Page 11 of Thin Ice

“As we’ve been reporting all morning long, there have been a series of attacks across the city. So far, they appear to be confined to the capital area.”

Abby’s gaze flew to Brookes. “Another attack.”

Brookes turned up the radio. Victor moved closer to hear.

“This just in. Police believe the people responsible for the latest attacks are still in the city. They are advising citizens to stay inside and not take to the streets unless absolutely necessary.”

“Are all these people trying to get out of the city?” Brookes asked, a frown taking over his face.

“Maybe.” Heavy traffic congested most streets they passed. “Is there a way around any of this? The last thing Kinsley needs right now is to be stuck in traffic.”

“Let me pull up the GPS on the van and see if I can find a quicker route out of the city.”

“Good thinking. I’m calling James. I want to see if there’s been any news of attacks elsewhere or if it’s just confined to D.C. Maybe Legion’s trying to gain more control of the local law enforcement so they can find us. Or allow Legion’s people to take control of all news media.”

While the radio continued to broadcast the latest destruction to major parts of the city, Abby pulled up James’s number. He answered on the first ring.

“Where are you all?” he asked without a hello. The tension in his voice confirmed something more had happened.

“Still in D.C. The city’s crawling with people trying to leave. We’re stuck in some heavy traffic right now. How widespread are the latest attacks? The news here is just reporting attacks in D.C.”

“I don’t know. It appears each state is reporting something different. I’ve reached out to my people on the ground. They’re telling a different story. Just about every state has sustained more attacks. I don’t understand the need for secrecy unless Legion doesn’t want to have mass hysteria on their hands. Or maybe it’s just another way to create chaos. From what my people are saying, everyone is bracing for more attacks. There’s been no indication of nuclear weapons being used. I guess they’re saving those for something special.”

The phone crackled. Abby feared they’d lose the connection.

“You still there?” James asked.

“Yes, I’m here, but I missed the last part of what you said.”

“I can’t imagine what Legion’s planning. Maybe to get the politicians worked up in a frenzy and too terrified to vote against anything Kincaid brings forth.”

Abby shivered at the thought. If Legion kept the house and senate united and worried about the next threat coming from a group of bad guys threatening to destroy the world, they wouldn’t be able to look too deeply into the truth.

“I’ll see if I can find out more. How’s the wounded agent?”

“Stable for now. But we need to get her to a safe location where our doctors can monitor her condition. I have some medical supplies, but if she takes a turn for the worse— “Abby lowered her voice. “If we can reach the chopper, we’ll head out as soon as possible, but I’m worried they’ll be watching the airways.”

“No doubt in my mind they will be. We’re going to have to come up with another escape plan for you. Even if we’re using the cloaking software, there’s a good chance you’ll be spotted since all flights have been canceled indefinitely. Especially around D.C., they’ll have fighters patrolling the airways.” James pulled in a breath. “So far, our trip’s been uneventful, but we’ve a long way to go to reach our destination. Keep me updated. I’ll get to work on things here. If all goes well, we should be at your new location later today. In the meantime, stay safe.”

“Thanks, James. You, too.” Abby ended the call and told everyone what she’d learned.

“They have nuclear capability. Why aren’t they using it?” Victor voiced Abby’s thoughts aloud.

“Maybe they’re afraid of the fallout? The effects of using nuclear weapons can be horrific to humans as well as to the environment. I can’t say that I blame them for not using them. They could be happy just possessing the threat, though we haven’t heard any mention of nuclear weapons in any of Kincaid’s speeches. In other words, I don’t know. But from what James can figure out, there have been other attacks around the country as well. I don’t know why the announcer didn’t mention them.”

“Unless the news is being censored.” Brookes met her gaze in the rear-view mirror. The thought of Legion censoring news was terrifying but tracked true with her thoughts and James’s.

“But on a brighter note,” Brooke said. “I found an old highway that should get us out of the city faster if we can reach it. There are dozens of cop cars around here. They’re on high alert. Looking for us, no doubt.”

Abby stared through the windshield at the bedlam taking place in front of them. Cars zoomed in and out of traffic barely missing others. Fender benders were commonplace. The city was a madhouse.

Unable to do anything to help Brookes, Abby checked on Kinsley. Though still sleeping, her breathing was even and color returned to her face. Abby said a prayer in her head for the woman’s swift recovery.

Their world had been turned upside down in a matter of hours because of an evil scheme to take over the world. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if Legion gained absolute control. The freedoms for which the country had stood for hundreds of years would be gone. They’d be living under a police state indefinitely, and anyone who spoke out against it would be eliminated. Abby couldn’t imagine a world like that.

???

Red and blue lights flashed behind them. Brookes sat up straighter. “We’ve got trouble.”

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