He lifted the phone –

“Christie – get me the Prime Minister of India.”

During the wait he glanced at the headlines –

MUSLIM LEADERS SEEK CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

This is unbelievable!

REGENERATION DATE SOUGHT BY MUSLIM LEADERS

How does the World Press get on to these things so quickly?

PRESIDENT DELAYS ADRESS TO NATION

He scanned this article, written by one of his most vicious critics.

“How can our President just sit on his hands like this? Doesn’t he understand he has a duty to lead… not just in times of economic hardship but equally, in times of spiritual and emotional turmoil? Why doesn’t the State Department step in and demand some action from him? How can the Administration just sit back and allow this apathetic attitude to prevail in the White House?”

It was a relief to hear the P.M.’s voice.

“Hunter,” he said warmly. “Just the man I was about to call.”

“Well… there you go.”

“How are you Hunter? How are you bearing up?”

“It’s fine… “

“Can I help in any way?”

“Thanks Mohinder. This group – the New World Organization of Muslim Leaders – what do you know about them?”

“I’d never heard of them until today!”

“Mmm.”

“But I have spoken to some who claim to be close to them.”

“You’ve been busy… and?”

“Well… they claim to have the support of the moderates – which is, you must understand, the vast majority of Muslims. They want a peaceful transition towards the Last Day. They want the Christian leaders to agree on a date.”

“Mmm.”

“It worries me.”