Dressed in a plaid button-down shirt and khaki trousers, the Aga Khan looked nothing like a stereotypical Muslim spiritual leader.

The flat-screen TV behind him was tuned to one of the twenty-four-hour cable news networks. At the far end of the main sitting room, which looked more like a study or a library, Harvath found the Aga Khan at a large wooden desk covered with scrolls and old pieces of papyrus. There was a moldy, bookish smell to the place.

Logs stacked upright, A-frame style, blazed in the fireplace. Thick velvet draperies were drawn tight against the windows while ornate chandeliers and Tiffany-style table lamps cast the room in a dim orange glow. Just like the rest of the monastery, the Aga Khan’s rooms were sumptuously appointed. Bringing his MP7 up to the firing position, Harvath pushed open the door with the toe of his boot and carefully stepped inside. At the last minute, though, he stopped himself and decided to try the handle-it was unlocked. Once the guards had left the hallway and disappeared behind the statue of Saint Nicholas, Harvath prepared to kick in the door of the Aga Khan’s chambers. Besides, I could use a cup of coffee.” Harvath eased his finger off the trigger and gently lowered his weapon. “She then turned to Anderson and said, “ So, what will it be Cute is something I have never been accused of being. “This is a hell of a deal they’re offering you.” “You don’t have to worry, Russ. “ Don’t be cute, Helen,” responded Mercer. “No, we’re going to hang on to it as part of your personal guarantee.” “Which is?” “That you’ll graciously retire from politics and never mention any of this, including the name of Scot Harvath or what you believe the president may or may not have done.” “ That’s all?” said Carmichael facetiously. “You have my personal guarantee, and what’s more, you have the president’s.” “And the tape?” “ Is part of a federal investigation, but as Brian Turner made a full confession, I don’t see why it would need to be entered as evidence at his trial.” “ Will it be destroyed then?” she asked. “If I agree to do what you’re asking, do I have your guarantee that no criminal charges will be brought against me?” Charles Anderson nodded his head. There was nothing else she could do for now but concede defeat. Helen Carmichael had tried to play the game by her own set of rules and had lost. When he gets out, I don’t think he’ll want anything to do with the worlds of intelligence or politics ever again.” That was it then. Brian Turner is going to prison for a very, very long time.

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