Page 22 of Storm Surge

Zachary was no longer talking to him. “Keep an eye on him,” he told another person and stepped away. Armed men took his place, making sure Kincaid didn’t try anything. There was no doubt in his mind he was going away for a very long time. He wouldn’t blame Victor Douglas if he never saw the light of day again.

Chapter Six

Victor glanced down at the ringing phone in his hand. “This is it.”

Will’s hands grew sweaty. This was the call they’d all been waiting for. News of Collins’s possible capture.

Victor, Kinsley Allison, and Lincoln Miller had arrived at the compound in Washington a short time earlier. There wasn’t even enough time to settle into the new location before the call came in.

Strike Force members sat around the enormous, smooth pine table in the dining room of Collins’s lodge. The finest of décor adorned the place. Will couldn’t imagine how much money Collins has spent on the lodge, and he was rarely there.

“Brookes, I have everyone here with me. What did you find in Idaho?” Victor asked.

“I’m sorry to say the person driving the vehicle wasn’t Collins, but it was David Kincaid.”

Will’s gaze shot to Victor. The former occupant of the White House was hiding out in Idaho.

“Kincaid? Was he by himself?” Victor asked.

Background wind noises all but drowned out Brookes’s voice.

“Brookes, repeat. We didn’t hear you.”

“Sorry, we’re in the middle of a storm. We were lucky to make it here before it hit, and we won’t be going anywhere until it passes.” Brookes paused briefly. “I spoke with Kincaid for a moment. He’s the only one here. He claims not to know anything about where Collins might be. I’m not sure I believe him, but he’s not going to give me anything useful.”

Victor’s expression hardened. “He’s looking out for himself as usual. Bring him here as soon as possible. He and I were once friends. Maybe he’ll open up to me.”

“All right, we’ll transport him to Washington as soon as we’re able to fly.”

“Thanks, Brookes. It’ll be good to see you and the others again. How’s Kevin working out?”

Kevin “Snake” Juarez was one of the newest members of Strike Force. He’d joined the team after fleeing Washington D.C. along with Victor. Also along were members of the Strike Force team who had been sent to rescue Victor along with his secret service agent, Kinsley. Kevin had been a drug dealer at the time, but he was slowly moving toward God.

“Actually, he’s a natural. I worked with him a little while in Canada, and he has all the talent to be an important member of the team. And I have news that you’re going to be pleased to hear. Kevin gave his life to God.”

The room broke out in applause. Everyone on the team had been praying for him.

“That’s great news,” Victor told him. “I can’t wait to see him and give him a hug. In the meantime, be careful flying here. I don’t trust Kincaid at all, not after what he did.”

At one time, David Kincaid had been Victor’s vice president. He’d worked alongside Victor for several years, all the while plotting with Martin Collins to overthrow the government and kill Victor.

“I agree,” Brookes said. “As soon as the weather clears, we’ll head your way. We’ll talk soon.” The call disconnected.

Victor glanced around the table. “Not exactly the news we wanted. This means Collins is still out there and so are the missing weapons. We need to find him. Soon.”

Victor rose and went to the kitchen for coffee.

Will and the team in Washington had spent every moment until the call from Brookes updating Victor on what was unfolding here.

In the process, Will hadn’t had the chance to tell Victor about Jamie’s request, and he wanted to run it by his friend. He followed him to the coffee pot.

Victor glanced up and smiled. “You need some of this, too?”

Will nodded. “I could use a cup. It’s going to be a long night.”

Victor agreed. “Yes, I’m afraid we’re in for many of them. I’m going to get in touch with James and update him and the rest of our people on what’s happened.” He shook his head. “I sure was hoping we’d find Collins there instead of Kincaid.” He handed Will a cup.

“Me, too. But it seems Collins has kept plenty of secrets close to the vest. I don’t see him sharing where he’d go with Kincaid. He appears to think of him as inferior. It seems the only person Collins truly trusts is Hassanzai.” Will dumped sugar and cream in his coffee and stirred it.

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