The Trigger

by L. J. Sellers

  “Yes, and it’s quite reliable unless we have really bad weather.”

  “What about cell phone service?” Questions any other applicant would ask, but the answers might be critical to her ability to relay information.

  “It’s intermittent. But some locations, like right outside the community center, seem to be better than others.” Spencer chuckled. “You’ll see members standing there talking on the phone.”

  Her personal smart phone would plug right into her laptop and, hopefully, connect to the community modem and satellite internet, so Dallas felt somewhat reassured that she could stay in contact with McCullen. But what if they monitored outgoing calls on the server? She’d be uncovered instantly. Crap. She would send emails or use her burner phone in front of the community center unless things got hinky.

  She turned back to Raff. “You must be the tech guy.”

  “Yep. If you ever need any help with your personal computer, just ask.”

  “Since you’re here in Destiny, you must be concerned about the future. What happens when the internet goes down?”

  Raff grinned, a man happy to show off his knowledge. “I belong to a group that’s preparing for that. We have a patchwork of landlines in place and people inside the major cable companies that will keep some streams going even if their companies shut down.”

  “Good to know. I’m sure that in a post-collapse world, we’ll all be too busy trying to survive to have time for social networking.”

  Both men laughed, and Spencer said, “That may be true for a while. But pockets of preppers all over the world will survive, and we’ll need a way to communicate.”

  “It’s reassuring to know you’re prepared for everything.” Dallas sort of meant that. She admired their willingness to see an alternative future and prepare for it. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to be here.”

  “Great. Let’s go see the rest of the community. Maybe meet a few people.”

  The afternoon went quickly. At first they walked around the homes, with Spencer talking about the members who lived in each. Behind the houses, paths crisscrossed the grass, leading to the community center and various storage buildings. She also met Grace, a fatigue-clad engineer who’d built a power station by the creek. Her tight smile didn’t distract Dallas from noticing her physique. Unlike the Clayton brothers, Grace would be a worthy opponent in a physical confrontation.

  Eventually, Spencer backed a golf cart out of his garage and said, “Let’s tour the back property in comfort.”

  Dallas climbed in. “It’s such a pretty day, I was prepared to walk.”

  “I usually do, but I’ve got a lot going on right now and have to get back to it.”

  Dallas touched his arm. “Preparations for your wife’s passing?”

  “Yes, but that’s only part of it.” Spencer drove down a dirt road leading into the fields behind his house. “We think something major is coming, and we want to be ready.”

  A shiver shot up her spine. What were they planning? “It sounds like I came here just in time.” Dallas had to press. “I heard buzz on the internet that the next asteroid could cause climate change if it hits us. Is that what you think it is?”

  “Not really. We’re seeing financial activity that indicates the banks are ready to panic.”

  The bureau kept abreast of those things, but she hadn’t heard a word. Was he referring to hacker activity? “That’s not good. I’m so glad I’ve been buying gold.”

  “Where do you keep it?”

  “In a safe deposit box in Phoenix. If I’m accepted here, I can have the trustee transfer it here.”

  Spencer patted her leg. “You’ll be accepted. I can tell you’re a good fit for us.”

  They drove past barns, storage buildings, and a corn silo, with fields and pastures behind every structure. Spencer kept up a running inventory of everything they had stocked and planted. Corn crops would be processed into biofuel, which they would use to run tractors, chainsaws, and other gas-powered equipment. They also had five hundred gallons of gasoline stored, along with a supply of diesel and propane. Dallas was blown away by the extent of their preparations.

  “You said there are other communities like this around the world?”

  “I wish.” He shook his head. “Other groups are out there, but none that I know of with this much land or biofuel planted. I believe we also have the only large-capacity hydro-generator. But other futurists are prepared enough to survive.”

  Dallas took a risk. “What about a nuclear event or a major ice storm? Don’t serious futurists have underground bunkers too?”

  Spencer was quiet for a moment. “We have one planned, but it’s hard to build something big enough for all our members. So it’s politically sensitive.”

  Dallas interpreted that to mean Spencer and his brother had probably built a bunker but didn’t want anyone else to know about it. “You’ve got enough land, but the excavation would be overwhelming.”

  They were traveling up a gradual incline, and Spencer glanced out to the right where the ground rose more sharply. A rush of adrenaline made Dallas almost giddy.

  The bunker was in the hill.

  Chapter 10

  Wednesday, May 8, 6:35 p.m.

  Randall showered and dressed for the gathering at the community center, annoyed with the intrusion. Why had his brother invited a new member into Destiny just as they were planning to trigger the collapse? Spencer needed a new partner, of course, so he could finally have children, but with Emma missing and the FBI still snooping around, it seemed damn risky. His brother was thinking with the wrong head at the wrong time.

  Earlier, he’d watched Spencer take Sonja on a tour of the property, and he’d been hit with a pang of jealousy. She was so young and pretty, and he could tell by the way she looked at his brother that she was into him. Randall hoped she wasn’t an idiot or a flake like so many of the women who found their website and wanted to join. Most of the female applicants were running from something or looking for someone to take care of them. The few men who applied were usually angry, immature, or trying to avoid paying taxes or child support.

