Breach

By Ed Munson

On the eve of the new Millennium Peace Summit, considered by leaders throughout the world as the most important peace conference since Potsdam, history meets a dramatic fork in the road.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leap Write Literary
• Release date: Apr 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798893760385

Ed Munson

Ed Munson has maintained his love as a free-lance writer, including a movie screenplay, "treatments" for 31 would-be novels (The Letter, Breach, No Man's Land, On Target, Threshold, Full Count, Last Chance, The Fountain of Youth, The Antique Collector, The Wish, Crossroads, K 23, The Link, Crossbow, The Crystal, The Whippoorwill Project, The Compass, Command Decision, Countermeasures, The Big Casino, The Domino Effect, A Game of Inches, Instincts, Enough, The Kilgore Manifesto, The Code Breaker, The Topaz Crystal, Heaven on Earth, The Poseidon Triangle, Silenced and The Equations) and various essays, poems, 'words of wisdom', newsletters, brochures, media releases, features, magazine and event program features as well as scripts.

Book preview

ebk-cvr.jpg

BREACH

Copyright © 2024 by Ed Munson. All rights reserved.

Cover Art:  Joe Felipe

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 979-8-89376-038-5 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

2024.04.08

LeapWrite Publishing

137 Forest Park Ln,

Thomasville, NC 27360,

United States

Breach Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction, but relies on events and scenarios that have happened, presumed to have happened or could have happened. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner, solely for the enjoyment of the reader. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. In some instances, names have been changed to protect privacy, as are characteristics and details of physical properties, occupations and places of residence.

The author has made every attempt to give due credit to references to people, places and events, as has been identified in the past. Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at publication time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Ed Munson—author of Breach

Dedication

A tip of my cap to a daughter lost way too early. Her initial idea that blossomed into a screenplay of the same title founded the inspiration to expand this story. Carrie was a good one, who had such promise to achieve great things. Let her spirit linger in our days not yet finished.

Never being one to be remiss, this book also is dedicated to all those people who have brought me to this place and time, some known, some unknown. A profound thank you for your direction, your dedication and your wisdom. Those roads have led to adventures that remain a footprint on my soul and I will savor those memories.

The Players

Family & Friends

Roman Keyes, former White House Chief of Security, Secret Service detail; PhD, computer science, MIT; world renowned innovator for security systems & programs

Dr. Hugh Darrens, world renowned biochemist with extensive research on genetic coding

Dr. David Ricketts, computer programmer & security guru

Kate Keyes, Executive Director of International Foundation for Humanitarian Needs

Neil Tucker, Cyber Optics PhD, MIT

White House

Robert G. Lawson, President of the United States

Victoria Harkins, Vice President of the United States

William B. Nunn, assassinated Vice President of the United States

Jack Dalton, Chief of Security, White House

Debbie King, Chief of Staff, Office of Vice President Victoria Harkins

Secret Service/Government Leaders

Robert Snow, Secretary of State

Ted Barrett, Senior director of Secret Service

Taylor Buchanan, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Martin Devinger, Senate Majority Leader

‘JoJo’ Singleton, Secret Service Agent

Military

General Justin C. Briggs, Army

General John C. Pickard, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Air Force

Fleet Admiral Frank A. Lauredsen, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs, Secretary of Navy

General Dennis M. Sullivan, Chief of Staff for Army, Joint Chiefs

General William C. Tannors, Secretary of Defense

Director/Administrator Christopher J. Adams, National Security Agency

Director Merrilee Mancini, Central Intelligence Agency

Acronyms

CAT, Secret Service counter assault team

CIA, Central Intelligence Agency

DSS, White House lock down external defense security system

FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation

LSW, light sensitivity wavelength

Meridien, White House Security Command Control Center

Navy SEALs, Team Six (Naval Sea, Air, Land); most elite unit of America’s Naval Special Warfare Development Group

NMCC, National Military Command Center

NSA, National Security Agency

OIS, Office of Internal Security

PEOC, Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Stealth, CIA

S.W.A.T., Army elite force

WACS, Wireless Access Communication System

WHISP, White House internal security protocol

Infiltrators

Dr. Tomas Caine

Dr. Michael Redd

Miscellaneous

Dr. Ray Shelton, Department Chairman, Genetics Research, Georgetown University, Washington DC

Dr. Marie Callister, Department Chairman, Genetic Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Rochester, Minnesota

Dr. Arthur John Preston, Director, National Institutes of Health

Breach

By Ed Munson

All Rights Reserved

Book Adaptation of Screenplay

Prologue

Ford’s Theater

Washington DC

A Night When Time Stood Still, Again

John T. Ford, known for his successes with theaters in several cities, opened what was to become Ford’s Theater in 1834 by christening it as the First Baptist Church. In 1862 he renamed the building the Ford’s Athenaeum. A fire that year almost burned the theater to the ground. Unnerved, but determined to make a venture a successful one, he redesigned the building and expanded it to accommodate what he hoped would be a draw for a mix of Shakespearean plays, variety shows and comedies, catering to an elite clientele.

