Page 9 of Zero Visibility

“Unbelievable.” Kincaid announced all of their names for the entire world to hear.

“As was told previously, these three men and this woman are also believed part of the group responsible for the explosion that occurred earlier at CIA Director Cole Hernandez’s cabin.” The vice president stopped for effect. Ben had a feeling another blow was coming on this one’s heels.

“It is now believed these people were all acting under the leadership of Director Hernandez. We have received intelligence that leads us to believe he is alive and in hiding with the rest of his team of terrorists. There is an active manhunt underway involving all of the intelligence communities, as well as police and other law enforcement agencies around the country.” The vice president continued to speak about measures being taken to bring Strike Force members into custody.

“He’s just put a bull’s-eye on our backs,” Cole said. “They’ll tighten their control on all law enforcement agencies soon enough. There will be border checks coming at all the states where they believe we might be hiding out. Where are you all now?”

“Not far from the Colorado state line.” Ben’s words were still ringing in his ears when Kincaid announced martial law would go into effect immediately. All international borders were closed, and the National Guard has been dispatched to state entry points.

“We intend to apprehend these terrorists quickly and make them pay for what they’ve done.” Kincaid concluded by asking every citizen to pray for the country’s healing.

“They’ve probably got the National Guard in place already. You won’t be able to cross by the way you’re going.” Cole confirmed Ben’s thinking.

“You’re right. We’ll need to pull over and regroup. Find a less conspicuous way to get into Colorado.”

They sure could use something positive right about now.

“After what we’ve heard from Kincaid, I wonder if we’ve sent Abby and Brookes on a wasted trip that will put their lives in jeopardy.” The weariness in Cole’s voice was a reminder of the things he’d suffered at Legion’s hands.

“Kincaid is not above lying. Don’t lose hope.”

“No, I won’t. I’m still trying to reach him. When I have any news, I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, be careful, Ben. Now that our photos are out there, everyone you come in contact with is a possible threat. Get to the ski resort and pick up Jen as quickly as possible. Then get back here. None of us will be able to relax until you’re all safe.”

Ben ended the call and handed the phone back to Tegan. “Any suggestions?” he asked Tegan who was busily typing on the phone.

“Yeah, I think I got it.” Tegan showed the screen to Ben. “It will require us going over some pretty hairy mountains, but this thing has four wheel-drive. We should be okay.”

Ben enlarged the GPS route. Several of the mountains were well over seven thousand feet in elevation. The route would slow their speed down considerably, but it couldn’t be helped. “I need to let Jen know we’ll be delayed.”

He used Tegan’s phone to make contact. The call was dropped several times before it rang through to voicemail.

“She’s not answering.” His stomach churned with uneasiness. “Why isn’t she answering?”

“She’s probably being cautious.”

Ben wanted to believe it, but he’d called Jen on Tegan’s phone before. “I’ll leave her a voicemail.” He placed the call. “Call me back, Jen. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

Holding the phone in a vice grip, Ben’s thoughts tumbled over the news they’d heard earlier. Just about every member of the Strike Force had been implicated in the attacks.

“How did they know Cole is still alive?” Tegan questioned beside him. “Collins shot him in the chest. He didn’t expect him to live.”

Ben shook his head. “A guess, I would say. Once they identified Sidney and Kaiden, and they knew I was working against them, they’d figure we’d do everything in our power to save Cole. I’m just glad their assumptions are correct.”

“Me, too.” Tegan grinned. “We need every available person we have on the team to bring down Legion before they use nuclear weapons.”

As Ben pondered the destruction that would take place when Legion introduced nuclear warfare into their deadly game, the phone he clutched in his hand rang and he quickly answered it.

“Are you okay?” His tone was heavy with fear.

“I’m not sure,” she said. “Someone just drove by. They’ve left now. Maybe someone got lost trying to evacuate from Denver?” It came out as a question rather than a response. At this point they couldn’t take any chances. In case the car came back with Legion’s people.

???

“Get out of there. Now. Go as far away from the ski village as you can. I’ll call you back with a new location to meet. But for now, whatever you do, get out of there.”

His words sent shockwaves through her body. “I’m leaving now.” The words came out on a frightened sob. She ended the call thankful that she’d hidden the truck out of sight when she first heard the car coming. It had driven by slowly but hadn’t stopped. She’d watched it leave the village. Was it waiting for her to make a move?

Keeping it together was hard, but she had to because, like it or not, no one could save her now but herself. Jen ran outside to where she’d hidden the truck and climbed inside. She didn’t dare turn on any lights as she eased from the village.

---