Caroline’s still-smoking revolver remained trained on Ruth as she collapsed to the turf. She strutted to Ruth’s position, fired a final kill shot between her eyes and put the weapon in her back pocket. “Never liked her anyway.”
Joshua launched into a sprint, leap-frogging Ruth’s corpse as he rushed to his fallen wife. “Becca! Becca! Are you okay?”
Euphoria pulsed through his body as Rebecca groaned and rolled over. “I think so.”
He bent down and kissed her. “I thought she’d killed you!”
Rebecca looked up, her puppy-dog brown eyes appearing strained. “She tried.” She reached for her right abdomen. “I’m lucky it just grazed me.”
Keri Davidson, Jim’s wife, sprinted down the hill and rushed to Rebecca. She positioned her bag of medical supplies on the ground. “Let’s have a look at that.”
Joshua watched intently as Keri examined Rebecca’s wound.
After a minute Keri offered her initial diagnosis. “You’re one lucky woman. You’ll be back in shape in no time.”
“Thank God.” Joshua fought back tears. “Let’s get you inside.” He and Keri helped Rebecca off the ground, and then Joshua carried her into their cabin and helped her recline on the couch. Perry and Caroline followed them inside. Reagan planted himself beside the couch, seeming to sense that something was wrong.
Joshua leaned over and kissed Rebecca on the forehead. “You’re in good hands with Caroline here. I’ll be back in a few. Perry, come with me if you don’t mind.”
Perry squeezed Joshua’s shoulder as they made their way back outside, with Reagan running just ahead. “I’m glad she’s okay, buddy. I know how much she means to you.”
Joshua closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m not sure anyone but me knows how much she means to me. I can’t put it into words.” He choked up. “I thought I’d lost her.”
“But you didn’t.” Perry put his hand on Joshua’s shoulder. “And at least your wife is still the same person.”
“What do you mean?” Joshua cocked an eyebrow.
“Caroline has changed.” Perry shrugged. “She’s not the same person.”
“How so?”
“Did you see how calm she was after shooting Ruth?” He threw his arms in the air. “That’s not the same sweet woman I married.”
“Our situation has changed all of us. The Perry I knew two years ago would never have stabbed anyone to death like you did to that terrorist eight months ago.”
“I guess I see your point,” Perry said. “But I’m still not sure I like where she’s headed.”
“Give her time, and pray about it.”
Reagan trotted ahead of them as they made their way down the steps into the clearing. Jack sprinted toward their position, still wearing his Ghillie suit, his sniper rifle in his right hand and his hat in his left. “Who fired the first shot?”
Joshua motioned for him to stop. “I don’t know for sure, but my money’s on Mordecai.”
“We need to find that crazy old man.”
“Calm down, Jack. It’s becoming pretty clear that he’s on our side.”
Jack glared off in the direction from which the shot had originated. “We need to talk to him now.”
“We’ll talk to him in due time. Just be patient.”
Jack pursed his lips. “You’re probably right. But it bothers me that he knows so much about us, and has been right here in our camp multiple times and we didn’t have any clue he was here.”
Joshua nodded. “He’s definitely not an ordinary mountain man. We’ll find out who he is. Right now, let’s search Ruth and John’s cabin and see if we can find any clues as to who they really were.”
***
1303 – Fontana Village
Major Chinn opened the videoconference app on his secure tablet. General Cloos’ image appeared on the screen. Good afternoon, Major. What’s the latest?
“General, we’ve made significant progress. Last night, I attended a local gathering that attracted quite an interesting crowd. Kentucky Governor Jacqueline Haines and Georgia Congressman Kelvin Harris were both in attendance, as was Joshua Winston. I’m pretty sure the guys who organized the event are the ones who have been killing terrorists out here. And, unfortunately, we think the Armando administration has captured Drew Thompson.”
Cloos heaved an audible sigh. Any idea where they’re holding him? Or if he’s still alive?
“Not at this time, sir, but people are scouring the countryside looking for him.”
