Page 42 of Thin Ice

Victor appeared humbled by the news. “Thank you, Josh. Henry.”

Henry checked Brookes’s vitals. “You’re stable, sir. But that bullet needs to come out the sooner the better.”

“First thing I plan to do when I arrive at our destination.”

“Good.” The doctor smiled.

“You all should see this,” Josh said and brought something up on his computer tablet. “This has been running for days. It’s being picked up by every website supporting the president. It’s gone viral.” Everyone crowded around Brookes so he could see as well.

James’s face appeared on the screen. “My fellow Americans, my name is James Cooper. No, my real name is Teddy Harper. I’m a former Navy SEAL who has been forced into hiding by the real terrorists responsible for the bombings on our country and around the world.” James started from the beginning in Afghanistan a little more than two years earlier and laid out every single one of Legion’s infractions. “I realize this is shocking to honest, hardworking people who believe in the goodness of this country, but there are others with stories similar to mine.”

The camera panned out to show the rest of the Strike Force team. James introduced each of them. “This freedom team is made up of former members of all branches of the military as well as the intelligence community. We were tasked by our true president, Victor Douglas, to stop the group of men who are determined to destroy our country and others.” On the screen the faces of the members of Legion appeared behind the member of Strike Force.

“The man now claiming to be president is a member of the team responsible for bombing our own country.” James went on to name every crime associated with Legion.

Abby couldn’t believe it. Even though the word was spreading throughout the country, it was still hard to believe their battle was almost over. “We may have lost Legion’s men for now, but they’ll be watching the border.”

Josh smiled at her. “Oh, we won’t be crossing the border by vehicle. We’re flying.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “How?”

“That Osprey that was shot down is nothing compared to the King Stallion waiting for us near the border,” Josh told her. “We should be getting close to our rendezvous location. We’ll drive both these vehicles onboard and take off immediately.”

Abby’s head swam. She was exhausted down to her soul, but all she wanted was to make sure Brookes was safe. She settled beside him, too tired to think clearly anymore.

“Is it almost over?” he asked. She hadn’t realized he was still awake.

Abby leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I hope so.” But she had a bad feeling. Things were far from over if Legion had anything to say about it.

“Where are we?” His voice sounded so weak. He’d been through so much.

“Almost to the border. You heard what Josh said about the chopper?”

He nodded. “Sounds like the perfect way to cross the border.” He held her gaze. “What’s got you so worried.”

He knew her better than anyone. Of course, he’d seen her doubts. “I don’t know. After everything we’ve been through, we’re so close.” She touched his face and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I just can’t help but think we’re still a long way from home.”

“With everything we’ve been through, I can understand. Don’t lose hope, Abby. We’ll get through this. God didn’t bring us this far to let us fail.”

She so wanted to believe him.

“Coming up on our meet location,” Woody said from the driver’s seat.

Abby jumped to her feet and rushed to the front of the vehicle. “Be careful.”

He glanced back at her and smiled. “I understand you’re worried, but we’re almost there.”

If only it were that easy.

They drew closer. Her fear spiraled. Something up ahead caught her attention. The smallest amount of movement in the trees.

“Over there.” She pointed toward the movement. The words were barely out when the woods surrounding them lit up with flashes of light.

“Get down,” she yelled, terrified Woody would be shot. Bullets bounced off the vehicle’s windows.

“This baby and the car behind us are both bulletproof. They’re not going to harm us. There’s the chopper.” The vehicle sped toward it at full speed.

Abby watched the side mirror as dozens of men poured from the woods and continued firing. “But we need to get across the border before they have fighter jets coming our way.”

---