Chapter 449

“Now what,” I thought.

“Yes this is Roberta Jones. Yes, I will hold.”

“Good morning Mr. President, how are you today?” I asked.

“I’m good but let me get right to the point of the call Ambassador. I know you have been in Africa the last week but I am equally sure that you have stayed up with the news of the suicide attack in Arizona State University.”

“Minneapolis and Arizona State University in less than three weeks and now it looks like we may have a serial terrorist from the Mideast targeting our colleges. All this calls for emergency actions. One thing that I am doing is forming a Presidential task force to bring members of all intelligence groups together with a new focus and with new ideas on domestic terrorism. The intelligence groups are and have been stretched to the limit; we need a new approach with these college attacks,” the President said and then continued.

“We started looking for the most experienced people we could find. Your name was submitted by several of the intelligence agencies. You and your business group have been involved with more terrorist attacks domestic and foreign than anyone. On top of that you are already involved with multiple federal intelligence agencies and come highly recommended,” he said.

“I want you to be chairperson of that task force. Crack the whip; get everyone going in the right direction. You will have discretion to go wherever we need to go to catch Saif,” he said.

“You have to know I am not politically correct and what you are asking will be a political football!”

“They told me you would say that, but the job has to get done. What has been done in the past is not working. My people told me you have no problem kicking ass and giving the tough orders to get things done,” he replied.

“There will be some bruised toes when they get stepped on. On top of that, I have numerous contracts with other federal agencies; will this create a problem?” I replied.

“No, those contracts will not be affected. Can you be here tomorrow morning at 8 AM to set up the structure, and choose other task force members who you will work with? We will make the announcement at an 11 AM press conference on the lawn. That will give you time to write a speech. Come to the front entrance; they will expect you,” he replied.

“I will be there and we will have a serious discussion,” I replied then I asked about bringing guests for the announcement.

“Your family - of course, they can take the private White House tour while we meet,” the President replied.

I handed the phone back to Eric, “Walking into the fire with a bucket of gasoline in each hand,” I said.

“Congratulations,” Eric said.

“I’d rather you promise to give the eulogy at my funeral,” I replied with a laugh.

I wrote on a sheet of paper.

To all JBG college security sites: Red Alert is now in effect!!!!

Saif Alawai al-Jawfi is a serial terrorist responsible for explosive devices used at Minneapolis and possibly Arizona State University. Pay close scrutiny to all visitors; consider him and anyone with him to be armed, dangerous and suicidal.

Expect immediate changes to all security procedures and additional equipment will be installed as soon as it can be acquired. Be doubly vigilant. Please take no chances that allow him or anyone with him access.

Please place the photo out of sight of the public and have all employees review it daily, be vigilant.

I expect all JBG sites to be high on his target list.

‘This is no drill.’

I handed the note to Ching Lee, “Type it up and sign it; send it to all fourteen sites – also Cindy - with Saif’s picture and bring me a copy please.”

I wrote another one to Marcy to send to all MAAR sites.

‘Saif Alawai al-Jawfi is a serial terrorist responsible for the explosive devices used at Minneapolis and possibly Arizona State University. We think he has now gone mobile plying his trade. Pay close scrutiny to all visitors and customers; consider him and anyone with him to be armed, dangerous and suicidal. Notify DHS and the FBI immediately if he is seen.

Please place the photo out of sight of the public and have all employees review it daily, be vigilant.

“Send this to Marcy for me please,” I instructed Ching Lee.

Then I sent a text to the girls and my administrators, “I have to be at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave at 0800 tomorrow.”

The next thing I did was call Bradberry at East Coast Security, “Get me a price and availability on 30 thermal scanners and facial recognition systems ASAP.”

While I was doing all this Eric, Frank and Kent had been on their phones and there had been several conversations with the other investigators. They were also listening intently to my conversations.