  Randall felt lucky to have had a sexy wife like Emma in his life for a few years. He’d first met her in a restaurant in Redding, and it had taken a while to convince her to marry him. But she’d come to love Destiny and see it as the perfect place to raise the kids they wanted. Randall’s first wife had left him after a short time on the property. The other homes hadn’t been built yet, and she’d grown bored, then angry at all the money they were spending on stockpiles and equipment. She’d had no vision, and they’d fought constantly. The crazy cunt had even called the police on him once for grabbing her. But they’d never had great makeup sex to hold them together.

  Randall stopped in the kitchen and downed a beer to put him in the mood for socializing. Now that they were finally implementing their plans, he just wanted it to happen so they could be on the other side. He hated the uncertainty.

  Randall crossed the patch of grass between his home and the data center, planning to check in with a couple of his conspirators, then head to the gathering. Just as he sat down at a keyboard, his cell phone rang. Randall glanced at the number. It didn’t seem familiar but the area code was New York. Randall picked up. “Who is this?”

  “Damon Estes. Sorry for the call, but I’ve hit a snag and wanted to discuss it.” The man, whom he’d never spoken to in person, kept his voice low.

  “What snag?” It was dangerous to discuss their plans on the phone. Until now, they’d used Google chat because the company didn’t keep logs of IM conversations, so authorities couldn’t wiretap or subpoena transcripts.

  “They started changing the code on the ninth floor twice a day. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get in and get the explosives close enough to do the job.”

  “You mean the candles?”

  A heavy pause. “Right. That’s what I should have said.”

  “Can you get close to the person who changes t
he code?”

  “It’s computer-generated.”

  “Shit.” Randall pounded his palm against the mouse pad. If the network hub at 60 Hudson Street didn’t go down, their operation wouldn’t be as effective. That center was pivotal to most of the internet communication in the United States. They had other similar attacks planned, including one in the Google building in New York, several in Silicon Valley, and two in Europe. He’d done the best he could to recruit people who were close to important digital targets.

  He remembered the tech guy Spencer had brought in. “We have someone here who may be able to hack into the building’s security system and disable the lock or rig the codes. I’ll get back to you.”

  “Are we still aiming for the thirteenth?”

  “Yes. I’ll be in touch.” A new layer of tension wrapped around his chest. They had to pull this off soon.

  “Hack into what system?”

  The voice made him jump and he spun in his chair. Raff stood near the interior door with a beer and a peculiar grin. Randall tried to sound casual, despite his racing heart. “How much did you hear?”

  “Enough to be curious about what you mean by candles.”

  “I can’t talk about that.”

  “Am I the hacker who’s supposed to help you get into the building’s security system? What building?”

  Randall’s heart slowed a little. “I considered asking you.”

  “Your brother doesn’t know about this part of the plan, does he?”

  “No, but like his project, this is just a test of the system. We want to give this country a wakeup call.”

  Raff laughed, a nasty sound. “You’re both full of shit. You aren’t planning tests, you’re planning a doomsday scenario. Only you’re a couple of amateurs. You’ll do some damage for sure, but you won’t bring civilization to its knees.”

  A long silence made them both look around to see if anyone else had slipped into the room.

  Randall’s brain raced. The hacker didn’t know everything they had planned, but would he go to the FBI? What would it take to stop him? Finally, he asked, “Will you help me?”

  “Why should I?” Raff took a seat, as if negotiations had begun.

  “Because it’s the right thing to do. Human-caused global climate change will wipe out the species if we don’t shut it down. The pace is accelerating at a rate no one predicted.” Randall didn’t understand why this wasn’t obvious to everyone. “With our financial system running on borrowed money, it’s just as vulnerable. We need a reset.”

  Raff chuckled again. Randall wanted to slap him.

  The hacker held out his hands in a questioning gesture. “Who do you think I am?”

  Randall started to respond, but Raff cut him off. “None of those issues concern me. Other than my family, I care about three things: money, pussy, and fun. And by fun, I mean hacking into electronic systems where I’m not wanted. If you’re willing to pay me a nice chunk of change for doing something fun, I’m on board.”

  Randall tried to hide his relief. Of course the hacker wouldn’t go to the authorities. He was probably on their cyber most-wanted list. Rafferty probably wasn’t even his real name. “How much?”

  “Fifty thousand.”

  Oh shit. They didn’t have that kind of cash anymore. He remembered that Sonja claimed to have gold being transferred here. It was one of the reasons Spencer had decided to bring her in so quickly. “I can give you ten grand now and another ten in gold bars after you’re successful.”

  “What the hell am I supposed to do with gold?”

  “After the financial collapse, the value of gold will double.” No reason to add that his paper money would become worthless.

  “I want all cash. Transfer half to my bank account today.”

  “What if you can’t get in?”

  “Which building?”

  “60 Hudson Street in New York. Where all the network hubs are.”

  “You want to take down the internet?” A wicked grin.

  “Just long enough to cripple certain industries.”

