by Lynn Moon
“Madam President!” Dr. Trabolinie shouted entering the oval office. “We have to evacuate Washington immediately.”
“DC?” Strickland asked.
“No, not DC,” Trabolinie yelled. “State… Washington state, it’s going to blow.”
Strickland sat at her desk and rested her head in her hands. Now what? She looked up at the man and frowned. “And how in the hell do you suggest I do that?” She slapped the button on her phone. “Tina, call Dr. Greghardt. He has to hear this one.”
* * * * * *
“I’m sorry Madam President,” Greghardt said sitting in the chair that gave him the best view. “Would you please repeat what you just said?”
“I said, I’ve just been told to evacuate most of Washington state. That’s what. I’ve never heard of such crap in my whole life. How in the world am I…”
Strickland ranted and raved into the phone as Greghardt glanced over at Lewis.
“What?” Lewis asked sipping on his morning coffee.
“You are not going to believe this one,” Greghardt whispered. “Vivian, calm down. We’ll fly out at once. We’ll get to the bottom of this… together.”
* * * * * *
“… I’m Jackie Peters coming to you live from Marblemount, Washington. We’re about twenty miles from Diablo Peak, a small but beautiful mountain just north east of Seattle. As you can see from our satellite imagery, there is already smoke coming from the mountaintop.
According to the United States Geological Survey Agency, this is an active volcano and they expect an eruption within the next few days, if not hours!
The USGS serves our nation by providing reliable scientific information to help us understand our Earth. Their mission is to minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters, such as this.
From what we’ve been told, the USGS was also involved in the investigation of the West Virginia explosion that occurred several weeks ago. It was a relief to hear it was a meteor and not volcanic and it was an isolated incident.
But now, we are being told this mountain is about to blow and the blast could be much larger than Mount Saint Helens…”
“This is nuts.” Maddie yelled at the television. “Oh my God!”
Maddie ran to the phone and dialed.
“Dr. Lewis.” A familiar and soothing voice echoed into her ear.
“Are you asleep on the job or what?”
Lewis cleared his throat. He was concerned hearing from her.
“Don’t worry,” Maddie said in a calmer voice. “It’s safe for me to call, no one cares about me anymore. Now are you asleep or what?”
“What are you talking about?” Lewis asked.
“Do you know what is on the news right now?”
“Sort of,” Lewis stated honestly.
“A volcano in Washington that’s what, don’t you get it? Something’s going on up here and whatever it is… well, I think they’re about to blow it up, just like what happened in West Virginia. We have to get Carrie and Tyler out of there and now.”
Lewis was silent. Maddie impatiently tapped her foot.
“Jeff, is what I’m saying getting through to you?”
Lewis sighed then added, “Mad, we can’t make contact with the girls.”
Maddie turned her attention back to the television as she thought of what she should do.
Chapter 80
THE OLD TRAIN tunnel smelled of rotten damp rags. Carrie could tell Seith wasn’t comfortable walking with her. Although the tracks were well lit, the tunnels felt eerie and ominous… almost alive.
“Thanks for coming with me Seith,” Carrie said, wanting to start a conversation. The only sound was the echo of their grinding footsteps on the gravel and it made her nervous.
“You are welcome. But I can only go a little more.”
“Why?” Carrie asked.
“I must stay here,” he said as they walked down the darkening tunnel.
Eerie shadows bounced wickedly from the tunnel walls and ceilings. Although they were alone, Carrie couldn’t shed the feeling of being watched. The tunnel was large enough for two tracks, but only one was in the middle. It made her think of a carnival ride through the mouth of horror. Whatever came in on these tracks had long since left. Rusty spots along the rails showed they hadn’t been used for some time. Whoever paid to have this place built used some big money.
“Do you know your doctors’ names?” Carrie asked.
“Doctor?” Seith replied. “What is a doctor?”
“Weird,” Carrie said as they walked.
Seith suddenly stopped. Carrie turned expecting an explanation, but Seith simply shrugged his shoulders and said, “I go no further.”
Carrie smiled and replied, “No problem. I’ll go just a little more and then come back. You wait for me?”
Seith nodded as Carrie continued on alone. The dampness was making her shiver and she wished she had brought her jacket. But she was not about to turn back now. Carrie was determined to find out just how far the tunnel went before opening into the forest. She continued to walk for about another twenty minutes when her eyes focused on what could only be described as body parts.
“Oh no…” Carrie almost screamed before she caught herself.
Parts of human and animal remains were all along the tunnel’s ceiling and walls. At first her heart raced up to her throat, and her instincts begged her to turn around and run. But she knew better. Nothing here was going to hurt her. It was already dead. She studied the rotting and dried carnage and realized what she was looking at.
“Ah shit,” she whispered.
A breeze of fresh air hit her and when Carrie glanced up, she could see the end of the tunnel. It was about two hundred yards ahead. This was a way out, but not for everyone. After a long sigh, Carrie turned and headed back toward Seith.
How could anybody be so evil to create such a terrible place?
