Page 34 of Chinook Winds

“I think we should pray. We have a lot of good people in harm’s way, including us and Lancaster who is about to be subject to Collins’s influence. We need to pray for protection over everyone.” Kinsley’s faith had never once wavered despite everything she’d gone through. Even after what happened in D.C. Victor took her hands in his. Together, they closed their eyes and he prayed.

“Father, we come to You asking for Your protection over all our people. We have men and women who are stepping into harm’s way, and the enemy we face is great. Keep them safe. Keep us safe. Let Your will be done in all that we do.”

“Amen,” Kinsley whispered, and her gaze clung to his. “It’s been hours since we’ve heard from Lancaster. Do you think he’s safe?”

Victor wondered the same thing. Lancaster promised to call as soon as he’d spoken to Collins. He couldn’t imagine what that conversation had entailed. “I sure hope so. We need him in that position to help turn this thing.”

“Oh, wow.” The shock in James’s voice had them spinning. James sat back in his seat. “You’ve got to see this.”

With a glance at Kinsley, Victor hurried over to where James stared at his computer screen.

“Elizabeth Franklin is really Betty Buckley, aka, Betty Collins. She’s Martin Collin’s sister.”

The document on the screen was a birth certificate. “Elizabeth—Betty Buckley—was born two years before Martin Collins. She was almost five when their father killed their mother.”

“So, the sister bought the property that once belonged to her parents? That must have cost a lot of money. What does she do for a living that allowed her access to that much money?”

James shook his head. “That’s just it. She was a teacher, her late husband a school principal. They lived in Florida and didn’t have a lot of money. Betty’s husband passed away about six years ago and she moved back to Washington.”

“Collins funded the purchase.” There wasn’t a doubt in Victor’s mind.

“That’d be my guess as well.”

“I don’t see Collins as the sentimental type. I’m guessing he bought the place as a contingency. He wanted someplace to disappear if the need arose.” Victor grabbed his phone. “I’m calling Will. He needs to know there’s a good chance Collins will be waiting for them in Washington. He’ll have to take more people. If Collins is there, he could have Legion troops standing guard.” He quickly redialed Will, grateful that he caught him before they’d taken off. Victor explained what they found. “Take more people.”

“We will. I’ll gather as many as we can safely spare here and still have enough to protect the compound.”

“Be careful, Will. Be very careful.” Before Victor could put the phone back in his pocket, it rang. He recognized the number right away. “It’s Lancaster.”

Everyone gathered round as he hit the speaker button and Lancaster’s voice filled the room.

“It’s done.” The excitement in Lancaster’s tone assured him something big had happened.

“You’ve spoken to Collins,” Victor concluded.

“Yes, and I recorded the whole conversation. I was sworn in as president ten minutes earlier. This is the first chance I’ve had to call you. I spoke to the military leaders before I talked to Collins. They agree with me that Collins is the real terrorist. While we don’t know everyone who is involved with Legion, we’ve started arresting the ones who we’re certain are working for Collins. I want you here, Victor, when I announce to the world the truth. It’s time for you to assume the office again.”

This was it. The moment he’d longed for since this all had begun. So why didn’t it feel like the victory he’d expected? As always, he sought out Kinsley among the group. He couldn’t read her expression before she turned away.

“I’m sending a chopper to pick you and your people up now. If you’ll give us your coordinates.”

“Hang on while I pass you to the person who can provide those.” Victor handed the phone to Bob who supplied the location.

“We’ll be there soon.”

“We’ll be ready. Did Collins happen to mention where he was hiding?” Victor knew it was a longshot.

“No, he refused to give me any idea where he might be. But we’ll get him. It’s only a matter of time before he’s in custody.” Victor loved the man’s enthusiasm. “I’m sending your chief of staff to pick you up. See you soon.”

The call ended. The room remained silent. All Victor could think about was that the end was just the beginning.

“Cole, I’d like you and Ben to come with me and Kinsley. Nick, you, too. Everyone else remains here. Keep working. We’re a long way from being done.” He turned to James. “Can you monitor Will and the team’s progress along the way?”

“Oh course.”

“Thanks. Emily, get in touch with our people in Afghanistan. Once Collins receives word of what’s happening in D.C., he’ll reach out to Hassanzai to move the weapons. Have Tegan and the others gather as many men as they can round up to protect them.”

“I’m on it. What about the team in Canada? They should know what’s happening.”

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