Lionel found a hotel to lie low, and Oliver called Whyte, who ranted and raved for an hour. “Do you have any idea how much time and money went in to hushing up that story in Washington? And what do you three do? Burn down a casino!”
“We didn’t really burn it down,” Oliver said. “Just burned it.”
“Say one more word and I’ll wring your neck!” Thankfully, during the tirade, Whyte confirmed that Mark hadn’t been the one to call the police. “Someone in the bar spotted him and phoned it in. Although I’m sure you two stood out even more,” Whyte said. Mark was relieved. Lionel had been watching him suspiciously since the casino.
After that night, they slowly made their way to Vermont, ending up in Virginia after what seemed like months of dirty, dingy hotels. Oliver called Whyte when they arrived in Virginia and informed him they were close. “There’s been a change of plans,” Whyte said. “The swimmer can wait.”
Lionel and Mark gathered around the nightstand the phone rested on. “What happened?” Lionel asked.
“Turns out our dear Heather is being transferred,” Whyte said. “They’re handing her over to the FBI this week.”
“And you want us to go get her?” Oliver said.
Mark contained his excitement. Another chance. He had another chance lying at his feet, and he wouldn’t let this one slip past him.
“No, not just you,” Whyte said. “This is too important. So I’m sending help. You, Valerie, and Roy will meet up in Virginia. Sheila and Anton and their detachment should be wrapping up with the Children of the New Age.”
“Awesome! The whole gang together on this one,” Oliver said.
“I’ll give you more details once my contact in the BEP Division lets me know when the transfer is. For now, join up with them and lay low. I mean it. I don’t want to see you three on the news again, or so help me—”
“We’ve got it,” Oliver said. “Need to go. I think my minutes are almost up.” He grinned and shook his head at Mark. When the call ended, Oliver headed out for food with Lionel, leaving Mark alone. He didn’t dare call the police though. After narrowly escaping blame, he couldn’t risk that again. His best option was to somehow flee with Heather after they found her.
Yet the rest of the group would be there this time. Mark grabbed clumps of his hair and tugged. How could he leave with all of them watching him?
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Rogues of Overwatch Page 32