The more she thought about it the more it bothered her. This place was not only Seith’s home, but also his prison and cemetery. She now understood why they could never leave… their bodies would be blown apart.
* * * * * *
“Well?” Lacey asked as Carrie and Seith entered the small office space.
“I’m not sure,” Carrie answered.
“What do you mean you’re not sure,” Lacey whispered. “You’ve been gone for hours and you don’t know what you found?”
“We need to talk,” Carrie replied as she grabbed Lacey by the arm. “Alone.”
Lacey smiled at Seith who was busy looking at some papers and rolled her eyes.
“Okay,” Lacey said. “I’ll play the game… where? Where exactly are we going to be alone?”
“Good question,” Carrie added glancing around. “Um Seith, could you get me something to drink? I’m really thirsty.”
“Of course,” he answered and walked out of the room.
“Not much on words?” Lacey teased but Carrie ignored her.
Once the office door was close, Carrie turned and frowned at Lacey.
“What?” Lacey whispered. “What did you find?”
“I know why no one can leave,” Carrie whispered. “I’ll bet they’re all implanted with some type of an explosive device.”
“A what?”
“Listen,” Carrie demanded through clenched teeth. “Just before the opening of the tunnel there’s body parts splattered everywhere. The smell is awful. The only thing that could cause such a mess is an explosion… and since I was there and didn’t blow up… it has to be inside of them. We can’t take them with us. At least not now.”
Before Lacey could say another word, Seith returned carrying a glass of what could only be lemonade.
“Thanks Seith,” Carrie said before gulping down the cool liquid, “I was so thirsty.”
Seith nodded then said, “Did you tell her?”
“Tell her what?” Carrie asked.
“Tell her what you found,” he replied.
“What do you mean?�
�� Carrie asked.
“The dead,” he said, “did you tell her about the dead?”
Carrie was shocked. It never dawned on her he might know what was at the end of the tunnel. “You know about that? How far have you gone?”
Seith lowered his head. “I’ve almost gone as far as you. But before I got there…” Tears formed in his eyes and he looked away as he explained. “Yaggart was ahead of me… then he was gone. Just like that he was gone.”
Carrie put her arm around Seith and gave him a reassuring hug. “It’s okay… I understand what it’s like to lose someone you care about.”
“I was afraid, I ran back as fast as I could,” he cried. “I told everyone Yaggart got away. I lied.”
“Shhhh,” Carrie wanted to console the man, but didn’t know how. “I understand, it’s okay.”
As hard as she tried, she couldn’t get past the way his arms felt so muscular. Not soft like a human’s but firm like an animal. His fur was rough to the touch. She wanted to scream and run from the revulsion that was building up inside her. But she knew it wasn’t his fault. Seith was a living breathing person with feelings and wants and desires, and who deserved to be treated with respect and compassion.
All it took was for her to look into his golden eyes and her heart melted. Carrie cuddled him and reminded herself she would judge Seith by his actions and not his looks.
“Seith, no one ever has a great life anymore… no one. Every person on this stupid planet has a story to tell and almost all of them have very sad endings. Some children are treated bad by their parents, or teachers or others.”
“You… you were sad as a little girl?”
“Yes, Seith, even me,” Carrie said with tears in her eyes. “I try not to talk about it ’cause it still hurts. My grandmother told me my mother died giving me life. As hard as the doctors tried to save her, she was just too weak. The worst part was her death destroyed my father. He always blamed me. He was an alcoholic and when he looked at me…” Carrie couldn’t hold back the tears and began to cry on Seith’s shoulder, “there was such hate in his eyes for me. I couldn’t leave the house fast enough when I turned eighteen.”
“I don’t know who my parents are,” Seith whispered. “I don’t know what would be worse, the knowing or the not knowing.”
“The knowing,” Carrie cried.
Chapter 81
“WHAT?” DRAKE YELLED into the phone. “What do you mean she’s missing? How in the hell does a prisoner come up missing?”
“What is it?” Nate asked.
“Early’s not in her cell,” he answered trying to hear what Shelby was saying. “They don’t know who took her or how they got her out. She’s just missing.”
“Missing?” Nate repeated grabbing his cell phone.
“Yes, missing… hold on a second Shelby,” Drake said while turning to Nate. “And the DNA results are back. Those bodies that were supposed to be Early’s family, well they’re not. No DNA match. Not even close… now who are you calling?”
“Dr. Lewis,” Nate said with his shaking hands. “They’re on the move.”
“Who’s on the move?” Drake asked holding his cell away from his face and looking confused.
* * * * * *
Early was in a dark small room. She was cold and frightened. The guard brought her to this place and left her alone. Where was her lawyer and why was she here? There were no windows, only a single door. There were no pictures, just a lone chair placed along one of the walls.
As she walked around, Early knew this would be the end of her life. Being labeled a baby killer meant everyone had it in for her. There was nothing she could do but wait for whoever it was to come in and kill her. She just hoped it would be quick and painless.
Memories of the other prisoners yelling kill the baby killer and other terrible things echoed through her mind. She was a sitting duck. Her whole life turned upside down, torn away without an explanation. Before, her life was full of love, but now it was filled with pain. Nothing would ever be the same, not even her dreams.
