Gimenez / Amazon

  CROSSFIRE excerpt

  CROSSFIRE

  a J.T. Ryan Thriller

  By

  Lee Gimenez

  Face-Look is the world’s largest social media company. When that company’s president is brutally murdered, the FBI investigates. As more people are killed, former Special Forces soldier John (J.T.) Ryan and FBI Assistant Director Erin Welch are assigned to the case. Ryan and Erin delve into the mystery and begin to uncover a vast criminal conspiracy behind the murders. A conspiracy involving not just Face-Look, but also the world’s other social media and high-tech corporations. As more people are murdered, Ryan pursues the secret cabal of criminals across the USA, Japan, and Europe. The dangerous and harrowing journey takes him from the mansions of the super-rich to the gritty back streets of the criminal underworld. There he learns the ultimate goal of the secret group, known only as Viper. A goal so explosive it will cause the collapse of the American economy. Can John Ryan and Erin Welch capture the murderous criminals before they themselves are killed?

  Chapter 1

  Atlanta, Georgia

  Feeling energized by the death that was about to happen, the sniper peered through his rifle’s scope and adjusted the crosshairs. Although his target was in an office building a half-mile away, the custom-made scope allowed him to see clearly into the man’s office on the tenth floor. The target, a tall, heavyset man was at his desk reading a report.

  Using his laser finder and a small computer, the sniper made a few final adjustments to account for wind speed and direction. Then he slowed his breathing and slid his finger past the trigger guard until it rested on the trigger itself. He was using a Barrett M107, a high-precision, long-range rifle that was the weapon of choice for those in his profession.

  He slowed his breathing even more, took another moment to zero in on the target, an
d gently pulled the trigger. The suppressed rifle coughed. A split-second later the armor-piercing round cracked the bullet-resistant window a half mile away.

  The target’s head exploded.

  Then his lifeless body slumped forward on his desk and blood began to pool under his head.

  Chapter 2

  St. Croix

  The U.S. Virgin Islands

  the Caribbean

  It was a sunny, cloudless sky, the temperature in the mid-seventies. The sky was a deep azure blue and the shoreline was crystal clear surf.

  Another perfect day in paradise, John (J.T.) Ryan thought, as he exited the cottage and began walking toward the secluded beach. He noticed Rachel was already there, lounging on a chaise, sipping a drink. Ryan had booked the cottage for a week; the bungalow was part of a resort comprised of golf courses, tennis courts, several pools, restaurants, and miles-long beaches of sparkling sand.

  Ryan almost reached the beach when his cell phone vibrated in his swim trunk pocket. Pulling it out, he answered the call.

  “Ryan here.”

  “It’s Erin,” he heard the woman say.

  “Erin,” he replied with a chuckle. “My favorite ADIC.” Erin was the Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s Atlanta office.

  Erin sighed, used to his attempts at humor “How many ADICs do you know, J.T.?”

  “Besides you? None.”

  “Then I guess the fact I’m your favorite isn’t much of a compliment.”

  Ryan laughed. “You got me there. Why are you calling?”

  “I’m working on a new case and I need your help.”

  Ryan was a former Special Forces soldier turned private investigator who did security work for law-enforcement agencies.