Little did he know that one night, when time stood still, his theater would become a part of American history and withstand the ravages of time.

The War Department took control of the theater after the assassination of President Lincoln on April 15, 1865. Attempts were made to reopen the theater, but those failed until 1893 when the government transferred control to the Office of Public Building & Public Parks. Even then it was not operated as a theater. The present-day Ford’s Theater Society updated the theater and museum, complete with a new sound system, stage rigging and ventilation as well as new seating to make the historical landmark as close to the 1865 look as possible. On February 11, 2009, the night before what would have President Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the new and elegant Ford’s Theater reopened.

And yet, Ford’s Theater would face another disaster and belong again to history.

Chapter 1

Ford’s Theater, Washington DC

The street facing Ford’s Theater was not wide by today’s standards, two lanes with no center strip or median. On this day there were extra parked cars and barriers prepping for the arrival of both the president and vice president. Media outlets had set up their locations on the opposite side off the street and the usual chaos consumed whatever area the president was to be a part of for whatever amount of time. Security in a confined area always bothered the Secret Service agents whose collective eyes and ears were on high a lert.

The extra lighting and scaffolds resembled a Hollywood awards show, complete with red carpet and staged photo-op locations. The fact both the president and vice president were to be making an appearance added to the color of the moment.

The arial view of a scenic course of the Marine Hughes 500 helicopter, identified as Marine One, glided over the Potomac River, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The early evening azure hue had given way to the brilliant oranges and reds of the western sky. It was spring and the city had a fresh, tranquil look. The thundering roar of the helicopters rotors harshly interrupted the serene scene, but those who were waiting in anticipation knew time was near for a grand entrance.

As the presidential helicopter slowed its approach and banked left to set down in a secured parking lot a mere five blocks from Ford’s Theater, the strong voice of Roman Keyes, the Secret Service’s Chief of Internal Security, was heard over the internal radio frequency.

Eagle 2, Eagle 2. Stagecoach ETA two minutes to roundup. Do you copy?

Armed with a pair of infrared binoculars and a radio headset, a young, dark-haired Secret Service Agent positioned at the open, side cabin door, intently focused on the maze of streets below.

Copy, Chessmaster. Visual confirmed. He quickly turned to the pilot and his companion agent to give the thumbs-up okay to proceed to their appointed destination. Two minutes later there was touchdown. Traveling with the president meant many different types of transportation and required exact coordination of all Secret Service personnel as well as military and local support.

The president now secure at roundup, a brilliant trail of headlights along with blue and red lights and sirens fast approached the location. Sandwiched between a brigade of uniformed motorcycle police, two suburbans and four unmarked Secret Service cars, two commanding black limousines made their way to Ford’s Theater after picking up their Commander in Chief.

The monstrous line of government cars made two right turns and entered the barricaded intersection on 10th street. Curious and adoring fans, who were held back to adjoining streets, picked up the cheer and cameras were rolling. In that the street did not provide the width the Secret Service would have preferred, it took a lot of coordination to receive the president’s entourage, to be followed by the vice president a short time thereafter.

Keyes, sitting in the right front seat of the presidential limousine, remained in contact with the secure radio frequency as the limousine pulled up in front of the theater. After one final scan of the location, he reached for his internal car phone in the leather dashboard and tapped twice on the smokey glass behind him to alert the president.

The well-known Hill correspondent from CNN, Suzanne Lowrey-Thomas, a petite blond with her hair fashionably pulled back in a low ponytail, stood poised in front of a television camera, readied herself to deliver a quick dialog just prior to the president’s arrival.

"This highly anticipated event will mark the first time both the president and vice president have appeared together in support of Charities International, even though they had been long time benefactors of its charitable work.

