JК
The Third Option :: Flynn Vince
Страница: 244 из 267«We're all dying,Thomas.» Clark glanced at the president.» Aren't we, Robert?»
«That's right. But not all of us have led a life like Thomas's.»
«No. In fact, I would say that very few have led a life like Thomas's. This country owes you a great debt.»
Stansfield seemed to soak the words in for a second and then said, «Thank you, Senator Clark.»
Clark laughed at the formal use of his name. «Will I ever hear you call me Hank before you leave this world?»
The corners of Stansfield's mouth turned up ever so slightly. «No.»
«I didn't think so.» Clark clasped his hands together, and his mood seemed to darken.
The president noticed this and asked, «What's bothering you, Hank,»
Clark didn't respond at first, and then, glancing sideways at the president, he said, «Robert, we've always been able to cut through the crap and talk straight to each other.» The president nodded. «We served on the Intelligence Committee together for years, and I always respected the fact that you put national security issues above party politics.»
«And I've always respected you for doing the same.»
«Thank you. I would like your word that you will handle what I'm about to tell you with discretion. Especially with reference to where you heard it.»
The president's curiosity had been piqued by the request. «You have my word.»
«I am very concerned about what is going to happen with the CIA when Thomas leaves us.» Clark looked at Stansfield. «I think I know who you have chosen as your successor, and I approve. I think Dr. Kennedy is one of the best candidates for the job. And more importantly, if Thomas thinks she's the best person, you will have my full support during her confirmation hearing.»
Stansfield was relieved. Clark's support of a Kennedy nomination was crucial. As chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, he was the key to getting someone through the confirmation process.
«I am very pleased to hear this,» said the president. No amateur in the art of politics, Hayes was waiting for the standard tit-for-tat request. «What is it that you seek for this cooperation?»
Clark acted slightly offended. «Robert, I took the chairmanship of the Intelligence Committee because I didn't want someone politicizing the oversight process for their own gains. I'm offering my cooperation because I think Dr. Kennedy will do a good job, but even more importantly, I want her to succeed Thomas because I don't think she's corruptible.»
«Fair enough. I'm sorry if I offended you.
«That's right. But not all of us have led a life like Thomas's.»
«No. In fact, I would say that very few have led a life like Thomas's. This country owes you a great debt.»
Stansfield seemed to soak the words in for a second and then said, «Thank you, Senator Clark.»
Clark laughed at the formal use of his name. «Will I ever hear you call me Hank before you leave this world?»
The corners of Stansfield's mouth turned up ever so slightly. «No.»
«I didn't think so.» Clark clasped his hands together, and his mood seemed to darken.
The president noticed this and asked, «What's bothering you, Hank,»
Clark didn't respond at first, and then, glancing sideways at the president, he said, «Robert, we've always been able to cut through the crap and talk straight to each other.» The president nodded. «We served on the Intelligence Committee together for years, and I always respected the fact that you put national security issues above party politics.»
«And I've always respected you for doing the same.»
«Thank you. I would like your word that you will handle what I'm about to tell you with discretion. Especially with reference to where you heard it.»
The president's curiosity had been piqued by the request. «You have my word.»
«I am very concerned about what is going to happen with the CIA when Thomas leaves us.» Clark looked at Stansfield. «I think I know who you have chosen as your successor, and I approve. I think Dr. Kennedy is one of the best candidates for the job. And more importantly, if Thomas thinks she's the best person, you will have my full support during her confirmation hearing.»
Stansfield was relieved. Clark's support of a Kennedy nomination was crucial. As chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, he was the key to getting someone through the confirmation process.
«I am very pleased to hear this,» said the president. No amateur in the art of politics, Hayes was waiting for the standard tit-for-tat request. «What is it that you seek for this cooperation?»
Clark acted slightly offended. «Robert, I took the chairmanship of the Intelligence Committee because I didn't want someone politicizing the oversight process for their own gains. I'm offering my cooperation because I think Dr. Kennedy will do a good job, but even more importantly, I want her to succeed Thomas because I don't think she's corruptible.»
«Fair enough. I'm sorry if I offended you.