Keep me posted.
“Will do, sir,” Chinn said. “I mentioned Joshua Winston. He is someone we need to build a relationship with. With your permission, I’m going to ask if I can attend the council meeting in the camp he’s set up.”
I’m fine with that if you can make it happen in the next four days. After that, I need you to go to Virginia Beach.
“Virginia Beach, sir?”
Correct, Cloos answered. I recently told you that we have reason to believe that AIS’ video transmissions are being routed through a location on the east coast. We’re now fairly certain that the location is somewhere in Virginia Beach. If we can pinpoint that location, we may be able to ascertain whether the AIS Supreme Leader is actually on American soil and, if so, where.
“Sir, I will need someone with more technical expertise to accompany me. I know absolutely nothing about the technical aspects of how to trace someone’s location in this kind of situation.”
Well, you’d better figure it out.
“Yes sir. One more thing, sir. What should I do with the girl?”
That’s entirely up to you. If you take her with you, you’ll put her in harm’s way and possibly compromise your mission.
Chinn felt a lump form in his throat. “Yes, sir.”
As the screen faded to black Chinn sensed that he was being watched. His shoulders tightened as he turned to find Melanie standing in the doorway.
“What’s going to happen to me now?” she asked.
Chinn stood and faced her. “I haven’t figured that out yet. General Cloos is right that I’d be putting you in danger if I take you on the mission to Virginia Beach. We’ll figure something out.”
Chinn’s heart sank as Melanie looked down at her feet.
***
2:04 p.m. – Virginia Beach
Benjamin was deep in thought at his desk when he heard a knock on the door. “Come in!”
When the door opened he was surprised to see Abdar, accompanied by Adilah. They closed the door behind them and claimed the two guest chairs opposite the desk.
Abdar spoke up first. “Benjamin, we are concerned that Russo does not have the president’s best interests at heart. He is clearly making a power play by bringing General Palmer, and now Zhou, into the mix.”
Benjamin leaned back in his chair. “What do you think his end game is?”
“We’re not sure, but we don’t think it’s the good of the country.” Abdar answered.
“Maybe he just has a different view about what’s best for the country?”
“He is clearly going behind the president’s back and trying to shore up his power base.” Abdar said.
Adilah leaned forward, her dark brown eyes focused on Benjamin like an angry laser. “We think he is planning a military coup against the president.”
Benjamin leaned forward. “That’s a serious accusation. But Russo doesn’t control the military. He controls Homeland Security.”
Abdar’s eyes narrowed. “And now he has General Palmer and Zhou in his camp. He’s consolidating too much power.”
“You make interesting points, Abdar,” Benjamin said. “I’ll keep them in mind, but I must say that this reinforces my belief that we need to begin taking steps to name a vice president and reconstitute Congress.”
***
7:03 p.m. – Fontana Dam
That night, Joshua called an emergency camp meeting to order. His mind wandered as Jim offered a lengthy invocation more than worthy of his South
ern Baptist heritage. During their search of Ruth and John’s cabin, they had discovered that both had tablet computers with satellite internet access. John’s tablet was not password-protected and appeared to have seen little use. Ruth’s tablet was password-protected, but Caroline was able to access it. She found numerous messages with a CIA operative named Virginia Pennington. From what they had been able to glean, Ruth had worked for the CIA for 25 years before retiring. After her retirement, she continued working for them on a contract basis. Her notes indicated that her husband had no idea she worked for the agency; he thought she worked in finance. Joshua shook his head; this threat had been right under his nose the whole time.
After a brief debate, they skipped the Pledge of Allegiance and got down to business.
“Folks, we are in uncharted territory,” Joshua said. “It has become clear that we had at least one, possibly two, spies among us. Based on what we can ascertain, Ruth Moore was a contract operative for the CIA. Caroline was able to put her professional skills to work to access Ruth’s communication devices, and as best we can tell she did not reveal our location. She appears to have used that information to maintain leverage. However, she did tip off Homeland Security that we were going to the exchange the day we were captured, and she also tipped them off that Drew was leaving the camp the day he went to tell Ray we were in custody. We’ve found no indication that John was an operative, or that he even knew she was. Sadly, we have to conclude that she killed her husband to cover her own tracks.”