The president has been very instrumental in helping raise more than $500 million for charitable causes during the past year with donations running well ahead of previous annual campaigns. The vice president also has made an impact, appearing at various functions when not engaged in his regular duties assigned by the president.

Mr. President, we are here, Keyes stated. The Vice President will be here monetarily after you have entered the theater and we have confirmed security. I will exit in 10 seconds and open your door. Yes, sir, he responded when the president gave his approval. Adjusting his sub-vocal transceiver in his right ear, Keyes quickly gave his final orders to his outside team.

The theater had all the glamor of Hollywood with a flood of spotlights and a 30-foot banner that read Charities International Foundation Welcomes President Lawson and Vice President Nunn. Mobs of anxious reporters and spectators located some distance away, crowded for as much of a close-up view as possible. The buzz of circling helicopters, with the Secret Service, media and well-wishers added to the surreal moment as the president stepped on the red carpet and entered the well-known theater.

Keyes was just behind the president in the theater foyer when he contacted Randy Jamison who was in charge of the vice president’s security. The vice president’s motorcade came from an opposite direction with a different route to the theater, all timed to allow for the pomp and circumstance of the president’s arrival to take center stage.

Now it was on Keyes and Jamison for final coordination.

Guardian…copy. Stagecoach walking to corral. Destination fifty seconds, stated Keyes.

Jamison quickly responded with Copy Chessmaster. Holding fast at rendezvous point minus two.

The president was greeted by a number of Ford’s Theater VIPs and others who were a part of the charitable foundation’s giving program. The foyer was crowded, but organized to allow easy movement. The mood was festive and those who were a part of this inner sanctum felt honored to be there for the special occasion.

Keyes, standing near the theater entrance and having full measure of what was going on, went back to his transceiver to alert Jamison that it was time for the vice presidential entourage to approach. At the same time, Keyes alerted the presidential motorcade to move to the secured theater parking structure.

With precision-like detail, the four point agents representing the outer perimeter of the secured vice president’s area responded to Jamison’s command… we’re rolling. In sequence, all agents confirmed clear as the motorcade made its short journey to the theater. And Jamison confirmed his directive with Keyes with "Guardian on the move.

Like all presidential and vice presidential arrivals, there were certain protocols to be followed. Timing was everything and special agents like Keyes and Jamison relied on their respective teams to be alert.

Jamison was in his late forties with an athletic build and receding hairline, and was a former Green Beret with an accomplished background. There was an unblemished record in his file. The motorcade now stationed in front of the theater, Jamison, like Keyes, informed the vice president that they were ready to disembark and that he would be opening the door. He did so and Vice President William B. Nunn stepped onto the red carpet.

Chessmaster copy…Guardian on the move, was Jamison’s communication to the general security force on site. A quick look at the perimeter one last time as he heard a roar from the crowd, albeit some distance way.

Nunn greeted the crowd and media with his charismatic smile and wave. His Secret Service detail led the way down the red carpet, three agents in front and two to the rear. Jamison was a stride behind. As Nunn’s blue eyes focus on the crowds still cheering and the spotlights and media in full force recording every second, his bright smile suddenly melted into a look of nightmarish horror. Any color in his face turned ghostly white as he and now Jamison spotted two balls of fire rocketing down the inclined street in their direction. In milliseconds, a loud swoosh dominated the moment of moments.

All Nunn was able to utter was No. Jamison under his breath said, Mother of God.

The detonation of the tomahawk missile obliterated everything in its path in the blink of any eye. The limousine, all the cars in the party as well as the media scaffolding across the street were turned into metal shrapnel, cement, broken glass, as well as any people in the vicinity. Nunn and his four close security agents were thrust 30 feet backward in all different directions. Jamison was spared as Nunn and his agents acted as a shield. The limp, charred and broken bodies hit the ground like beat-up rag dolls. Death was instantaneous. A second rocket was seconds away from the first impact, but missed its mark by several yards and wreaked havoc on whatever media and spectators were more than a block away.

Mass destruction and flying debris had obliterated the once secure perimeter as people still left standing trampled each other attempting to save their own lives. There was no curiosity at looking back. Screams of horror and agony replaced the earlier cheers of joy, a mere few minutes before. Blown fire hydrants spewed geysers forty feet into the air. Street lights had folded like pretzels, 10th street was a mass of fragments. The blown out lights were replaced by the eerie glow of the sea of fire that now engulfed the street. The front of Ford’s Theater looked like someone had sawed off its face.

