Page 26 of Storm Surge

“Oh, but I would. If I’m taken in, I’ll let everyone know how you had the truth all along. How you aided me through the years. Helped me cover up my wife’s murder.” He paused to relish the uncertainty on Hardeman’s face. “You see, Zeke, it’s in your best interest to give me whatever I want and to do it without asking anymore foolish questions. Do I make myself clear?”

For the first time, his former commander appeared worried. Collins had the upper hand and he planned to use it. “I want your pilot to fly me to your cabin in Alaska, and I want you to make sure that man doesn’t talk. Understood?”

Hardeman’s color paled. He stuttered over his response. “I…I understand.”

“Good.” Collins smiled at his mentor. “I’ll need a vehicle at my disposal while I’m there in case I’m forced to leave in a hurry, and plenty of supplies. Can you arrange that?”

Hardeman’s mouth opened and closed several times before he spoke, “There’s a couple of four-wheelers at the cabin, and there should be plenty of food rations there.”

His answer was pleasing. “Excellent. Then we should be on our way. It’s a long flight to Alaska, but I’m sure you can arrange for a safe passage. After all, you’re CIA. I’d expect nothing less.”

While Hardeman seemed incapable of speaking, Collins gathered his supplies and headed outside. Hardeman scurried after him. Before they reached the plane, Collins turned to the man he’d known for so long. “You’d better keep your mouth shut to the pilot. As far as he knows, you’re on official CIA business. Do you understand?”

Hardeman slowly nodded. “But he’ll know who you are. Your photo’s been all over the news lately. There’s a worldwide search for you taking place. He’ll know.”

Collins glanced at the plane where the pilot watched their exchange. “Then I suggest you make sure he doesn’t have the opportunity to talk to anyone.”

Hardeman’s eyes widened. “You want me to kill him?” he whispered. “He’s a CIA employee. I can’t just kill him.”

Collins never broke eye contact. “Oh yes you can. Because if you don’t, I’ll kill you.”

???

The plane carrying one of Legion’s inner circle touched down at the airstrip.

Will stood beside Victor and Kinsley as they waited for the plane to taxi down the runway.

Brookes and Abby, along with Kevin, Sidney and Kaid, Doctor Oviok, and medics, Chris Hanover and Oliver Nyland, were bringing David Kincaid in for questioning. Under Abby’s careful handling, the plane came to halt close to where they waited. The hatch opened. First off the plane were Brookes Zachary and David Kincaid.

Will had no doubt Kincaid would have been treated with more respect than he’d given the man who had been his president.

Both men stopped beside them. Victor glanced briefly at Kincaid and then shook Brooke’s hand. “Glad you made it back safely. There were no problems?”

Brookes confirmed with a shake of his head. “None.”

Will couldn’t take his eyes off Kincaid. The last time he’d seen the man was during a broadcast of a press conference. Kincaid appeared to have aged years since that time.

“David.” Victor at last acknowledged the man who had at one time been his vice president. “We’ll take you back to the lodge and get you something to eat. And then we have questions for you. I’m sure Brookes explained the consequences if you don’t cooperate?”

Kincaid seemed to shrink away. “He did. I have every intention of cooperating. I’ll tell you everything I know about Collins and how Legion came about.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Victor turned to Will. “You should drive.”

Will nodded and got behind the wheel while everyone else piled into the van. The drive to the lodge was made with little conversation. As excited as Will was to be part of the interrogation of one of Legion’s inner echelon, his thoughts kept returning to Jamie. He’d set up a meeting for the afternoon with a doctor who practiced hypnosis.

The lodge appeared through the trees, and he pulled the van up front. Everyone at the lodge was excited at the prospect of interviewing Kincaid.

Once they exited the vehicle and went inside, Brookes directed Kincaid to the dining room table.

“I’ll get him something to eat,” Kinsley told the group and went to the kitchen.

Brookes pulled the rest of the team aside. “Kevin searched Kincaid’s backpack.” He turned to the younger man for an explanation.

Kevin nodded. “There were multiple IDs inside along with credit cards. Kincaid claimed it was in a backpack left in the vehicle.”

“Call James. Have him search for any property listed under the names on the IDs. You said Kincaid claimed Collins had safe houses everywhere around the country. Obviously, the cabin in Idaho is one. There are more.”

Kevin nodded. “You got it. I’ll call him now.”

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