Corrine had just hung up from the conference call and reached for her computer to check her messages when the secure line rang again.
“We may not be able to pick up Ferguson at dusk,” said Parnelles when she answered the phone.
“Why not?”
“The North Korean mobilization has reached the critical point: They can launch an attack at any point now. Given that, the failure of a mission might be catastrophic,” the CIA director told her. “The decision has to be left to the president.”
“I see.” Corrine glanced at the clock at the bottom of her computer screen. It was not quite five o’clock; McCarthy had cut short his trip and was due back within another two hours. “I’ll bring it up with him.”
“Actually, Corrine, I think I should be the one who talks to him about it. Ferguson works for me, and I’d rather be the one making the recommendation.”
“Sure,” said Corrine. Then she realized why he wanted to do it. “What are you going to tell him?”
“I’m afraid my recommendation at the moment would have to be . . .” Parnelles paused. “I would have to say we should not proceed.”