Jack raised his hand. “Joshua, we’ve all given Drew a pretty hard time over the past year-and-a-half. If we get him back, we need to apologize and thank him for what he’s done.”
Kane chimed in. “I agree, sir. And it has become clear that these Homeland Security police are not on our side. I hate to say it, but our country is basically gone.”
“Sadly, I agree,” Joshua said. “Two things. First, we have one council member who is dead and another who is missing. We’ll have to address that in the near future. Second, I’ve received requests from both Ray Sawyer and Major Michael Chinn to attend a camp meeting. Ray wants us to align with his group and get involved in the mayhem, and I’m guessing Major Chinn wants the same. It’s not my call to make.”
Thomas raised his hand. “Man, you know I prefer just keeping to ourselves. We’ve already got targets on our back. Why make it worse?”
Jim spoke up: “I have mixed emotions on this. Obviously, there is a movement taking shape. We saw that at Ray’s barn. But we need to think long and hard about who or what we align ourselves with. With that said, I have no problem inviting them to a meeting, but we shouldn’t commit to anything yet.”
Caroline shot to her feet. “We can’t just sit here and hide in this little camp forever! We have to do something! I say bring ‘em to a meeting as soon as possible.”
Joshua noticed Perry staring up at his wife, his eyes wide and his mouth gaping open.
Jack raised his hand. “Joshua, having observed what we did at Ray’s barn, I think we need to invite them. We don’t have to commit yet, but let’s hear them out.”
***
8:17 p.m. – Virginia Beach
“Come in.” President Armando’s thick New York accent was unmistakable, even when muffled by the closed office door. Armando looked up from his desk as Benjamin entered. The office was simple and orderly, not cluttered by unnecessary frills. An American flag stood in the corner to Benjamin’s left. A photograph of a younger Nelson Armando taking the Oath of Office as mayor hung behind the desk, and a number of books were neatly stacked on a shelf to the left. “You wanted to see me, Liebowitz?”
Benjamin closed the door behind him. “Yes, Mr. President. Thank you for seeing me. You’re working late.”
“This job doesn’t come with time off.” Armando gestured toward one of the plush leather chairs across from his desk. “Have a seat. What’s on your mind?”
“A few things, Mr. President. First, we are receiving increasingly credible intelligence that the AIS Supreme Leader is on American soil, and that they intend to strike again soon.”
“Do you have any idea what they plan to hit?”
Benjamin swallowed hard. “Mr. President, we believe they intend to try to kill you.”
The President leaned back in his chair. “That wouldn’t surprise me.”
“Mr. President, that’s why I think it’s so important that we appoint a vice president and begin taking steps to reconstitute Congress, now. If they were to somehow succeed in their plot to kill you, the country would be in chaos with no clear leader. And no clear process for choosing one.”
“Liebowitz, we’ve already covered this.”
“I know, sir, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t share my feelings on this.”
“I understand, and I appreciate your forthrightness. Anything else?”
“Yes sir. We are also continuing to receive reports of one or more foreign powers actively playing on American soil, trying to influence events here. I don’t have specifics at this point, but it is something we should continue to monitor.”
Benjamin paused and gathered his thoughts. “Also, Mr. President, I’m concerned that some members of your inner circle may not have your best interests at heart. Both Russo and Abdar seem to be more concerned with their own power and positions than what’s best for you, or for the country. I don’t mean to talk about them behind their backs, but you needed to know my thoughts.”
“Thank you, Benjamin.” Armando looked at his watch. “Is that it?”
“Yes sir.” Benjamin rose from his seat and extended his hand. “Thank you for your time, Mr. President. How is the First Lady?”
