Page 3 of Chinook Winds

“It could be Duncan.” Victor moved to James’s side as he answered the call and put it on speaker.

“Hello. Who is this?” Silence followed.

And then.

“I’m sure you know very well who this is.” Though Victor had spoken face-to-face with Howard Duncan several times, he couldn’t be sure of the voice. He turned to Emily who had worked closely with Duncan.

She nodded and mouthed, “It’s him.”

He couldn’t imagine what was going through her mind. Duncan had been part of a plot to execute Emily because she’d been digging into what happened in Anana Harbor, Alaska—one of the events that had escalated Legion’s attacks and catapulted them into power.

“I wish to speak to the president. I’ll only talk to him.”

Victor picked up the phone. “This is Victor Douglas. What do you want, Duncan?”

“I can give you Legion—as you and your people have named us. I can give you every member. The plans for future attacks. All of it.”

“In exchange for what?” As much as they desperately needed an inside scoop into what Legion had planned next, Victor wasn’t about to let any member of Legion walk away without being punished.

“Immunity. I won’t be prosecuted for my part in the conspiracy. I walk free.”

Victor’s response came quick. “I won’t negotiate with a terrorist. And you are a terrorist, Duncan. Make no mistake. A criminal, just like Collins and Kincaid. Hassanzai.” The thought of Duncan walking free for the things he had participated in was unimaginable.

“I can get you Collins. He’s the one you want. He’s the leader.”

Victor put the call on mute. This decision wasn’t his to make. It belonged to every single member of Strike Team.

The team gathered around.

“You’ve all been affected by Legion. Emily, Duncan tried to have you killed. This decision belongs to each and every one of you.”

“Thank you, Mr. President.” Emily looked around at the faces of the men and women who had become a family. “Duncan will be the weakest link and maybe our only chance to get an inside look into Legion. He’s worried; otherwise, he wouldn’t be calling. If we have a chance at breaking Legion’s back, we must take it. Even if it means giving Duncan immunity.”

He glanced around at the rest of the team. “Does everyone else feel this way?” The confirmation came from each person. “All right. Let’s see what he has to say.” Victor returned to the call. “I will need to hear what you have before I can agree to immunity, and I’m not going to meet you without a guarantee you can provide Collins. If you have what you say you do, then you’ve got immunity.”

A heavy sigh filled the air. “I need help right away. Before I can tell you anything, I will need protection because they’re going to kill me.”

The fear in Duncan’s voice was real. “Why? Do they know you’re turning on them?”

Duncan was quiet for so long Victor wondered if the call had dropped.

“Are you still there?”

Duncan finally responded. “I am. Collins and Kincaid are worried. The broadcasts your team have posted have a lot of people believing what’s being said. Hassanzai is furious. They’re tying up loose ends. I’m worried I may be one. I won’t be safe for long. If they kill me, their secrets die with me.”

It wasn’t bragging. Duncan was truly worried.

“Where are you?” Victor asked.

“I’m not at my home, that’s for sure. Too obvious.” Duncan’s voice shook. “My wife is terrified.”

“Is this line secure?” They had to find a way to get Duncan and his wife to a safe location if they hoped to convince him to cooperate.

“As far as I know.” Duncan didn’t sound convincing. “Please, I need help. It won’t take them long to figure out where we’re hiding.”

“What’s the location? I have people I trust who can take you someplace safe.”

Seconds ticked by before Duncan gave the address. “It’s a cabin that once belonged to my wife’s parents. We’re in the mountains near Front Royal, Virginia.”

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