Chapter 424

Hans quickly glanced at James and then Claude. “James would be the one to ask. He discussed it with Steve while we were flying to China.”

“You were sitting right next to me!” pointed out Stephanie’s husband. “I really think that Steve would be the best person to explain the entire process.”

“James, why don’t you tell me?” prodded Gwen. “Steve already told me his version. I’m just curious about anything he may have left out.”

“If you insist, Madam President,” responded a clearly uncomfortable James Hawthorne. “Kozlov was inferring that he wasn’t about to be pushed into realigning his troops because of some casual promise he made to Steve. He more or less told Steve to go pound sand, as you Americans like to say.

“Steve simply informed him that, as president, you were prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect the United States in the event of a war. Since Russia had you at a tactical disadvantage, all options were on the table. Steve never mentioned a n