Read Online The Razor's Edge: A Postapocalytic Novel (The New World Book 6) by G. Michael Hopf - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: G. Michael Hopf
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strong man, very resourceful but you’re also impulsive. Now unless there’s anything I can get you, I’ll take my leave,” Megyn said and left.
It wasn’t the first time Gordon had heard those descriptions. He would heed her advice, at least until that powerful urge hit him to take action. He turned back to the window and looked out. This entire thing was strange, but then again, the world had been turned upside down for some time. He knew that the pleasantries would come to an end soon and he’d have the major question answered as to what Jacques truly wanted.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
“What do you mean there aren’t any remains of the president?” Baxter asked.
“Just that, sir, we haven’t yet been able to find anything, but that doesn’t mean we won’t. The bomb was placed in the floor underneath the first row of pews. That is where the president normally sat, so it’s quite possible his body was obliterated but normally we find a piece, something that we can use to identify. A finger or toe, even an eyeball to match against the biometrics we had for him. As you know, it’s a mess and will take some time to comb through everything,” the coroner replied.
“I just would like a confirmation. What about the remains of his personal protection detail, any of them?” Baxter asked.
“We’ll know soon, sir.”
“Keep me and only me apprised, do you understand?” Baxter ordered.
“Yes, sir,” the coroner said and got up to leave. “Sir, you seem to think the president might not have been there. Is there something that leads you to that thought?”
“I’m just being thorough is all,” Baxter answered although he was growing increasingly doubtful. At first it appeared Cruz was dead as he was scheduled to be there, but two survivors recalled not seeing him there. When that word trickled down to Baxter late last night his excitement at being the new commander in chief waned. Had Cruz survived?
“I’ll go back and continue the work, sir, and one other thing, if the president is alive, where is he?”
Baxter didn’t want to answer that. He gave the coroner a hard look and said, “Thank you for coming. Keep me informed.”
The coroner opened the door but was pushed aside as Eli Bennett barged in. “We need to talk.”
Laura, Cruz’s executive assistant, came in right behind Eli. “Sir, you’re not allowed in here.”
Baxter leered at Eli. “You need to schedule time with me. This is highly inappropriate.”
Eli walked up to the desk and asked, “Why haven’t you been sworn in?”
“Sir, you have to leave,” Laura demanded.
The coroner still hovered in the doorway, curiously watching the dramatic scene.
“Laura, it’s fine. Please go and take the coroner with you,” Baxter ordered. He stepped out from behind his desk and walked to the door and locked it. He turned back to Eli and asked, “What are you doing here? Just your mere presence looks suspicious; are you a damn fool?”
“Answer me,” Eli said referencing his first question.
“We’re conducting an investigation. I’m in charge, but I haven’t taken the formal steps.”
“You need to do so immediately,” Eli barked.
“Why? What difference does it make? If Cruz is dead—”
“If? He’s dead and you’re now the next in line,” Eli scolded.
“We don’t know if he is dead. What, are you deaf?” Baxter replied. “Last night two survivors mentioned not seeing Cruz there. I called the coroner and asked him if they had found any evidence, body parts, something that would confirm Cruz was there, and guess what, he hasn’t.”
Eli’s expression went from anger to shock. “That’s impossible. He goes there every Friday, Sunday and all holidays, like clockwork.”
“Well, maybe he got wind of your little plan and is in hiding somewhere. Maybe he’s trying to smoke us out and your dumb ass is running around doing victory laps, barging into my office and being seen around the executive
It wasn’t the first time Gordon had heard those descriptions. He would heed her advice, at least until that powerful urge hit him to take action. He turned back to the window and looked out. This entire thing was strange, but then again, the world had been turned upside down for some time. He knew that the pleasantries would come to an end soon and he’d have the major question answered as to what Jacques truly wanted.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
“What do you mean there aren’t any remains of the president?” Baxter asked.
“Just that, sir, we haven’t yet been able to find anything, but that doesn’t mean we won’t. The bomb was placed in the floor underneath the first row of pews. That is where the president normally sat, so it’s quite possible his body was obliterated but normally we find a piece, something that we can use to identify. A finger or toe, even an eyeball to match against the biometrics we had for him. As you know, it’s a mess and will take some time to comb through everything,” the coroner replied.
“I just would like a confirmation. What about the remains of his personal protection detail, any of them?” Baxter asked.
“We’ll know soon, sir.”
“Keep me and only me apprised, do you understand?” Baxter ordered.
“Yes, sir,” the coroner said and got up to leave. “Sir, you seem to think the president might not have been there. Is there something that leads you to that thought?”
“I’m just being thorough is all,” Baxter answered although he was growing increasingly doubtful. At first it appeared Cruz was dead as he was scheduled to be there, but two survivors recalled not seeing him there. When that word trickled down to Baxter late last night his excitement at being the new commander in chief waned. Had Cruz survived?
“I’ll go back and continue the work, sir, and one other thing, if the president is alive, where is he?”
Baxter didn’t want to answer that. He gave the coroner a hard look and said, “Thank you for coming. Keep me informed.”
The coroner opened the door but was pushed aside as Eli Bennett barged in. “We need to talk.”
Laura, Cruz’s executive assistant, came in right behind Eli. “Sir, you’re not allowed in here.”
Baxter leered at Eli. “You need to schedule time with me. This is highly inappropriate.”
Eli walked up to the desk and asked, “Why haven’t you been sworn in?”
“Sir, you have to leave,” Laura demanded.
The coroner still hovered in the doorway, curiously watching the dramatic scene.
“Laura, it’s fine. Please go and take the coroner with you,” Baxter ordered. He stepped out from behind his desk and walked to the door and locked it. He turned back to Eli and asked, “What are you doing here? Just your mere presence looks suspicious; are you a damn fool?”
“Answer me,” Eli said referencing his first question.
“We’re conducting an investigation. I’m in charge, but I haven’t taken the formal steps.”
“You need to do so immediately,” Eli barked.
“Why? What difference does it make? If Cruz is dead—”
“If? He’s dead and you’re now the next in line,” Eli scolded.
“We don’t know if he is dead. What, are you deaf?” Baxter replied. “Last night two survivors mentioned not seeing Cruz there. I called the coroner and asked him if they had found any evidence, body parts, something that would confirm Cruz was there, and guess what, he hasn’t.”
Eli’s expression went from anger to shock. “That’s impossible. He goes there every Friday, Sunday and all holidays, like clockwork.”
“Well, maybe he got wind of your little plan and is in hiding somewhere. Maybe he’s trying to smoke us out and your dumb ass is running around doing victory laps, barging into my office and being seen around the executive
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