“We couldn’t tell you anything until your security clearances came through, and by then it was too late—the operation was already under way,” Helen said.

“We will not stand by and watch our company be destroyed by this .. . this lunacy!” Cheryl shouted angrily. “You didn’t answer to a board of directors when you started this wild escapade—but you have one now, and they have the power to oust you, the McLanahans, and everyone else involved in this crazy scheme right out of the company. And that’s exactly what I want to see done!”

Jon was still busy on the telephone, coordinating launch activities with his Blytheville headquarters. He ignored Cheryl Duffield until there was a lengthy pause on the other end; then: “Cheryl, I don’t really care what you’re going to do—go cry to the shareholders, sue us, close us down. I don’t care. But I’m going to do everything in my power to support the McLanahans and the team out there in Egypt. I’ll do as much as I can for as long as I can. In less than ten hours, our planes will be airborne. In twelve hours, it’ll all be over—either we’ll be successful, or folks will die. Either way, it won’t matter what you say or do. You can’t stop it.”

“Oh, I will stop you, Dr. Masters,” Cheryl retorted. “Maybe not this time, but after this day, you won’t be able to order a pizza, let alone an air strike. I guarantee it.” And she got up and disgustedly walked off to the front of the aircraft. As she moved forward she half-turned, waiting for Kelsey to join her. Their two gazes met. Cheryl saw something in her daughter’s eyes, a request or a plea: Whatever it was, Cheryl recognized it. She obviously didn’t like it, but she accepted it. She shook her head, her lips taut, and continued forward.

“Mommy’s pretty mad,” Kelsey said.

“I’m sorry about all this, Dr. Duffield,” Helen said. “We had no choice but to keep this information from you. Too many lives are at stake.”

“The McLanahans—are they in danger?” Kelsey asked.

Helen looked at Jon. He looked at Kelsey, wondering whether or not to answer. Most times, it was so difficult to remember that Kelsey Duffield was still a nine-year-old and not just a world-class, superintelligent, fully adult thinker. He always wanted to treat her as an adult, a peer—but most times he usually ended up treating her like a smart little sister. That time, Jon realized, was just about past.