Page 24 of Thin Ice

Nearby, someone cleared their throat. He and Abby broke apart.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Joe said and glanced from one to the other. “But I’m worried about my sister. Is she going to be okay?”

“She’s developed a fever. Her body had been through a traumatic experience and it’s trying to fight off any infection. I gave her some Ibuprofen to lower her fever. More than anything, she needs uninterrupted rest.” Yet the likelihood of that was next to nothing.

Joe glanced back at his sister. “She’s all I have. I can’t lose her.”

“Let’s pray over her.”

Joe nodded. They went over to Kinsley and placed their hands on her. Each person lifted up a prayer for her healing and for their protection. After the last prayer ended, the faces of those standing around reflected the emotional experience. Brookes believed God had heard their prayers and He would heal Kinsley and protect them.

“I’d like to reach out to Deputy Doyle now, if that’s okay.” Joe asked.

“Do it,” Brookes told him. “We’ll need his help. Otherwise, there’ll be nothing to do but stand our ground here. And I for one don’t like our odds.”

Chapter Seven

“Avehicle’s approaching.” Abby said into the communication device on her wrist.

“Copy that,” Brookes responded quickly.

Abby was stationed near the road while Brookes watched the woods near the house. Both had night-vision binoculars.

The vehicle drew closer. A dark sedan. Abby focused on the occupants.

“Only one person in sight.” The driver eased the car onto the drive and stopped. The gate was unlocked but closed. The driver got out.

Abby zeroed in on him. It was Director Doyle. “Confirm Doyle is the driver. I don’t see anyone else, but they could be hiding out of sight. Vehicle is heading your way.”

“Roger.” Brookes’s simple response came through clearly. Just hearing his voice helped keep her centered. Brookes was a real-life hero in her mind. And more and more lately, she found herself conflicted by feelings that didn’t belong in this post-freedom world.

“I have the car in sight,” Brookes said. “So far, nothing appears out of place.”

“Same here. There are no more vehicles approaching.”

“Good. Let’s hope it stays that way.”

Abby started toward the gate. “I’m going to close the gate and head your way.”

“Roger that. I’ll be waiting.”

She reached the gate and clicked the lock closed. With a final look around, she started for the house at a fast click. Once she reached the clearing beyond the trees, she caught up with Brookes. “Everything appears to be going as planned.” She fell into step beside him.

“For now. I’ve got a bad feeling we’re running out of time.”

She reached for his hand. “I feel the same way.”

Reaching the porch, they stepped up and went inside. Director Doyle stood in the middle of the living room with Joe and Victor.

Everyone turned when Brookes and Abby entered the room. Victor made the introductions.

“Thanks for meeting with me. I’ll get straight to the point,” Doyle said. “There are many of us in the FBI and other intelligence communities who don’t believe the stories being spread about you, Mr. President, and we want to help.”

Victor smiled. “I appreciate the loyalty, and we need everyone’s help, but first you must hear what you’re up against.” He paused as if selecting his next words carefully. “What we’re about to tell you will sound insane, but trust me, we have proof. It started a little more than two years ago.” He explained everything from the attack in Afghanistan two years earlier to the recent attempt on his life. “I realize this is a lot to take in, but we have documents that substantiate what I’ve said.” He handed Doyle Abby’s phone that contained the video of Kincaid plotting with other members of Legion to take over the highest office in the country.

“Unbelievable,” Doyle muttered once the video finished. “Kincaid and the rest of this Legion have to be stopped, but how?”

Victor leaned forward. “It won’t be easy. Kincaid isn’t the one calling the shots.” He told him about Martin Collins’s past and his new position as general over the National Security Guard.

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