Page 21 of A Gathering Storm

Victor filled in the intelligence team on the new information. “We need a better way to ensure the people wanting to join our organization are who they say they are. I realize it’s a tall order, but I want you to ensure that those who come to our future compounds around the world remain safe.”

James blew out a long whistle. “That will require some undertaking. We have no idea what type of programs Kirkpatrick and his team have at their disposal to override our security systems. Frankly, I’m surprised they haven’t shut our website down yet.”

This was not the response Cole had hoped for, but he was thankful for James’s honesty. “Understood. Is it possible?” Because if anyone could do it, James could.

“Let’s put our heads together and see what we can come up with.” He looked around at his team who readily agreed. “And we’re happy to have Sidney and Eva part of the team.”

“We’re all working overtime, and I’ve tasked you with a lot, but I want to gather the entire team together for a briefing, including our medical staff and Athalia and Moshe. They’re part of Strike Force now, and they should hear this, too.” Victor looked to Cole and Eva. “I realize Sadie is just a child, but this is going to affect her world as well. She must have questions.”

Cole hated that his young daughter would be forced to grow up at such a young age, but Victor was right. Sadie deserved to know what was happening around her.

“I’ll grab the medical staff,” Garrett told them.

“Thanks.” Victor watched him head in the direction of the medical ward with a troubled look on his face.

“I’ll get Moshe and Athalia and Sadie.” Eva reached for Cole’s hand. “Come with me.”

Cole willingly agreed. Together, they headed outside to the cabin where Sadie was staying with Moshe and Athalia. The bitter cold of the mountains hit them like a slap to the face. Snow continued to fall from starless skies.

He put his arm around Eva’s waist and tugged her close, happy to have these moments alone with his wife.

“As soon as the meeting is over, I want to tell Sadie you’re her father.” Eva broke the silence between them. “I don’t want to wait any longer. She needs to know what an amazing person you are.”

He stopped walking and turned her to face him. “Are you sure? I hate having to bring her into what’s happening as it is. You don’t think it will be too much?”

She looked deep into his eyes. The strength he’d seen in her from the past was there now. “Sadie is a strong child, and I don’t want to wait, Cole. We don’t know how long any of us have. Nothing is standing between us and the Rapture, but with Kirkpatrick coming after us full force, some of us might not make it to that point. She deserves to know her father for however long we have.”

Cole cupped her face. Each of their lives had been time-stamped. Living in the future was no longer an option. It was living in each moment. “I love you, Eva. So much.” He leaned in and kissed her. The familiar touch of her was something he’d hold onto and recall during the grueling times ahead.

When Cole ended the kiss, she opened her eyes and searched his. “I love you, too, and I so wish I could turn back time.” With a reluctant sigh, she reached for his hand, and they started for the cabin.

Eva stepped up on the porch and knocked. Seconds slipped by before the door opened and a troubled Moshe stood in the entrance.

“Is something wrong?” Moshe’s thoughts undoubtedly went to his family in England. Eva was quick to reassure him that wasn’t why they were there.

“There’s no word yet on your parents. We’re gathering everyone together for a meeting.” Sadie peeked out from behind Moshe with a smile of delight on her face.

Eva held out her hand to the child. “You’re coming, too.”

Sadie bounded past Moshe into Eva’s arms. While she held the child close, Moshe gathered his wife, and they stepped outside and closed the door.

“Mommy, when can we go home?” Sadie asked. Such an innocent question. Eva’s gaze shot to Cole’s. How did they begin to explain the depth of evil coming after them?

“This is our home now. We get to have wonderful adventures here in the mountains. Maybe we’ll even look for hidden treasure.”

Sadie’s eyes widened. “Really? I want to do that.”

Eva laughed. “And we will. Very soon, but first we must talk about what’s happening and why we’ve come to live here. You should know everyone here loves you, and we’re all going to do everything in our power to keep you safe, okay?”

Sadie accepted her mother’s answer without question. She noticed Samson who had followed them to the cabin. “Look, mommy, a puppy. Can I pet her?”

“Him, and of course. Samson is a sweet dog.” Eva set the child on the ground and showed her how to let Samson sniff her hand to get acquainted.

Soon, Sadie and the dog were good friends. Sadie walked the rest of the way with her hand resting on the animal’s back.

The war room was packed with people as they entered. Cole had introduced his family and newfound friends to everyone upon arrival. He spotted Ben’s wife, Jen, who was pregnant with their first child and they slipped in next to her.

“How are you doing, Sadie?” The little girl had wandered to the hospital section of the lodge one time, and Jen had found her and brought her back. She and Jen had taken to each other from the start.

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