"William W Johnstone - Ashes 32 - Destiny in the Ashes (txt)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Johnstone William W)

simple fact is they haven't the troops to back up any orders they give."

"That's true, Max dear, but if they think I stole the election, they
could simply not recognize my government. Though it wouldn't be fatal to
us, it would severely hamper us in any efforts to trade with other
countries."

"Not to mention the havoc it would cause if they cut our allowance of
foreign oil and gasoline," Cox said. "At current levels of usage, there
wouldn't be an automobile running in two weeks."

Claire spread her hands. "There, you see? We're all in agreement that we
must put the best face possible on this upcoming election, just to avoid
any messy complications with the UN."

She stood up and leaned on her desk. "Now, do any of you have any
suggestions for the speech I'm going to give next week at the fund-raiser?"

Harlan Millard shook his head, his face a mask of worry. "I don't think
it wise for you to speak in public yet, Claire."

"Why not?"

"It's too soon after our defeat at the hands of Ben Raines," he said.
"There are still a lot of people who blame you for getting us into a war
that caused such hardship and misery."

Claire's eyes flashed. "Are you saying it was my fault we lost?"

"No, no, of course not, Claire," Harlan stammered. "But with so many of
our citizens dying from the plague our allies released on the SUSA,
there are some people who are not

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thinking correctly who are bound to blame you." He pulled a handkerchief
out of his pocket and swiped it across his face. "I just don't want you
to take any chances, that's all."

General Goddard nodded. "I agree with Harlan, Claire. Emotions are still
running high out in the country. Perhaps it would be better if the Army
took over security for your dinner speech."

Herb Knoff, who besides being Claire's bodyguard and part-time lover,
oversaw the security provided by the Secret Service agents assigned to
protect Claire's life, bristled.

"I don't think that's necessary, General," he said coldly. "My men are
perfectly capable of providing for the president's security during her