Chapter 13 Summary

Despite requests from the Secret Service that he not make any public appearances, Speaker Basset decides to participate in a taped television interview. The assassins get into position in preparation for his arrival at the television studio. Despite being surrounded by Secret Service agents and Capitol police, Basset is shot dead with a single rifle shot and a nitroglycerin-tipped bullet. Once again, the assassins go to great pains to avoid injuring any civilians. None of the guards assigned to protect Basset are hurt, even though several are standing next to him when he is killed. From their perch across the street, the killers set off gas bombs and pull the building's fire alarm to confuse everyone and allow themselves to escape undetected.

One of the assassins then calls the ABC television network to deliver a chilling message.

A computerized voice on a tape...