Armando paused, his expression solemn. “She’s well.”
***
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – 7:01 p.m. – Fontana Dam
The next night, Joshua called another special camp meeting to order. The primary purpose of this meeting was to hear from two special guests: Major Michael Chinn and Ray Sawyer. Jack had picked both of them up at the dam, and they were blindfolded for the ride into the camp.
Joshua invited Major Chinn to speak first. Chinn provided insight into General Cloos’ background and views on the current state of the nation. He explained how he had ended up in Fontana Dam, how Melanie had come to be in his care, and why he had been looking for Drew Thompson.
“Thank you for the background information,” Joshua said. “What are you asking from us?”
“I’m here primarily to establish a relationship with you,” Chinn said. “General Cloos is seeking allies who share his beliefs about the Armando administration, and we think you’re such a person and that this is such a group. I will be leaving the area tomorrow to travel to Virginia Beach. We have reason to believe the AIS Supreme Leader is on American soil, and General Cloos believes the clues to help unravel his whereabouts can be found there.” Chinn paused. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure I have the technical skills needed to sort through them.”
“What kind of technical skills?” Caroline asked.
“We have received intelligence indicating that AIS’ video transmissions are being routed through a server in that area,” Chinn said. “I can take apart a rifle and reassemble it blindfolded, but the only thing I know how to do to a data center is destroy it.”
“I can help.” Caroline stood up. “I worked in cyber-security for Securitas Systems in RTP. If it’s online, I can hack it.”
Perry rose to his feet, towering over his much shorter wife. “You can’t go out there by yourself!”
“Then you’d better get packed,” she barked.
“Why don’t the three of you talk after the meeting,” Joshua interjected. “Major Chinn, anything else?”
Joshua saw Chinn glance in Melanie’s direction. “Yes. Melanie has been with me since the attack at Watts Bar Lake. I can’t just leave her out in the cold, but also can’t take her into what we may be facing at Virginia Beach. If you have any ideas…”
Rebecca chimed in. “I think we can help with that. We have at least one open cabin.”
Joshua clenched his teeth. “It would be up to the whole camp to make that decision.”
“Well, we’re in a camp meeting now, Josh. So I move that we allow Melanie to stay in the camp if she so desires.” Caroline seconded the motion, then Rebecca continued: “I had the chance to talk with Melanie at Ray’s barn. I’ve usually got a pretty good sense for people, and she needs us right now. I hope you’ll all vote for my motion.” No one else spoke, and the motion carried unanimously.
“One more thing,” Chinn said. “We’ve received intelligence that AIS is planning attacks on major infrastructure assets, including dams. Be on alert for anything out of the ordinary.”
Joshua nodded. “We will.” Major Chinn took a seat, and Joshua moved on to the next item of business. “For those of you who haven’t met Ray Sawyer, he is the man who orchestrated our rescue from the terrorists at the church eight months ago. He was also en route to rescue us from the Homeland Security police a few days ago, but someone beat him to it. We owe Ray a debt of gratitude.”
The camp members applauded as Ray stepped to the front. “Folks, thank y’all for having me. I wish Drew Thompson was here, and my people are out looking for him every day.” Ray cleared his throat. “I’m here for a very simple reason. We need you folks, especially Joshua, to get off the sidelines. America can be fixed, but it’s got to start right here at the local level. That’s us. I’ve got people willing to work, willing to fight, willing to do whatever. But we don’t have leaders. I’m no leader, I’m just a farmer who wants my country back.” He gestured toward Joshua. “Now this is a leader. There is a grassroots movement forming, and we need people like you folks in the game. So I’m here to ask you to join us as we take our country back, one community at a time.”
A hush fell over the crowd. After a few moments Joshua broke the silence. “Any questions for Ray?”
Jim raised his hand. “Ray, I enjoyed the event at your barn on Thursday. There was definitely a lot of positive energy in the room. How do you translate that energy into retaking the country? What’s your plan?”
Convergence Page 20