Free The Labyrinth Campaign by J. Michael Sweeney

were sitting in the study of Pendrill’s Mexico City mansion discussing the meeting Carlos had just attended at Wildcat Ranch. As Carlos recounted the events of the meeting, Jorge looked confused.
    Finally, when Carlos paused, Jorge asked, “Why would you agree to something so dangerous? I know you two were friends, but why jeopardize everything you’ve built?” Jorge was not accustomed to questioning his longtime boss and idol. Carlos made the decisions, and Jorge carried out his orders, effectively and ruthlessly. But this just didn’t make sense to him.
    Carlos was obviously frustrated, having to explain himself to his bodyguard, but Jorge was more than that. They had been through so much together. It would take two hands to count the number of times Jorge had saved Carlos’s life.
    “There are many reasons why I am willing to help Will Hawkins. First, he is a friend, and you more than anyone should understand that I am, by nature, a very loyal person. I give friendship out freely, and I demand it in return. Second, Will Hawkins saved my life in London one night many years ago. I truly believe I wouldn’t be here today if he had not intervened on my behalf. Third, because the favor Will has askedfrom me is beyond the scope of loyalty and a fight that happened so long ago, he has agreed, in principle, to insert one of our key people into the Drug Enforcement Council. I believe that could be very beneficial as we plan our shipment schedule and US points of entry.”
    Jorge broke into a big grin. “The picture is getting clearer, jefe.”
    “And finally,” Carlos continued, “once the accidents have been executed and Will Hawkins is the president of the United States, I will have leverage over the most powerful man in the world.” The way Carlos stated his final point sent chills down Jorge’s spine. Jorge had killed more people than he could count, but at that moment, he was reminded that Carlos Pendrill had the power and the cojones to be truly evil.
    For the next two hours, Carlos and Jorge discussed the type of accidents that would be easiest to execute and that would generate the most US and world press coverage. As the discussion was winding down, Carlos took a moment to recap the discussion. “Okay, Jorge, over the next forty-eight hours you’re going to research the viability of our ideas. We need to identify a nuclear power facility that is very rural, but near enough to a major airport so we can get in and get out before anyone realizes there was a possibility of foul play. Next, we need to identify a trucking company that hauls toxic waste on the US highway system. Once we know who’s moving the stuff, we need to identify a common route that passes by a high-profile waterway. After that, you need to pinpoint the nerve-gas storage facilities. There are only a few, so choose a location that is most easily infiltrated while maximizing the distance from our other accidents. And finally, find me a hydroelectric dam whose failure will result in a minimal loss of life. I know it’s unrealistic to think we can do it without killing anyone, but let’s not have any small cities downstream, either. And Jorge … I need this information yesterday.”
    As Jorge left the room, Carlos smiled to himself. This was the first time he’d felt an adrenaline rush in a long time.

    Fifteen hundred miles away in the office of the chairman at GenSquare, Bo Hawkins and John Rollins were discussing Will’s campaign. Rollins finally decided that, while he had pledged his silence to Will, his true allegiance over the past twenty-five years had been with Bo, his largest and most powerful customer. Bo was lamenting the fact that the public opinion polls, while increasing in favorability toward his son, weren’t rising fast enough to ensure Will’s election.
    “Bo, I believe Will has a plan that will accelerate his popularity,” Rollins interrupted.
    “Really, and what might that be?”
    “Well, I’m not sure where to