Page 35 of Chinook Winds

“Right. Can someone let them know?” Victor asked.

“I can handle that, if it’s okay with you,” Kinsley’s brother spoke up.

Victor smiled at him. Joe had never once wavered in his support. “Of course. Thanks, Joe.”

Kinsley pulled Victor aside and voiced her fears aloud. “What if it’s a setup?”

He understood her concerns because he shared them, but at some point, they had to trust again. He trusted Lancaster. “Then we’ll figure it out soon enough and deal with it.”

She slowly smiled. “You’re right. I hate that Legion has made me so skeptical.”

He returned her smile. “Me, too. Let’s change that.”

???

The chopper landed on the pad Bob had set up a little way from the house. Kinsley still couldn’t shake her doubts. She squeezed the gun in her jacket pocket tight. At any sign of trouble, she’d be ready. They were hidden by trees as the chopper door opened and the first person out was Chase Carpenter. Followed by a man whom she’d looked up to since she joined the secret service. Her boss, William Quincey.

Tears filled her eyes. Until she saw William, she wasn’t sure, but there was no doubt in her mind now. She ran toward William. When he saw her, he couldn’t stop smiling as he hugged her tight.

“I knew you were alive. I knew it,” he said and held her at arm’s length as he looked her over. “You’re a good sight for these eyes, Kinsley. A good sight.”

She wiped tears away. “As are you. I was so sure we were being set up. After everything we’ve gone through, I can’t believe it’s almost over.”

William shook the president’s hand. “But we’ve a long way to go to round up all of the people involved in this conspiracy. A long way. And we’ll need everyone’s help. Especially yours, Mr. President.”

“Then let’s get going.” Victor introduced William and Chase to his team. “We have a lot of work ahead of us. And we need to catch Collins before he discovers what’s happening and tries to flee.”

As soon as they boarded the chopper, the pilot lifted off and headed toward Washington D.C.

“I know it hasn’t been all that long, but this country is a mess,” Chase said. “So far, more than a hundred people have been arrested. All the way up to the house and the senate. Even the FBI and CIA. The deputy director of the CIA was taken into custody earlier, along with several secret service agents.” He looked Kinsley’s way, a reminder of the way she and Victor had been taken into custody with the help of her own secret service agents. “And it goes straight up to the White House. There are many on the staff being arrested as we speak.”

Kinsley was overwhelmed by the news and had no doubt Collins would hear about it soon if he hadn’t already. “I just hope our people arrive before Collins manages to escape. We want him alive to tell us how many high-level leaders are involved.”

Washington D.C.’s skyline came into view. The White House had always represented a place of promise for her in the past. She hoped it would again someday.

As the chopper landed on the White House lawn, returning here reminded her of the purpose they had. Victor would assume the presidency once more. She would join the ranks of the secret service. There was much work to be done. So why didn’t the thought of being back where all the power took place fill her with excitement like it used to?

Because Legion had made her realize she wanted more. She didn’t want to live this life any longer. She wanted something simple. Like the little cabin in the woods that Tom and his wife shared. But didn’t stepping down mean stepping away from Victor? Please God, no.

???

“He set you up,” Hassanzai screamed into the phone. “Lancaster is working with them. It’s over. All over. They’re coming for you.”

Collins stared at his father, unable to believe what his friend was saying. He was so certain Lancaster would be his puppet. “That’s impossible. I spoke to him personally. He’s on our side.”

“He played you!” Hassanzai yelled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “You let your pride get in the way of thinking clearly. You thought you could still control things, but you’re wrong. It’s time to abandon the plan and escape while we still have the chance. If you’re smart, you’ll do the same. I’ll see you at the meet location.”

Collins’s thoughts stumbled over themselves. “Are you crazy? You can’t leave the weapons. We still have a chance at salvaging this. Ahmad, you have to stay strong.”

Hassanzai scoffed. “I have my family to consider. If they find me, prison will be the least of my worries. I’m going. If you know what’s best for you, you will as well.”

Before Collins could respond, the line went dead. He tossed the phone across the room where it shattered. Hassanzai of all people was the one he’d trusted the most. And now he’d deserted him. “It’s all falling apart,” he seethed at his father. “All of it. They’re all weak.”

In three steps Edward reached him and slapped him hard. “Get it together. This isn’t over. It can’t be.” Edward turned on his heel and headed outside.

Collins followed him. “Where are you going?”

“To the boat. We need to get away while we still can.”

---