Free The Foundation: Jack Emery 1 by Steve P. Vincent

stacked the cash in one pile on the bed. Next to it he stacked the IDs and a few other things he needed.
    He left the handgun and first aid supplies behind, because neither could be easily loaded onto a commercial flight. Satisfied he had all that was helpful, he reached under the bed and found his small carry-on case. He stuffed the money and the documents inside, covered them with clothes and zipped the lid closed. He replaced the drawer, then hefted the small case and walked to the front door.
    He knew this was the last time he’d see this place, where his children were conceived and raised. He knew he’d never hug his wife inside these walls again.
    He had a heavy heart, but no choice. It was time to go.

CHAPTER 6
    Taipei has descended into panic following the launch of a Chinese rocket over the island of Taiwan. The rocket, launched from the Chinese mainland, was captured on film by dozens of citizens before it landed in the ocean south of the island. Locals are taking it as a sign of China’s rage at the Shanghai attacks, and their claims of Taiwanese involvement. The Taiwanese Government, meanwhile, has denied all links to the attacks, and has appealed for the diplomatic support of the international community to avert war.
    Sanjay Pahani, The Times of India, September 6
    Jack walked along the main pier of the American naval base at Yokosuka, escorted by a burly Marine sergeant. The man had said nothing for the five-minute walk, which Jack was thankful for—it was about all he wanted to hear right now. The port was alive with activity as many of the berthed naval vessels were readied for sea. Jack had stopped several times to gawk at the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and its accompanying ships, and each time the sergeant had waited with his hands folded behind his back.
    As they reached the gangplank of the carrier, the sergeant led him to a large man in an officer’s uniform, who was looking up at the ship. “I have Mr Emery, Admiral.”
    The officer turned to them and returned the sergeant’s salute with a lazy wave. The sergeant turned on his heel and walked away.
    “Mr Emery? I’m so sorry to hear about your wife.” Jack was taken aback by the Admiral’s thick southern accent. He was old, but had a certain bearing and a lot of decorations on his chest. “I’m Carl McCulloch, commander of this here procession.”
    Jack shook the other man’s hand. “Thanks for the kind words and pleasure to meet you, sir. I appreciate you meeting me, but I could have found my way. I’m sure you’ve got more important work to do.”
    “Oh, you’d be surprised.” McCulloch jerked a thumb over his shoulder, toward the ocean. “I earn my living out there. In port, I’ve got staff to do everything as long as I bark loud enough. Besides, half the point of this expedition is to give the folks back home a look-see in the region. I can only do that through you, so you’re my new best friend.”
    Jack was surprised that McCulloch was being so candid. Usually embeds were spoon-fed content by the Pentagon press corps, but the admiral’s admission showed how worried the United States was about the situation unfolding between China and Taiwan. It seemed that his coverage from aboard the carrier was as important to the flag-waving mission as the ships and crew themselves. It gave him leverage. Jack liked that.
    Jack nodded toward the aircraft carrier. “Quite an impressive display, Admiral.”
    “Sure is. Worth more zeroes than you can count and can do whatever we need doing.”
    Jack raised an eyebrow. “You don’t think it’ll inflame the situation?”
    McCulloch shrugged and turned, gesturing for Jack to follow him aboard the ship. “Tough question. Off the record? If China make a proper job of attacking the Taiwanese, we’re in the game anyway. We’re not trying to provoke the Chinese. Hell, this sort of thing has often worked in the past to help keep the peace.”
    Jack laughed as he walked alongside