Designated Survivor Read Online Free

said. “Nothing stands out. They’re clean enough to pass the background investigations to get hired.”
    “But Jared Long doesn’t fit that profile,” Darby said. “He has a long military record and a family.”
    Grace was looking up at the screens showing the Marine’s record. “I know. I think there’s something else at play here. I just don’t know what yet. But if the Secret Service and Capitol Police were infiltrated, we start with the standard profiles. We’ll figure out Jared Long as we go.”
    “I have some names for you,” Ben said. “I know several of them personally and the others by reputation. All of them are assigned or are on the list to be assigned to the ETTF, so they have highest clearance and access.”
    “Thanks,” Arrington said.
    Grace stepped over and reviewed the list with him and they marked six of the ten names based on nothing more than gut feelings.
    “Can we get a car to go pick them up without alerting them first?” Grace said.
    “I’ve never seen you this cautious,” Arrington said. “Sure. I’ll get my driver to make the rounds and get them.”
    “Make sure no cell phones come with them,” Grace said. “Who do we have on the ground at the Capitol?”
    “I’ve activated all available agents, FBI SWAT and the Hostage Rescue Team,” Assistant Director Paulson said. “HRT is actively trying to get communications up with whoever is inside the building but no land lines are being answered.”
    “We have SEAL Team Four at Quantico standing by,” Admiral Darby said. “And a couple hundred troops ready to bring in.”
    “Great. What about CIA, Director Leighton?” Arrington said.
    “We don’t have anybody on site but can offer any intelligence assistance. Langley is on high alert,” Leighton said.
    “Fine,” Grace said. “This may come down to finesse over firepower anyway.”
    “I hate to be the one to suggest it,” Leighton said. “But should we retrieve the designated survivor?”
    “What for?” Grace said.
    “Accountability,” Leighton said. “Deniability. We technically answer to him right now. If this all goes pear shaped, we can at least try to avoid standing in front of a congressional hearing if he gives the approval to move.”
    “You mean this hasn’t gone pear shaped yet?” Grace said. “Who is the designated survivor anyway?”
    “Richard Graham, secretary of transportation,” Arrington said.
    “Shit,” Grace said. “Couldn’t it at least have been somebody from education? So who knows where Graham is?”
    Director Leighton looked around then raised his hand. “I’ve been briefed by the president,” he said.
    “What about security detail, do you know who’s covering him?” Arrington said.
    “Standard protocol for the designated survivor,” Leighton said. “A couple dozen Secret Service, secure location outside the Beltway.”
    “Is the secretary’s family with him?” Grace said.
    “He’s single, but I think he brought a, well, a companion,” Leighton said.
    “Great. America is being taken by terrorists and our acting President is holed up with his girlfriend,” Grace said.
    “Not exactly,” Leighton said. “More like his boyfriend.”
    “Oh, okay,” Grace said. “And is this public knowledge?”
    “No. He maintains he’s an available bachelor about town and has been seen with several high profile women in D.C.,” Leighton said. “While he’s been with the same partner for 12 years.”
    “All right. Good for him. So we need to get to Graham and bring him back here,” Grace said.
    “Here? Do you think that’s safe?” Paulson said.
    “I really don’t know,” Grace said. “I just want to get him moving to see if it puts anything else in motion. They may be watching for him to appear so they can attack again.”
    “We’re going to use him as bait?” Leighton said.
    “You have a better idea?” Grace said.
     

CHAPTER 4
    The screens showed detailed maps and live satellite views of the countryside