Shadow Flight

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."

CIA HEADQUARTERS

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.

The anchorman looked into the camera. "Cuban President Fidel Castro, moments ago, issued a declaration of war aimed at the United States. Speaking from his home at Varadero Beach, Castro lashed out vehemently at President Jarrett and vowed to confront any military threat to Cuba."

The newsman paused to adjust his earpiece, then continued quickly. "Castro has dispatched his brother, Army Commander Raul Castro, to personally take command of Cuban army troops advancing toward the San Julian Air Base. San Julian is the purported location of the missing B-2 Stealth bomber. White House sources have refused to comment."

The commentator, seeing new information being rushed to him, followed the director's cue. "CBS will continue our coverage of the Cuban crisis after this word."

Lasharr and Ridgefield looked at each other in astonishment. "Dave, get in touch with Hamp," Lasharr instructed, "and put a priority on getting Wickham out."

"Yes, sir," Ridgefield replied as he reached for his SecTel 1500 secure phone.

"I'll be at the White House," Lasharr said as he closed his thin attache case. "Dave, I don't want any screwups. Keep a lid on it."

THE WHITE HOUSE

9:18 A. M. Eastern Standard Time

The situation room was crowded when President Jarrett and the secretary of state entered. "Gentlemen," Jarrett began, grim faced, "Secretary Gardner and I have issued a statement to world leaders. As you know, the Kremlin is denying any involvement in the hijacking."

Alton Jarrett adjusted his glasses carefully and read the dispatch.

"The president of the United States of America denounces Cuba's refusal to release our B-2 bomber and crew.

"The government of the United States recognizes the declaration of war issued by Cuban President Fidel Castro.

"The United States of America is, and will continue to be, committed to recovering our commandeered Stealth bomber and her crew."

Jarrett removed his glasses and placed the message faceup on the table. "This episode is a tremendous embarrassment for Castro. The Soviets — Ignatyev — are sidestepping the issue and leaving Castro caught in the middle. There may be a rogue faction operating in the KGB, but Ignatyev apparently isn't going to admit it.

"The dictatorial society that Castro has created is undergoing a major economic and ideological crisis. Moscow has withdrawn support, and Castro is feeling the pressure."

The president looked around the table before speaking again. "It is my opinion that we can expect stiff resistance from Castro. He is a desperate man, caught standing alone or with whatever support he can muster in this hemisphere."

Jarrett sat back. The Joint Chiefs, the CIA director, and the cabinet members waited to see who would speak first.

"Mister President," the secretary of state said solemnly, "may I have a word with you… in private?"

Jarrett paused, then looked at Gardner. "Sam, if you have a comment — any comment — you can speak candidly to the entire group."

Gardner, displaying a twinge of irritation, leaned on the table and clasped his hands together. "Sir, if we — if you insist on pursuing your plan to invade Cuba," Gardner said cautiously, then stopped and shifted in his seat, "the ramifications — the Vietnam syndrome — will be devastating to your political career."