Page 14 of Thin Ice

Abby slipped beside Brookes, and he glanced her way. “You doing okay? That was pretty hairy back there,” she said.

“To tell you the truth, I’m worried,” Brookes told her.

She glanced behind them before answering in a low voice. “I am, too.”

“There are a lot of miles between here and Canada and our pictures are all over the news. We’ll have people gunning for us everywhere we go.”

She shuddered at what lay ahead of them. “I just hope the chopper is still there waiting for us.”

Up ahead, Newman pulled off the road and stopped.

“What’s he doing?” Victor asked as he watched Newman exit his cruiser.

“I’m not sure.” Abby hesitated. “Stay here with Kinsley while Brookes and I check it out. We’ll be right back.” She got out. Brookes did the same. Together they went over to the patrol vehicle.

“This is as far as I can go. I’m already out of my jurisdiction and I’m receiving calls to assist.” Newman looked around at the isolated stretch of road.

“Understood. We appreciate your help, Officer Newman.” Brookes shook his hand.

“You’re welcome. You should have a clear passage to the shipyard from here.”

Abby could tell there was more on the man’s mind. “What’s troubling you, Tom?”

“It doesn’t feel right leaving you here to fend for yourselves. I owe that man back there my life.”

“You’ve done plenty, I assure you,” Brookes told him. “But unless you know of some way to get us out of here without being detected, you’ve done everything you can, and it’s appreciated.”

“Let me see what I can do. I know someone who owns a plane. He might be willing to help.”

As much as Abby wanted to agree, involving Tom or anyone else would only bring them trouble. Legion had shown what it did to those who betrayed them. Like Nolan. She shook her head. “It’s best you don’t know anything more. Thank you for your help.”

“You’re welcome.” Still, Tom hesitated. “Are you sure there’s nothing else I can do to help you?”

Brookes made eye contact with her. “The van.” Right away, she understood what he meant and nodded.

“We could use your help getting this van back to its owner.” Brookes told him about Hannah without mentioning the family connection.

“I’d be happy to. I’ll have my friend go with me.”

“Thanks. I’ll call Hannah and let her know you’ll be bringing it back.”

Tom nodded. “Be careful. This National Security Guard is slowly taking over more control of the police force here in D.C., and I’d venture to guess it will go into effect nationwide as well. They’re expanding their power. We’ve got to get our president back in power before this isn’t a democracy any longer. Here, take this.” He handed Brookes a hand-held police radio. “Just in case. It can help you maneuver around hot spots.”

With those chilling words still hanging in the space between them, Officer Newman returned to his vehicle. He pulled out onto the road and turned around, waving to them as he passed.

“We need to reach the chopper and get out of here while we still can.” Abby glanced around. “Before the National Security Guard closes in and we’re trapped.” She and Brookes started back to the van and got inside.

Brookes pulled out onto the road and headed toward the abandoned shipyard where they’d stored the chopper.

“She’s awake again.” Abby whipped around to see Victor smiling at Kinsley who had her eyes open. Abby climbed over the seat and examined her patient. “How are you feeling?” she asked once she’d checked the wound.

“Like I’ve been shot.” The words were little more than a whisper. “But I’m alive and for that, I owe both of you.”

Abby squeezed her arm. “We’re glad you’re back with us.” She explained what happened. “Once we reach the chopper, we’ll be heading to a new location near Pincher Creek in the southwest region of Alberta, Canada.”

“There’s a car coming ahead of us.” Brookes announced from in front. Abby hurried back to her seat.

A single vehicle, the first they’d seen on this road, came closer.

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