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have played in the accident that has changed my life radically" |
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"Yes, yes, we know that," Kellner broke in impatiently. "But your accident has turned out to be only a small part of a very dangerous situation, one with world-shaking consequences. Should you disclose, purposefully or carelessly, anything you might hear today, it would only make this situation much worse. It is my understanding that several news organizations have discovered your whereabouts and would like to interview you, as they say, in depth." He paused, and his lined, ascetic face took on a death head's cast. ''They pay well, I am told, for a good story.'' |
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Anna, disbelieving what Kellner was saying, looked at Caidin and Halloran. They were nodding agreement with Kellner as he spoke, bodies tense, foreheads furrowed with worry and strain. She cleared her throat. "First, I suppose I should tell you that I am not for sale, Dr. Kellner, no matter what you may think of me and my actions personally." She was pleased to see him flush at the contempt in her words. "Now, to the important part of all these secrets, so-called. I thought that the plutonium contamination in Hudson Bay was bad enough. Isn't it about time you told me what more there is to all this? Truthfully." |
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Kellner took a deep breath and continued: "I apologize if I gave offense, Mrs. Neville. The military forces of the United States are in defense condition two, with specific regard to the armed forces of Russia." He stopped for a moment to sip from a water glass beside him. |
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Anna knew no reply had been expected from her. Caidin and Halloran, their eyes cold and calculating, disturbed her at first. Then she thought, damn, I wish I had my cameras. What a marvelous picture those two would make, for once apparently forgetful of self. |
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Vincent Kellner said, "At defcon two, the Stealth bombers are airborne and the ballistic missile submarines are alerted by ultralow frequency radio. One hour after that, the bombers will |
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