Falls Church, Virginia, Tuesday…

"I'm not sure you understand the gravity of the situation," said Mary Beth Grogan. "These people are tenacious. This Metropolis woman feels she's been wronged. The detective has quite a rep for sniffing out people responsible for crimes. And the reporter is dedicated to bringing her friend's husband's killer to justice. She was seen talking to that CIA analyst, the one who did the report on the Philippine terrorist. Curt gave him a little warning, though I don't think that's enough. They're all intelligent and persistent. We should eliminate them all."

"There's been enough killing," insisted Hank Johnson. He looked out his office window. It was a million-dollar view. Soon he would have a better one when he took over from Ben Knowland. "We just have to last through the election."

"Well, I disagree, Hank. This kettle of fish may boil over before the election. And if the press ever gets wind of it, it could mean losing the election, too. Our whole agenda would come crashing down around us. Think about it."

"I will. The committee meets next Thursday night. I'm sure we'll hear many suggestions about the possible actions we could take. You may get your wish. Both Vladimir and Stephanie are not known to flinch at applying a little old-fashioned 'terminate with extreme prejudice'."

"That's not my wish. My wish is that these people would just get bored and go away. I warned that reporter."