Read The Zimmer Doctrine (Corps Justice Book 11) for Free Online

to the talk show's host that one minute remained before they went live. He was excited about today’s segment for two reasons. First, he was finally filling in for Damon Ludlow, the regular host, who was currently cruising the Caribbean with his fourth wife.  Second, and of more significance, he had the opportunity to talk about the topic that had the world aflutter - President Brandon Zimmer's address at the U.N.
    “Thirty seconds,” announced the producer, pointing directly at the host, Ken Wick, who had only missed his cue once but the producer would never let him forget it. Instead of flipping the man off, he flashed a pearly smile before turning his undivided attention to his guests.
    He counted down the seconds in his head and tried not to hold his breath. Before he knew it, the red light on the lead camera came on and The Ludlow Report ’s theme music played overhead. He looked directly into the camera and began speaking.
    “Good evening, America, and welcome to The Ludlow Report . I am your host, Ken Wick.” He paused allowing the last syllable to hang in the air before continuing, “Tonight, I’m filling in for Damon Ludlow, currently on vacation. Sitting across from me are tonight's guests. Van Bloodgood is a former analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency, and currently the principal at a Boston-based think tank specializing in international policy. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Bloodgood.”
    “Thank you for having me, Mr. Wick,” Bloodgood replied with a nod of his massive head.
    “And tonight’s second esteemed guest is the former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and current professor of international relations at Princeton, Ambassador Engelbert Wheatley. Thank you for joining us, Ambassador.”
    “It is my pleasure, Ken.”
    Ken Wick noticed that the ambassador’s smile was even whiter than his own. He’d selected the two men himself and the differences couldn’t have been more obvious. While Ambassador Wheatley looked like an ambassador, tall and stately, Van Bloodgood looked like a bull mastiff, large and imposing. Even his name sounded ominous. Wick was sure the audience would eat that up.
    “Now gentlemen, we don’t have a lot of time, so I’d like to get right to it. I, along with the rest of the world, would love to know your thoughts on President Zimmer’s recent remarks at the United Nations.”
    The guests looked at one another and with a nod of his head the former CIA analyst deferred to the ambassador.
    Wheatley began. “Now, Ken, while I admire the president’s courage, I am not sure I agree with the way he is executing his agenda.”
    “Could you elaborate, Ambassador?”
    Wheatley nodded, taking a moment of thoughtful contemplation before answering. Wick knew this was all for show. It was a well-known fact that the Ambassador loved being in the spotlight.
    “In my time with the State Department and during my tenure as ambassador, I couldn’t tell you how many times I witnessed our allies blatantly abusing the aid we provided. Now, while it may sound noble that the president wants to wipe the slate clean and dispose of every nefarious character he can, I think it is naive to say that is even possible.”
    “But don’t you think it is well within our right to examine the ways in which our aid is being used?” Wick asked.
    “Of course, but it could have been done behind closed doors like we’ve done for years.”
    Van Bloodgood shifted in his seat, his placid face swiveling to face Wheatley.
    “And how do you think those policies have served us thus far, Ambassador?” Bloodgood asked, snatching the role of host from Wick.
    It took every ounce of self-control for Ken not to squirm with glee. This was exactly what he wanted. A confrontation would boost ratings. Hell, it might even push the bigwigs up at corporate to let him do more hosting. As far as he was concerned, Damon Ludlow was on the way out and Ken Wick was on his way in.
    Wheatley was responding, “While we may