OCT. 22 ‘25 // “How much more time until Abu Salim’s helicopter arrives in Los Angeles?” the President asked the Secretary of Defense. “Approximately ten minutes,” the Secretary whispered. So close! Would the helicopter get there in time to stop the attack? “Contact the helicopter pilot and ask him to fly at maximum speed.” “That’s exactly what I was about to do,” the Secretary of Defense declared. “I’m already flying at maximum speed according to safety regulations,” the pilot responded uncomfortably. “Forget the safety precautions. Just get here as fast as you can!” “Did he give you any other information?” the FBI director asked, as Arthur stopped the car in front of warehouse number 26. “Look, I’m in front of the warehouse now,” Arthur Recap: The FBI is anxiously monitoring the arrival of the military helicopter. Arthur and Rachamim are outside Jamil’s location. There are ten minutes left. CHAPTER 45 said, preoccupied. “I need to plan this out, sir, if that’s okay. The only other thing he mentioned is that the bomb is being transported here in a military helicopter.” A military helicopter… The bomb is being transported by a military helicopter…. The FBI director frowned and shook his head. Why was that fact significant? He tried to dismiss it from his mind as he turned to the more pressing issue: was there any way Arthur could keep the terrorist from carrying out his plan, or at least delay him long enough for Abu Salim to arrive? “Do you need backup?” he asked Arthur. “I’ve ordered two squads to come here, but to keep it quiet. I don’t want to shock the terrorist into doing anything prematurely.” “Good idea. How are you going to confront him?” “I don’t know,” Arthur admitted. “I have Rachamim here with me. We’ll have to come up with something fast, though, so if you have any ideas, tell them to me now.” Jamil left the office and started pacing across the cavernous room, empty except for a few broken pieces of 172
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