Early the next morning, as dawn just began to break in the Green Zone, the huge roar of helicopter blades tore apart the morning tranquility.
A formation of three helicopters streaked across the sky.
On either side, two Apache Armed Helicopters with missiles and rockets under their stub wings tightly escorted the central UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter.
Inside the cabin, Simon stared unfocused out the reinforced window at the rapidly passing land below.
He hadn't slept well last night.
The sudden change in Kirkuk kept him awake all night.
The pressure from the White House forced him to call Song Heping overnight, shamelessly requesting a second negotiation.
Song Heping gave him some face by not closing the door on negotiations.
Simon had a premonition; this was the last chance.
"Damn Song..."
This curse rolled in his heart.
Toward Song Heping, Simon harbored a deep-seated dread.
After years of dealings, Simon was well aware of this opponent's style.