  “You know why the internet is still running?” Raff smirked. “Because without it, hackers wouldn’t have a playground. But I’ll get you the codes. I want the money, and I don’t think you’ll pull it off.”

  Randall bristled with resentment. The dickhead didn’t know how extensive his plans were. “I’ll transfer the funds, but you can’t tell Spencer. I will inform him, but not yet.”

  Raff shrugged. “Not my concern.” He pointed at the nearby computer. “Send me the cash—I want to get back to the party. That new chick, Sonja, is hot.”

  Randall resisted the urge to laugh back. Sonja was light-years out of Raff’s league. But not his. He could win her over if he wanted to. Hands trembling, he accessed both his personal account and their business account to pay Raff. Soon the money wouldn’t matter.

  * * *

  Still wearing her black skirt from the lunch date, Dallas felt overdressed. Most of the members wore shorts, T-shirts, or casual sundresses. Everyone had a warm smile, but no one stopped her as she headed for the wine table. To jumpstart her social wheels, she drank half a glass of red, then filled it again before turning to find Spencer. He was with Grace and another couple, who were in their mid-thirties.

  Spencer squeezed her hand briefly as she walked up, then introduced her. “This is Tina and David Blackwell.”

  Dallas shook their hands as Spencer kept talking. “Tina has a master’s degree in education and runs our school program. David is a biologist who keeps our fields and greenhouses thriving. Their two teenagers are members as well.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Dallas gave a sheepish grin. “I don’t have your backgrounds, but I hope to make a meaningful contribution here too.”

  Tina laughed softly and patted the engineer’s shoulder. “Grace is the brilliant one.” She glanced back at Dallas. “But we’re happy to have an educated and enlightened person want to join us.”

  “Where did you go to school?” David’s tone was casual, but his eyes were serious.

  “Arizona State. I majored in political science.” The truth was easy but not as much fun.

  “Have you worked on any campaigns?” Tina asked.

  “No, I got distracted by social media and ended up as a consultant to small businesses.”

  Tina smiled. “Maybe you can use your skills to help us recruit others.”

  “Why not?” Dallas gave it some thought. “I’d probably start by using Facebook’s new search filter to find specific postings about future scenarios.”

  Another woman walked up. Her gray shoulder-length hair didn’t match her smooth, tanned face, and she wore a draped purple caftan with little underneath. “You must be Sonja. I’m Marissa Collins.” She held out a hand covered with rings.

  Dallas shook it. “Beautiful turquoise.”

  “Thanks. I love to wear my rings when I have the chance—most of the time I have to wear latex gloves.”

  Spencer put an arm around Marissa. “This wonderful woman helps me take care of Lisa, in addition to working at a health clinic.”

  Tina cut in. “We all help you take care of Lisa.”

  Dallas thought she detected resentment.

  “So true.” Spencer touched Tina’s arm. “I’m grateful to live in such a supportive community.”

  David spoke up again. “And we appreciate the financial support you contributed to building our house.”

  Interesting. Dallas suspected the Claytons kept ownership of the land and homes. “How long have you been here?”

  “Six years.” Tina turned to her husband. “We wanted to raise our boys in a safe, sustainable environment.”

  Dallas wasn’t sure if she should ask the next question, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Do people ever get disillusioned and leave?”

  Tina started to speak, but Spencer cut her off. “Not really,” he said. “Sometimes people have family situations that demand their attention, and one member
left for a career opportunity she couldn’t pass up.”

  Grace’s eyes flashed and she shuddered. “Remember Bruni? We had to kick him out because he couldn’t get along with anyone. That was our worst year.”

  Dallas smiled at everyone. “Don’t worry. I play well with others. I promise.”

  * * *

  Randall strode down the path to the community center, waving at Marissa, who was coming from another direction. He usually enjoyed these gatherings, but this one—with Emma missing and so much on his mind—would be awkward.

  Inside the no-frills building, about twenty Destiny members stood around chatting, some with drinks in hand. The student desks had been pushed to the back wall and padded folding chairs formed a circle, but no one sat in them yet. Bottles of wine were open on a front table, along with appetizers, but Randall headed for the kitchen area to grab a cold beer.

  The members were chatting in small clusters, and everyone kept glancing at Sonja, the point of the gathering. Admitting a new person was a rare and important occasion. Everyone thought they had a vote, but the truth was, he and Spencer always made the call. This time, his brother had already made up his mind and pressured him to go along. It was time to meet Sonja in person.

  She stood with Grace and the Blackwells near the refreshment table. As Randall walked over, he heard children’s voices in a side room that was stocked with toys and books. Randall experienced an unexpected longing for his baby son. He pushed it away.

  Randall walked up, waited for an opening in the conversation, and introduced himself. He stuck out his hand and the young woman took it with a smile.

  “Sonja Barnes.”

  Damn, she was pretty. And familiar. “Have we met before? I used to be in politics.”

  “I don’t think so.” She tilted her head. “Local or national?”

  “I was mayor of Santa Carmichael, then ran for Congress. So a little of both.” Randall had mixed feelings about his past career. He’d been proud of his accomplishments—right up to the day he lost the election because of a hot-headed moment caught on camera.