Just as Ethan finished his warning, Thompson's encrypted phone began to vibrate violently on the table. The caller ID displayed a seal that few in the world ever saw.
"It's Harrison," Thompson whispered, looking at Ethan for permission. "Should I take this privately?"
Ethan leaned back, his expression serene and unbothered. Seeing that calm, almost bored look, Thompson decided it was better not to offend the man who had built his throne. Instead of stepping away, he hit the speakerphone button.
The voice that erupted from the speaker was unrecognizable as the leader of the free world. President Harrison wasn't speaking with the practiced cadence of a politician; he was gasping, his voice high-pitched and vibrating with absolute, naked terror.
