Chapter 33 fragment The President changed the subject while sorting through a stack of papers.

Our strategies seem to be producing favorable results. Indeed, Michael agreed. The DEA, CIA, and the FBI are all ahead of the game with their investigations ... And just like we did with the Diamond cartel, strong and swift legal action is awaiting. President McPhearse looked up and said, Very good. Were also working with several foreign officials in this drug war, Michael said. Cooperation and intelligence is our main focus. We intend to eliminate all illegal drugs from crossing into our borders. A slight smile appeared on the Presidents face. Thats the best news Ive heard all day. One less drug syndicate in this country ... Whos next, the Artiz brothers? And the Wong family, added the Attorney General. I was briefed yesterday. The DEA is all over it. Wonderful. One concern I would like to mention though, slightly off the subject, Michael broached. Ive been noticing that my deputy, Stanley Rheely, is often snooping around very suspiciously in different offices back at the headquarters. Stanley? McPhearse questioned. Aw, Im sure he was probably just doing research for someone. Hes a good man. Ive known his father since business school. Michael stood up and started to pace back and forth. No disrespect sir. But as of late, hes been seeming very shady ... I just dont trust him. On what basis? the President asked.

Well... Come on Michael, dont be ridiculous. But sir, I really think- McPhearse interrupted, Michael, stop with the foolishness. Okay, youre right, Michael deferred, as he stopped pacing and looked at his watch. Well sir, if youre done with me here, I have a meeting in an hour that I need to prep for. Wheres your associate, Ms. Reynolds? McPhearse asked. I havent seen her in a while. Jaclyn? Well, you know her son is still in trouble with that case, so shes taking some time off. When we last spoke she was very distraught, but she didnt go into details about the situation. Oh yes thats right, McPhearse said as he stood up. Ive been so overwhelmed by my own misfortune that I havent had time to reach out to her. Give her my regards will you? Shes a good lady. I sure will, Michael said, shaking the Presidents hand. McPhearse said, We will talk later, while walking Michael to the door. Have a good day sir, Michael said. And you the same. Michael left and President McPhearse walked over to the middle of the office and flopped down on the snug sofa. He sat cemented on the couch in a daze, thinking about what happened at his family reunion a couple of months ago. Back when a bomb exploded from out of a champagne bottle during his annual dinner ceremony, destiny had placed him over fifty feet away. His brother, aunt and uncle were not as lucky. The Presidents temper had been hot like flowing lava every since. He felt absolutely horrible because the assassination attempt was meant for him, and it was even more upsetting that

no one had been apprehended yet. He had two of the world's best investigation agencies on the job yet no progress had been made. This was turning his psyche inside out. McPhearse still tried to do his presidential duties but very little had gotten accomplished. His thoughts and focus was on finding the person who killed his family members. Little did he know that he had already taken down the initiator of the attempt on his life, although the actual installer of the explosive, Max Salasi, was still at large.