upstairs, and Nick went to the den to relax. The conversation with Shelly had his mind racing for a way to check out the story of Hans. Who was he, and could he really have the information that led to Shelly’s miracle?
He walked to his bookcase, retrieved a small, worn book and leafed through the pages. He picked up the phone and dialed the number.
“Colonel Taylor?” Nick asked, sitting back in his chair.
“This is Taylor. Who the hell is this?”
“Colonel, it’s Nick Harris.” There was silence. “How are you, sir?”
“My God, it’s the only guy on the damn White House advance team that I ever liked. How the hell are you, my boy?”
“Very well, sir. I hear you’re about to retire. Is that true?” “Well, in the military you’re a hero until you are sixty-five, then
you’re in the way, so next month I’m out. Moving to Florida. Might run a small charter fishing boat. Who knows? As long as I don’t have to deal with the White House staff.” He paused. “Hey, I saw you on TV, son. Great thing you’re doing.”
“That’s why I’m calling. Seems like there may be someone out there with some vital intel that we need to get a hold of. But I have no idea where he might be or where to start looking.”
“Cut the BS, son. Is it a project that would be of public
knowledge?”
“Not at all. In fact, it has to do with decoding some old German Nazi data. Medical journals. I don’t suppose, as military liaison to the president, you could ask if you could help us gather some intel, could you? I think you know me well enough that he would approve it.”
“Nick, let’s save some time. What or who are we looking for?” Nick gave the colonel all the information he had. “My concern,
Colonel, is if this guy really has something, his life may be in danger. There are a few companies out there who would want to shut him up.”
“Son, if what you tell me is correct, I’d be surprised if he’s still alive.”
“I know, sir.”
“Tell you what, I’ll see the president tomorrow morning after briefing and get his blessing. Give me a day or so, and I’ll let you