Page 11 of Chinook Winds

“Wide body, you are hereby ordered to land at Minot Air Force Base forthwith. We will escort you there.”

“We can’t follow that order. They’ll put us all in jail or worse once they realize you’re with us,” Kinsley told him, and she was right.

“We can’t outrun them in this plane. Any suggestions?” Victor scanned the faces of the occupants of the plane.

“I might have one. Do you mind if I speak to the pilot?” First Lieutenant Woody Elliott asked. Woody and his team from Grand Forks Air Force Base had rescued them from Legion and flown them safely to Canada. “I know some of those pilots.”

Victor stared at him for the longest time. “Do it.”

Lincoln handed him the mic. Woody identified himself. “We’re on official government business and we cannot comply with your orders.”

Silence followed the transmission. Woody turned to Victor. “There’s only one thing we can do if this fails. We’ll have to keep going.”

“Lieutenant, we have orders to ground all flights. If you refuse, we will have no other choice but to shoot you down,” The fighter pilot’s chilling words filled the cabin.

“Not this one. I repeat, we are on government business. I would advise you not to fire on us.”

Seconds ticked by before the same pilot responded, “On whose orders are you operating?”

Woody didn’t hesitate. “The president of the United States.”

The two fighters kept pace with them while a tense silence filled the cabin.

“Our revised orders are to escort you to your destination.”

Woody had bought them a brief reprieve. It wouldn’t last. Once they landed, there would no doubt be armed Legion soldiers waiting for them. If they didn’t come up with a plan fast, then their purpose would be in vain, and they’d traveled all this way only to end up in prison. Or dead.

???

“He’s inside. His wife is in her room.” Martinez followed him down the corridor.

The flight had been long. Collins had gone over every detail of what lay ahead. “Good.” He waited until Martinez had left before he tucked the weapon behind his back and stepped into the room.

Kincaid stood in front of the roaring fire. He turned when the door opened. The look of surprise on his face was almost worth the long flight back to handle the situation. “What are you doing here?” Realization slowly dawned and Kincaid stepped back.

Collins advanced into the room, stopping a mere foot away. “You were ready to desert the cause after a little opposition?” He spat the words out. The kind of weakness Kincaid represented was unexpected.

“No, of course not. It’s just— “

“Just what? You decided to take a vacation with so much at stake?” He smiled at the beads of sweat forming on Kincaid’s upper lip. He’d always known Kincaid would have to go. The plan had been in place since the beginning. This was his time to take over the helm.

Kincaid had the gall to smile. “No vacation.” He stopped for a breath to regroup. “Things are turning quickly, Martin. The truth is coming out, thanks to those internet broadcasts. It won’t be long before they come for us all. And you were nowhere around. I made a judgment call.”

Collins pulled out the weapon. The sight of it turned Kincaid’s eyes to saucers. “The truth is you were looking out for yourself. You’re aware of the punishment for treason. You were there when I was forced to punish Evans and Foster.”

Kincaid gulped. “Please, give me another chance.” He backed up against the fireplace. “I’ve done a lot for the cause. I procured the nuclear weapons. That has to mean something. If you kill me, how will you explain it to the American people?”

Collins couldn’t keep the disgust off his face. “Yes, you procured the weapons but only with Hassanzai’s help. You could never have done so alone. And as far as killing you, well, you overestimate your importance.” He aimed the weapon at Kincaid’s leg. Fired.

Kincaid screamed and grabbed his leg. Fell to the floor and writhed around.

At any other time, Collins might have found the antics amusing. But Kincaid had cost him valuable time. “You are no longer necessary to the cause, David. If you try to run, or worse, talk to Strike Force, the next bullet will be to your head.”

Kincaid had tears in his eyes. “I won’t. I promise.”

Collins scoffed. “You know as well as I do that your word means nothing. But to ensure that you comply, your wife will be on her way back to Texas soon with my men. If you step out of line again, both you and your wife will regret it.” He headed for the door. Kincaid tried to stand but couldn’t.

“What about me? I need medical attention. I’m still the president of the United States,” he pleaded.

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