“I know he did it. He’s crazy.”

“Certifiable, I’d say,” Goff said. “But that still doesn’t mean he did it.”

“If I got you your evidence, Mr. Secretary, then would you help me?” Salaam asked. “Would you send your stealth bombers and armored commandos in against him and shatter his military, destroy his weapons of mass destruction, and kill Zuwayy if possible so he won’t threaten to do this again? What’s your price to assure peace in Africa? Whatever it is, I’ll pay it.”

“President Salaam, first of all: If you were briefed anything about this administration by General Baris or your intelligence staff, you’d know that the President will not order U.S. forces to get involved in squabbles between sovereign nations,” Edward Kercheval said. “The United States’s position has been that we will not interfere militarily with such matters unless it directly threatens the national security or vital national interests of the United States. That has been our policy since the beginning of this administration, and it has not changed. We will be happy to act as a disinterested third party in negotiations, but we will not commit American troops to help.”

“Second, we have no idea what bombers or armored commandos you’re talking about,” Robert Goff added. “The United States has bombers, of course, but they have not been deployed or sent on any missions anywhere. And we have no armored commandos. None.”

“What about Patrick McLanahan?”

There was a slight uncomfortable rustle of hands and shoulders; but, as if he were reading the words from a cue card, Robert Goff responded, “We have heard of Mr. McLanahan, and we know he has been linked with various organizations, none of which have any connection whatsoever with the U.S. government. Mr. McLanahan is under indictment in the United States for a variety of charges, the specifications of which are sealed by the Justice and Defense Departments. He is currently free on bond and awaiting a court hearing.”

“You’re lying,” Susan said. “He helped me. He has saved Egypt from Zuwayy’s attacks.”

“If that’s what he told you, I wouldn’t believe it,” Goff said.

“You’re all lying,” Susan repeated. “He’s a hero. He’s been here. He saved Egypt from a terrible assault from Libyan military forces.”

“We may ask you to testify to that, Mrs. President,” Kercheval said, “at McLanahan’s trial.”

“This is some kind of trick,” Salaam said, the anguish apparent in her voice. “He saved us. He has powers .. . weapons . . .”

“Any of which are either fabrications or stolen, ma’am,” Goff said. “I’m sorry if he’s bamboozled you. You may of course file charges against him in federal court, and the U.S. Attorney General will see to the matter personally. But I wouldn’t place my trust, or the safety of my nation, in his hands.”

“Why are you doing this to him?” Susan asked, almost pleading. “He’s a wonderful man. He cares about his wife and his men. He loves the United States and he fights for justice. Why won’t you support him?”