Page 2 of A Gathering Storm

“Is there any news from the president yet?” Cole asked as he followed Victor into what proved to be a surprisingly large living space. He blew out a long whistle. “This is more than I expected.” Seeing the interior of the lodge was a major relief. The team could make it work as their headquarters for however long they’d be able to remain in Idaho.

Victor looked around the room at the activity taking place. “It’ll work. We’ll make it work.”

Doctor Oviok and his team met them at the entrance. Collins was placed in a wheelchair and taken away. An Inupiat, Doctor Oviok had escaped Anana Harbor, Alaska, with other members of Strike Force. He’d joined the team because like many others after him, there was no other choice. Legion knew he’d assisted the team in escaping. He had a bounty on his head. The kindly doctor had become the lead physician for Strike Force and an important member of the team.

Victor pointed to a room off the living area. “This is the war room. If you’re all ready, let’s get started.”

The members who had flown in with Cole were weary and not just from the flight. As they filed into what appeared to have been at one time the mess hall for the camp, Cole had a feeling what they’d gone through so far was only the jumping-off point into something that would have eternal consequences.

???

“This will be your cabin, Athalia and Moshe.” Kinsley stopped in front of one of the cabins closest to the lodge. She opened the door and flipped on lights. Eva’s dear friends went inside. “Eva and Sadie will be right next door if you need anything. You should both try and get some rest.”

Eva could tell her dear friends were worried. “It will be okay.” She stepped forward and hugged them both. “Sadie and I will come see you after we’ve rested.”

Moshe lifted his shoulders in resignation and closed the door. Eva’s heart broke for them. As a former Mossad agent, she was used to living on the edge of danger. Moshe and Athalia were not. They lived simple lives. Their only contact with bad people was through her.

“They’ll be okay,” Kinsley interjected as if reading her thoughts. “And they’re better off here with us where they can be protected than out there in the world.”

Eva tried to pull her tired thoughts together. “Moshe has family in England. I promised we’d help them get to a safe location.”

Kinsley placed a hand on her arm. “And we will. They and you and Sadie are part of our family now.” Kinsley stopped in front of the next in the row of a dozen or more. She opened the door and the dog Kinsley referred to as Samson ran past her into the cabin. Eva sensed there were things she wanted to say, and she braced for what would come next.

Kinsley flipped on the light switch. The small interior of the cabin became illuminated. The dog settled at the foot of the bed with what sounded like a satisfied groan.

“There’s a small bathroom through there. The lodge has a functional kitchen. We’re using generator power to run the camp for now, but we won’t be able to keep that up long-term with everyone here. I’m hoping James can come up with an alternative plan soon.” Kinsley brushed her hand across Sadie’s hair. “She’s sleeping. Let me turn back the covers.”

A small twin bed sat in one corner of the room.

“Thank you.” Eva laid her daughter down. With a deep sigh, Sadie rolled over on her side facing the wall.

The room consisted of a small dresser and a couple of chairs. Kinsley pointed to the seats. “Let’s sit and talk.”

Eva waited for Kinsley to claim her chair before sitting.

“How are you holding up?” The caring look on Kinsley’s face confirmed everything Cole had told her about this woman.

“I’m not really sure, to be honest with you. It’s been a crazy few days, and I still can’t believe what happened in Israel.”

Kinsley leaned forward, her full attention on Eva. “I can’t imagine how frightening that must have been. Even for someone like yourself who is trained to handle the unexpected. Witnessing Biblical prophecy unfolding before your eyes. . .” She shook her head.

A few days earlier, all Eva had thought about was surviving her mission—infiltrating Walton Kirkpatrick’s organization and returning home to her daughter. Now, the world had been turned upside down, and it felt as if they were accelerating toward the time that the Bible referred to asbeing caught up, where Christians both dead and alive would be called up to meet Jesus in the air. Or Raptured.

She glanced toward her sleeping child. “I’m worried about my daughter after witnessing the things she has so far. Having to live in hiding.” And amongst all of this, she must find a way to tell Sadie Cole was her father.

Kinsley clasped her hand. “Sadie’s your and Cole’s daughter. She’s strong. With your help, she’ll get through this.” Kinsley pulled in a breath. “I’ve seen the video from the chopper and from Sidney’s phone. It truly appeared to be a supernatural occurrence. We have both running on a loop on the website James created to expose Legion. We’re broadcasting what we know about Kirkpatrick as well. We can use your help. You were an eyewitness to both Kirkpatrick’s betrayal and the attack on Israel.”

Eva would be happy to agree to help, but there was one problem. “Won’t my involvement put what Strike Force is doing in a bad light? Kirkpatrick accused me of colluding with Collins and your president.”

“We can keep your identity secret, but people need to know what’s happening and what’s coming. This has gone way beyond simply shutting down whatever diabolical plan Kirkpatrick has in the works. People’s souls are at risk. If we can save any of them, we have to try.”

Eva understood the risks Kinsley spoke of. Since she’d become a Christian, the need to share the word with others was strong. “Then I’m in.”

Kinsley smiled. “Good. I know you want to be part of the next phase of defense against Kirkpatrick, but this will help. So many people out there have no idea what’s coming.”

Eva hated the thought of so many innocent people trusting Kirkpatrick to save them, when he was doing just the opposite. “I’m anxious to be of use in any way I can.” Talking to Kinsley had put her at ease. She liked the woman immensely and looked forward to working with another strong female.

Kinsley rose and patted her shoulder. “Get some rest. When you wake up, grab your friends and let’s get you something to eat. Then, we’ll find a place for you and your friends. Everyone has a part in this next battle. And we’ll need everyone’s help.”

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