Page 17 of Zero Visibility

Ben ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I’m not sure. We need to get back to our headquarters before we’re spotted, but we can’t leave Tegan.” Ben blew out a breath. “And after what happened back there, I’m afraid they’ll step up the search for us. We can’t use the SUV any longer. We need a fast way out of here.” He shook his head and grinned at the doctor. “Any ideas?”

“I’d offer you the use of our vehicle, but it isn’t very roomy.”

Will came back inside. “The vehicle is out of sight. How’s Tegan?” His eyes held concern for his friend.

“Nothing’s changed, I’m afraid,” the doctor told him. “It could take hours before we know anything.”

“I’m calling Cole. We need his help.” Ben stepped from the room with his men.

Jen watched the fallen soldier and wondered how on earth they would manage to get him out of the state with so many people searching for them. It seemed impossible.

She noticed a Christmas tree in the corner of the living room with presents underneath. “Did you and Nancy have plans for the holiday?”

Everett smiled at his wife. “Nothing but a quiet day spent together. You see, we don’t have any children of our own, so it’s just us.”

From the kitchen, Nancy returned her husband’s smile. A look of love passed between the couple. “We’ve been happy together. God has been so good to us.”

She and Ben had once been that happy. Could they get there again? More than anything, she wanted to save their marriage. For them. For their child. “Thank you for helping. I know it’s asking a lot with what the news reports are saying.”

Everett shook his head. “There’s something underhanded going on here, and I for one don’t like it.” He paused for a moment. “I like your husband, Jen. I don’t know what’s happened between you two, but he’s a good man.”

Jen swallowed, but the lump in her throat wouldn’t go away. “He is,” she said quietly. “I lost sight of that for a while.”

“When’s the baby due?” Nancy surprised her by asking.

Jen’s eyes widened. “How did you know?”

Nancy chuckled. “I’m a nurse. I’ve seen plenty of pregnant women in my time. They have a glow about them.”

Jen thought she was being so careful, never mentioning it to anyone at church. She’d tried so hard to hide the pregnancy from her friends and coworkers even though she suffered terribly from morning sickness. “Six months from now.” She touched her stomach. She’d been in love with her little peanut right from the start.

Everett clasped her arm. “A baby is a good thing for a couple. This one will be as well.”

Still, what kind of life would their child have if both its parents were being accused of treason?

Chapter Seven

“There’s an abandoned air force base not too far from your location. Once Tegan is fit to travel, go there. I’ll have Lincoln pick you up.”

Even though Cole didn’t say as much, Ben realized the rescue was a long shot. There were a whole lot of variables standing in their way. The greatest was whether Tegan would survive the gunshot at all.

“How’s Jen holding up?” Cole changed the subject.

“Shaken, but otherwise okay.” Ben ran a hand through his hair. “Has there been any news from Abby and Brookes?” He needed something to take his mind off his own worries. Hopefully, something good.

“They made it safely to Virginia, which was a huge relief. James is working on locating the president’s phone. He’s hacked into the service carrier and is trying to pinpoint the last known location for it. Maybe we’ll be able to find him before Legion kills him for real.”

That high-stake terrorists could take the President of the United States hostage would have been unthinkable a few months earlier. But then, Legion had members of the secret service working for them. If the men and women attached to the president were involved in Legion’s plot, then taking him prisoner would have been easy.

“There’s something else you should know,” Cole said and hesitated.

“What is it?” Ben wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.

“They’ve implicated Jen as part of the conspiracy as well. They’ll be looking to bring her in.”

“She’s pregnant, Cole.” The words slipped out without him wanting them to. Ben was torn between happiness at having a child and fear for the baby’s and Jen’s safety with everything Legion was throwing at them. “We’re going to have a baby.”

Cole picked up on his uncertainties. “I know it’s hard, but you’ll get through this, and it is good news. God is with you. Nothing Legion can do will stand against Him.”

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