Page 1 of Zero Visibility

Chapter One

Widespread chaos unfolded before Ben Parker’s eyes.

The attacks had been well planned and calculated to take out heavily populated locations. To create mayhem.

Legion had followed through with their threats in a way no one anticipated. Bombs detonated across the US and other parts of the world. Utter shock showed on the faces of the survivors as news reporters attempted to interview them. Most had no words to convey what was in their hearts. Some wept. Others just stared into space. No one comprehended the weight of what happened this day.

Jen. All Ben could think about was the woman he loved. The one he hoped was still his wife, even though he’d done nothing to encourage it. Was she safe?

Days had passed since her last text. Simple and to the point like the woman who wrote it.I need space to figure things out.She’d put several states between them to ensure he gave it to her.

Photos from Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas flashed on the wide screen display above the computer center. But it was what he had seen in Denver that was the most terrifying. Jen had returned to that city two weeks earlier. She’d grown up in Denver.

His wife had walked out of their home in tears, and all he could do was beg her to stay. It hadn’t been enough. His only contact with her besides the text was an email with an address to forward her mail.

“You okay?” The man standing beside him was Kaiden Bennett, and today was his wedding day. Ben had just performed the wedding ceremony between Kaiden and Sidney Garner when they found out about the explosions. The couple had been through so much already at the hands of Legion, the terrorist group responsible for the bombings. Legion was made up of some of the most high-powered men from around the world. Including the vice president of the United States.

Now a day that should represent joy and happiness would be forever marred by a world crippled.

Despite his worry, Ben’s heart went out to Kaiden. “I’m sorry this is happening. Today of all days.”

“We expected something big.” Kaiden blew out a breath. “Just no idea it would be this momentous.”

What else had Legion planned? The men and women of Strike Force had discovered something horrific recently. Legion possessed nuclear weapons. Unbelievable at first glance, but Ben trusted all the men and women of Strike Force. They were a group of highly skilled agents from various branches of the military, along with the intelligence field. He’d recruited each of them personally at the request of CIA Director, Cole Hernandez. Cole saw the threat coming and anticipated the need for Strike Force. The team discovered the nuclear weapons in Amarillo while on a reconnaissance mission. The only question now was when was Legion planning to use them?

“With the world in turmoil, the people will be looking for a leader to step up and take control. It will be the perfect time for Legion’s puppet, the vice president, to come onto the stage.” Ben couldn’t imagine how bad things were going to get when Legion was firmly in control of the government. Once the US was under its thumb, other countries would follow.

There’d been no news from President Victor Douglas in days, and the team feared the worst after a recent communication indicated Legion planned to use a Strike Force mole within the terrorist organization to assassinate the president.

The world was crumbling, and he was needed here, but all Ben could think about was his wife. Every second there was no communication, her life was in jeopardy. There was no doubt in his mind Legion would use Jen to get to him and the rest of Strike Force.

“You’re worried about her, aren’t you?” Kaiden guessed the truth. Not that it was such a big mystery. Jen was all he talked about when he mentioned his private life.

“Yes.” Ben shook his head. “I can’t sit around here and wonder if she’s okay. I’ve tried her phone. There’s no answer. I’m going after her.” Once the decision solidified in his head, a weight lifted from his shoulders. Despite their fractured relationship, he’d do whatever it cost to bring her home safely. And he believed she’d do the same for him, no matter the circumstances.

Ben started for the door. Finding his wife, the one thought prominent in his mind.

“I’m going with you.” Kaiden scrambled to catch up. The look on his face assured Ben his friend would follow him into any situation. Even if it meant his death.

Ben turned and smiled. “I can’t let you do that. Not today. You have Sidney to think about.”

“And I won’t let you go there alone.” The determination on Kaiden’s face assured Ben he’d have a battle on his hands convincing the former CIA agent to stay behind.

“What’s going on?” Will Grayson, another his good friend, came over.

He and Will had worked together since he’d first begun gathering evidence on Legion. He trusted Will with his life. “I’m going after Jen. She’s in danger and I can’t just sit around and do nothing.”

Peter Lowe and Tegan Fletcher, two men who had been with Ben since the conception of Strike Force, joined the group as if sensing their leader was in trouble.

Ben explained his plans. “Don’t bother trying to stop me. I’m going.”

“We’re not stopping you, but we are going with you. All of us.” Will glanced to Peter and Tegan who quickly agreed.

“He’s right. We’ve got your back. No matter what.” Tegan confirmed what Ben already knew in his heart.

Their loyalty was humbling. “Thank you all.” He looked to Kaiden. “I know you want to help, but the best place for you is here. Cole’s still in bad shape. He’ll need you. The others will too.” He nodded toward Sidney. “She needs you.”

With regret on his face, Kaiden nodded. “While I know you’re right, I hate that I can’t go with you on this mission.”

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