Page 13 of Thin Ice

The officer glanced at Kinsley and then focused on the president. All the color drained from the officer’s face. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

Victor slowly nodded. “That was the plan, but as you can see, I’m very much alive, Officer, and I need your help to stop the people who are trying to take over this country of ours.”

The officer didn’t budge. “You don’t remember me, do you, President Douglas?”

Victor appeared taken aback. “I’m sorry, I don’t.”

Brookes got Abby’s attention. She slowly eased her Glock from her pocket.

The last thing either of them wanted to do was injure this man, but they couldn’t let themselves be captured.

The officer smiled. “It’s been a few years. My name is Tom Newman. I came home from the war and couldn’t seem to get my life back. I was mixed up inside. Had PTSD and didn’t want to live. You visited the VA hospital where I was being treated, and you actually listened to me. Because of you, I got through it and became a police officer. I owe you my life, Mr. President, and not for a minute do I believe anything that’s being said about you.”

Brookes froze. “What do you mean by what’s being said?”

Officer Newman’s eyes darted around. “You should probably get inside and out of sight, Mr. President. There are plenty of people who will recognize you. I’ll use the passenger seat if I may. When we’re inside, I can explain.”

Brookes waited until Abby and Victor climbed back inside before he closed the doors, went back to the driver’s side, and got in.

The officer studied the side mirror for a second without speaking.

“Officer Newman, we don’t have much time. The woman in the back is in critical condition. We have to get her out of the city before someone who isn’t as open-minded as you realize we’re the people being framed for the bombings.”

“Sorry, you’re right. I just still can’t believe this is all happening.” He heaved out a breath. “We were briefed earlier this morning. Whoever is behind this, they’re letting everyone know that the president—the true president—is part of the terrorist group that is responsible for the bombings.”

Brookes whipped toward the officer. “What are you talking about? Kincaid announced the president’s death several days ago. That’s why he was sworn in. How’s this going to look to the American people?”

Newman shook his head. “Don’t know. Everything was in such turmoil after the first bombings. We believed what Kincaid told us about the president’s death. Now, he’s announcing today that you—” he looked at Victor, “—were part of the conspiracy all along. They have men gunning for you. We’ve been ordered to shoot to kill.” Newman stared him in the eye. “Take no prisoners.”

Victor seemed incapable of speaking for the longest time. “Thank you for not believing those lies, Officer Newman.”

“It’s Tom, and no way, sir. I know better. And there are others like me on the force. Mostly men and women who have served in the military. We recognize a load of bull when we hear it.” Newman dug in his pocket and handed Victor a card. “That’s my cell number. If there’s ever anything I can do to help you, please let me know.”

Victor appeared overwhelmed. “Thank you, Officer. For now, we can use your help to get out of the city without being captured.”

“I can handle that. I’ll give you a police escort to wherever you need to go.”

Brookes told him where they’d left the chopper.

“I know the place. Follow me.” He exited the van and hurried back to his patrol car.

Brookes whipped around to see Abby’s reaction. “Do you believe him?”

She didn’t hesitate. “I do. And we’re going to need people on the ground like him to get the word out to others. If we ever stand a chance of reversing the damage Legion has done, we have to trust someone.”

If Abby trusted the officer, then he would too. Brookes put the van in drive and pulled out onto the road behind Newman who had his lights flashing. They traveled the short distance to the highway that would take them out of the city. Brookes thought about what Officer Newman said. Legion seemed to have created a lie for every situation. He pulled in a weary breath. “How’s Kinsley?” The thought of another innocent victim dying because of Legion’s deceit was unthinkable.

“Holding her own, but I’m worried about taking her on the chopper under these conditions.”

He had to agree. Even under the best of conditions, it wasn’t a smooth ride and there would be frequent stops to refuel. Brookes turned on the radio and listened to the latest news.

“As we reported earlier, Former President Victor Douglas is now believed to be alive and leading the group of terrorists in the plot to tear down our country and our world. We expect a press conference from President Kincaid within the hour. According to General Adam Sinclair, who has been appointed as general in charge of the newly reformed National Security Guard, previously known as Homeland Security, bringing each of these terrorists down is the guard’s number-one priority. General Sinclair has commissioned that the National Guard troops as well as men and women from the Army and Marines to be reassigned to search for the terrorists as well as enforce martial law.

“According to the general, the people responsible for the latest bombings in D.C. are still in the city. He is asking citizens to stay off the streets until the terrorists are apprehended.” A pause followed. “This just in. The terrorists have been identified through facial scanning. Along with Victor Douglas, former Navy SEAL, Brookes Zachary, and Army nurse, Abby Temple, have been identified as part of the conspiracy.” The news announcer gave both their descriptions. “If you see these people, please do not confront them. Contact 9-1-1 right away. Now, we return you to our normally scheduled program.”

Brookes clicked off the radio. “They know who we are now. Our window of escape is closing.”

Chapter Four

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