02 Thunder of Heaven: A Joshua Jordan Novel by Tim Lahaye

could just get a chance — ”
    “Cal, your enthusiasm is great. Really. And I’m impressed that you’re so interested in what your mom and I do. It’s just that, the Roundtable … that’s not something that you can be part of.”
    “Why not? I’m not talking about wanting to be a big shot, a decision maker. I’d be willing just to be a low-level assistant of some kind.”
    “Look, Cal. I’m serious when I say this: I’m keeping you out of the Roundtable for your own good. We’re into some pretty heavy stuff, and if things go wrong, it could be very bad for your mom and me. You know about the controversial things we’ve been doing. People out there are gunning for us. That’s fine. We’re willing to accept that. But I don’t want that for you.”
    Cal gave him a perplexed look. He wasn’t going to let it go that easily. “If this country’s really in the kind of bad shape we think it is, then why keep me out?”
    “For your protection.”
    “Yeah, and if this was the Revolutionary War and the British were coming up the driveway, then what? You’d toss me a mussel-loaded rifle and tell me to shoot straight, that’s what.”
    “So, just like that, you’re talking like a soldier rather than an artist?”
    “Oh, so soldiering is okay for Deb but not for me. Right?”
    “She chose the Army life, Cal. You didn’t.”
    “Mom’s a lawyer, not a soldier, but she’s involved. I want to study politics, make a change, just like you and Mom. I think I’ve earned this. I was the guy at Grand Central Station who almost got blown up by a terrorist …” Cal’s face changed a little. He had painfully overplayed his hand and knew it. His father had been right there with him that day, in the thick of it, and his dad had willingly risked death, just to save Cal.
    Joshua clenched his jaw. “I’m trying to protect you, Cal. Just likethat day in New York. It’s too bad you can’t see that. You have no idea how dangerous this might get for Mom and me, for all of us in the group. But not for you. You’re staying out of it. Understood?”
    The last question hung in the air. It was rhetorical but had the tone of a military order.
    His father tried to wrap his arm around him, but Cal stood frozen where he was. His father said, “Let’s get some grub. Carletta has fixed some awesome stuff for lunch.”
    After the meal, everyone scattered. Abigail went to the master bedroom to pack. Deborah huddled in a corner of the kitchen, laughing with Ethan March. Joshua asked Deborah if he could talk with Ethan, alone. Joshua led Ethan into the big living room.
    Before he could speak, however, Ethan blurted out, “I want to congratulate you, sir, on the Medal of Freedom. You’re an amazing man, if I can say that.”
    Joshua gave him a matter-of-fact nod. “Thanks. But frankly, Ethan, I’m a realist. It’s an election year. Most likely, the White House is giving me the medal as a way to pick up votes. Don’t get me wrong. I’m humbled and honored, but I’m cautious too.”
    “Cautious?”
    Jordan avoided going down that road. “Ethan, are you thinking about staying in defense contracting?”
    “Yes, sir. I did well at Raytheon before I got laid off. You’ve actually been an inspiration for me. Air Force flier. Then into defense engineering.”
    “Okay, then send me your résumé. I’ll take a look. Who knows, maybe we have an opening at Jordan Technology.”
    “Outstanding, sir. I’ll shoot that out to you right away.”
    Ethan reached out and patted Joshua on the side of the shoulder. “So, you do remember me from our stint together at McGill Air Base?”
    Joshua’s expression changed. “I remember that you set some flying records.”
    Ethan’s grin got bigger.
    “And I recall your getting reprimanded on two occasions for taking joyrides with experimental aircraft without authorization …”
    Ethan’s smile faded. “I can explain that sir …”
    “And reprimands in your file about getting into a