Before she could think any more wild and depressing thoughts, the door opened and her eyes planted firmly in the middle of Alex’s face. The husband whose murder she was accused of committing.
He looked both wonderful and terrifying to Early. The man she loved and devoted her life to was standing only a few feet away, and he was smiling. Thoughts ran so fast through her mind she felt dizzy and sick. Where had he been? Where are their children? Why did he leave her alone in such a terrible place?
“Early,” Alex said softly, “Early sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” Alex held out his arms for Early to run into, but she didn’t move.
Her eyes showed her disgust for the man she once loved. Early didn’t know what to do or what to say to this stranger who stood before her. She wasn’t sure if she loved or hated him. With her mind confused and her heart broken, Early didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She felt dead inside—numb.
“Early, I can explain,” he pleaded.
But Early wasn’t going to fall for anything anymore. Unless she knew for sure something was real and not just an illusion, she wasn’t going to simply accept it. Her marriage was an illusion, she realized that now. The murder of her family was a deception, she knew that now too. But what she didn’t know was why? Why would her husband betray her after all the promises they’d made to each other?
“Talk to me, Early,” Alex pleaded. “Please understand, they made me do this. I had no idea it would turn out like it has. Think of our children, Early. None of this was any of my doing. They’re stronger than we are. I had to protect the kids. Early? Please.”
But his words were falling on deaf ears, and he was pleading to a wiser but hardened heart. Early was exhausted and emotionally drained. Not a nerve in her body seemed to be working. All she wanted was some food and much-needed sleep. But with her dead husband standing directly in front of her, sleep would be the last thing she’d expect.
“Early, would you at least talk to me?” Alex pleaded.
Early couldn’t take it any longer and exploded on the man. “Just who in the hell do you think you’re talking to? Your wife? You could have fooled me, which is exactly what you did.”
“Early please,” he pleaded with tears in his eyes.
“‘Please’ my ass!” she screamed. “For months I was told you and the kids were dead and I did it… I did it. My name’s in the news. I’m a killer of my family while you’re living it up as Daddy. I’m the sick Mommy. And… where are MY children anyway?”
Alex remained silent.
“Oh so now you’re quiet. I just can’t believe after all this time you come waltzing in here and for what?” Early quieted for a few seconds before saying in a softer voice, “Why are you here, Alex?”
“To take you home,” he whispered.
“Home where?”
“I can’t say,” he replied.
“Where are my kids?” she demanded.
“They’re safe and you’ll be with them soon.” He lowered his head. “You probably won’t want to be married to me any longer and I can’t say I blame you. But I wish you’d hear me out before you decide on anything.”
A knock at the door startled them.
“It’s time to go, Early,” Alex said lowering his eyes. “You’ll have to come with us. You don’t have a choice.”
“I haven’t had a choice in anything lately,” she replied. “Why should now be any different?”
Chapter 82
THE LARGE GATHERING of brothers quieted as Dr. Nestle took the stage. He was proud of the way they handled the problems. Everything was starting to come together and he was sure all issues would soon die down.
“I want to thank each and every one of you here today and to say I’m impressed with your accomplishments, and with just a little more effort, we will be successful with our plans.”
The large gathering cheered and clapped. Nestle raised his hands and the room fell silent again.
Spangleholtz stood proudly at the back of the room soaking it all in. It was a wonderful sensation being a part of the New World Order that would soon revitalize the world. Birth defects and inherited illnesses would soon be a part of the past. As he wallowed in his arrogance and false illusions of magnificence, his cell phone vibrated from inside his jacket pocket.
“Spangleholtz,” he whispered leaving the auditorium for a more private spot.
It was Hope, his assistant in Washington. She was hysterical and shouting. At first he wasn’t sure what was going on for it sounded like she was saying Marty had run away, and he knew that was impossible. But the longer he listened the more he understood that’s exactly what she was trying to tell him.
Spangleholtz’s heart raced realizing the Order’s future depended on finding Marty. In the room behind him, Nestle was speaking of a future success, but the longer Hope screamed the weaker that success became. Thoughts raced through his mind trying to think of what to do. Should he tell Nestle or just handle the situation on his own? After all, this was his problem and not something that should be brought to the attention of the whole Order. No, he would take care of his own problems.
“Hope,” Spangleholtz said. “Assign a search party. I’m on my way back. I’ll be there by morning.”
Chapter 83
GREGHARDT, LEWIS AND Strickland sat in the middle of the Oval Office. The room was on the cool side so each suffered a chill that ran up and down their spines. Each sighed, not knowing what to say or do.
“Allen…” Strickland started, but was cut off by Greghardt.
“I know what you’re going to say, Viv, but I’m afraid we’re helpless until we get more information. Our key witness has disappeared, or been kidnapped, and by whom we have no idea. Almost the whole state of Washington is about to go up in smoke and we don’t know why. Until we hear back from our agents in the field, I’m afraid we’re stuck.”