The powerful blast pushed inward to the theater, knocking all who stood down to the marble floor. Keyes felt like he had been catapulted into a wall, but regained his sense of where he was and immediately looked for the president. Still shaken and dumbfounded as to what happened, he scanned the foyer and saw the president in a heap of moving bodies next to the staircase. Scrambling through a mass of dazed people on the floor in crumpled fashion, he reached the president.

Mr. President, are you okay? he said in a raised voice as chaos included a lot of noise. The president uttered affirmatively. Keyes, I think I am okay, but think my leg is broken. But how are the others?

We are checking others, but we need to get you out of here pronto. Can you stand if I help you with your broken leg?" The president nodded a feeble yes.

The president is down…the president is down. Touch and go scramble. Code red!!! offered Keyes through his transponder. Keyes adjusted his earpiece and had agents assist the president as he headed for the blown-out doorway and pulled out his SIG Sauer P365. Blood completely saturated his left eye. Agents were just outside the front of the theater to carry the president to the limousine which conveniently was parked in the underground parking lot two blocks away from the theater and was unscathed during the attack. The Hughes 500 helicopter was standing at the ready when the limo and three cars flanked the presidential limo arrived within minutes two blocks away from the devastation at the theater.

Ground team verify all points…air control verify all points. Follow code red. was Keyes’ quick and decisive command. Minutes became seconds and the president and his small entourage were safely tucked into Marine One. Through all of his training that dealt with accidents, demonstrations and possible terrorist actions, Keyes never thought it would happen on his watch. He was the mastermind of security and all safeguards, yet the one time in a million, as the saying goes, death and destruction dealt all a horrific sense of reality. And he looked broken, ragged and fragile.

Knowing the president was safe and returning to the confines of the White House, he regained his composure and looked around to see what else he could find. He saw burned out limos and turned to see the body of Vice President Nunn and his security detail crumpled against a wall across the street where the media stations had been, but now were a mass of steel and equipment. He looked again for Jamison and saw his semi-motionless body on the Ford’s theater side sidewalk 100 feet from where he was standing in a daze. Jamison was but a few months away from retirement when this moment in history happened and he never would be the same after later surgeries proved. He and Keyes had become good friends and been through a lot together. When Keyes found him there was a lost feeling in his eyes. When Keyes asked if he was okay, all Jamison could do was to give a frail look. Keyes felt defeated and his face was full of grief, shame and confusion. He had failed, a concept foreign to him.

Ford’s Theater remained standing, but it had a death mask about it.

Chapter 2

Unlike the horror of what happened at Ford’s Theater, Keyes had a chance to see what could happen if he didn’t react with all of his intuitive skill sets. Instead of seeing from the outside in, he had a keen look at a scenario of inside out. He was determined to get ahead of the carnage, but there was more than a tear in his eye. For perhaps for the first time in his life he felt failure. Defeat that came on the athletic field was not the same as the pain that seared his insides. He turned to his closest friend, mentor and spiritual brother, Ted Bar rett.

Keyes had his moments when he was outspoken and considered a strong leader, but he also relished his time to think and contemplate. Those choice moments led to reaching out to others he trusted with his inner thoughts. Aside from Kate, Ted Barrett was his go-to person in times of stress.

The conversation took more than an hour and Keyes was very attentive as Barrett spoke of their upbringings, their commitment to their military service and their acceptance to secure the existence of the most powerful person in the world. Like any pursuit, success was the ultimate goal, but options as well as distractions always were in play. And so were disappointments. Keyes reflected on what he had accomplished, but was singed on what he had not.

-     -      -

When both Roman and Kate worked in Washington and were on call 24/7, they chose to live in town that really didn’t need an introduction. Arlington, Virginia was a mere five miles west of the nation’s capitol, just across from the Potomac River. The site of Arlington National Cemetery, established during the Civil War, also is in close proximity to the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport.

Their modest two-story home had four bedrooms, three baths with 2,756 square feet of living space that allowed for their work detail as well as a comfortable lifestyle. The master bedroom French Doors opened onto to a stylish deck that allowed the two of them to enjoy the sun setting in the western sky with the Potomac River in the foreground. Their hectic days were filled with one detail after another and coming home was a true destination for the weary. Pictures, proclamations and awards adorned the walls throughout and gave the two of them time to reflect on the good times when the not so good ones dampened their spirits.

When the catastrophe at Ford’s Theater drained Keyes