The Recording

After seven weeks hiding in a Blue Ridge cabin, former CIA officer John Washington III is still wanted nationwide in connection with the Patterson airline bombing, traveling with former reporter Claire Bennett and their ally Dutch. Radio reports call Claire a person of interest while John follows news of President Halston's upcoming open-car trip to Dallas on November 22. A contact, White House communications staffer Eddie Sykes, tells John that a reel-to-reel tape, a signed memo, and a photograph are kept in a safe in Room 208 of the Executive Office Building-evidence of Halston approving Operation Sentinel by name, including staged attacks discussed on the recording. When the safe combination is changed, John breaks in at midnight and cracks it, taking the tape, memo, and photograph. Playing the tape confirms Halston's voice ordering the provocations and saying Washington should be handled permanently if necessary. John tries to bring the proof to veteran journalist Howard Venn, but Venn is intimidated after a man shows his wife photographs of their grandchildren. As surveillance closes in, Claire tells John she is six weeks pregnant. Book 6 of The Authorization series by John Washington III.