Chapter 16, Objectives and Patriots Summary

The press has gotten the story of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil and are at the hospital in force to interview Jack Ryan. Most of their questions are idiotic. Then a newcomer enters the room, it is Padraig O'Neil, who wishes to give Ryan his sympathy and hope his prayers have had something to do with Sally's improved prognosis. Jack is unable to restrain himself. Here, less than five feet away is the mouthpiece for the Sinn Fein, the PIRA. While he knows the ULA is a somewhat separate faction, here is someone on whom he can take out his aggressions. Robby stops his friend just in time, but not before photographers have snapped a picture of Jack in action.

FBI agent Edward Donoho has been assigned to O'Neil and hates it. At first, he...