Russ glared at the communiqué from Hansen, and read through it once again. Callahan couldn't stand it any longer.
Any news?Not any we want to see. He looked up at the petite blonde. Have you heard from Rudy?No, I'm afraid there's been nothing new on Oscar.If I don't find her, Callahan, it'll kill him.
Callahan refrained from commenting on the obvious; that Oscar was emotionally tied to Jaime wasn't a question in anyone's mind. The door opened quickly, and Hansen walked in, followed by several of his agents. His face looked grim, as he handed Russ a piece of paper.
Russ scanned it. Oh, shit...I'm sorry, but we can't be delicate about this. Our orders are to find them and dispatch bombers.
Russ looked up at Hansen, the gravity of the situation shining in his eyes. But what if----No, any rescue attempt is out of the question. He softened slightly and stepped closer to the younger man. You know as well I do, Russ, that it's probably the kindest thing we can do.
Russ nodded, but it was more out of shock than understanding. Hansen motioned to his men, and they left Russ and Callahan standing in silence in Oscar's office.
Russ? Russ, what's going on?'
He looked up at Callahan, his head feeling as if it were about to explode. The Shia Hizballah is planning on selling Jaime to a foreign government.And that means we can't rescue her?
Russ handed Callahan the paper he was holding as he headed to the bar in the room. They'll dissect her without so much as putting her under, Callahan, that's what Hansen meant when he said bombing the target might be the kindest thing. That, and our government doesn't want the bionic technology to fall into enemy hands.So they're just going to kill her? Callahan looked down at the paper in her hands. This...this came from the President.
Russ poured himself a drink. Yes it did.So there's nothing we can do...Not unless we want to face charges of treason, no.How are you going to tell Oscar?
He drained the glass and refilled it. I'm not.You can't keep this from him, Russ. Not this.Not forever, no, but for awhile I can.You'll only be postponing the inevitable.Maybe. But at least Rudy will have time to see that Oscar gets a little stronger.
Callahan looked sadly at him. With a blow like this, Russ, it's not going to matter...
He watched her as she walked out of the office, gently closing the door behind her, and Mark Russell sat in Oscar Goldman's chair, and wept.