Page 26 of A Gathering Storm

“Sorry, friend. You get us all. Now, what’s so important?” Victor took control of the meeting and wasn’t about to let Collins string them along.

From the former terrorist’s reaction, Cole couldn’t tell if he was simply trying to make another play for a leaner prison sentence, wasting their time, or simply missed being in the spotlight.

“I told you about the nuclear weapons stored in Alaska, but there’s more you should know, and my conscience won’t let me keep Walton’s secret any longer. There is too much at stake.”

Tension poured through Cole’s limbs when he realized Collins was about to confess something big. He could almost see the storm gathering around them. And this one had eternal implications.

“What haven’t you told us?” Cole asked, and slipped his hand in Eva’s waiting for the bombshell.

“Walton has been planning for total world domination by taking out anyone who stands in his way. Starting with your team and Seth Lancaster and his people. He’s been strategically moving nuclear warheads around the world for an unprecedented strike that will bring the world to its knees.”

Cole’s knees turned to rubber. Was it a lie? “You’re talking about the nuclear warheads you told us were still in Alaska? There’s evidence the weapons are still in Anana Harbor.”

Collins shook his head, his expression surprisingly sincere. “Some may be. I wouldn’t put it past Walton to use them to lure you there.” There was an expression change in Collins’ appearance that Cole didn’t trust.

“Before your team took down David Kincaid, Walton still trusted me. He told me that he’d procured many more under the guise of taking the world’s nuclear weapons out of play, a lethal amount from what he indicated. He’s been quietly moving an abundance of W80 nuclear warheads along with cruise missiles to key positions around the world.” Collins’ forehead wrinkled. “I asked what the next move was, but he wouldn’t tell me. He said when it was time, I’d know.” Collins fell silent for a second. “He won’t think twice about using them on you and anyone else who blocks his plans.”

“Then why hasn’t he done so already?” Victor appeared skeptical and Cole understood why. Collins was a prolific liar. “Why didn’t you? It was your goal to be in the position that Kirkpatrick now holds. Those weapons would certainly have gotten you there.”

Cole noticed something he hadn’t before. An opened Bible near Collins’ left hand.

“That was my goal for most of my adult life,” Collins answered solemnly. “I’ve done some terrible things to accomplish it. I’ve killed people close to me—people I loved, yet I didn’t think twice about doing it.” He glanced around at the people gathered there with surprising tears in his eyes. “And then my daughter gave me this.” He held up the Bible. “She told me she forgave me.” Collins appeared humbled. “At first I was furious. I didn’t need her compassion; I was Martin Collins. Guess I believed I would find a way out of this situation like I always had.”

The man’s arrogance was astonishing.

“And then I started reading. Lizzy had highlighted scriptures about Jesus and His dying on the cross for us.” The tormented man stopped to collect himself. “I prayed. I asked God to forgive me. I poured out my heart and told Him all the terrible things I’d done.” Collins slowly smiled. “And then I heard a voice as if there was someone standing beside me whispering, ‘I’ve already forgiven you.’” He brushed tears from his eyes.

Cole hated that he didn’t fully trust what was being said.

“I know I’m forgiven, but I also realize I must pay for the things I’ve done. That’s why I had to tell you everything I know to warn you. Walton won’t think twice about using those warheads once he pinpoints this location. When that happens, everyone in this place will die. You don’t have much time. He has the world’s intelligence agencies at his command. They’ll figure it out soon.”

Victor’s gaze locked onto Cole’s. The same doubts were there in his eyes. “I appreciate you telling us about the warheads. And if what you said is really the truth, then I’m happy for you. God’s forgiveness is more than any of us deserve.”

Collins actually smiled. “That it is.”

Cole pointed to the Bible. “Keep reading that.” The team stepped from the room. He nodded to Tegan who would continue to guard Collins.

Once they were back in the war room, Victor shared what Collins had to say with everyone. “If Kirkpatrick finds this location and uses those warheads, he’ll successfully eliminate us in one fell swoop. We can’t let that happen.”

Cole pulled up their location on his phone. “The old mining operation up in the mountains hasn’t been in use for a long time. From what I’ve read, it was a massive organization. With a company that large, there’s a good chance they dug a series of tunnels inside the mountains.”

“You’re thinking we can use the tunnels to reopen the mine and have our people go there?” Eva interposed. “It should protect us in case of a nuclear attack, but we have no way of knowing the condition of the mine.”

“We don’t,” Cole assured her. “But it isn’t that far from here, and it will allow us the easiest plan of evacuation.”

A smile spread across her face. “Then let’s get going.”

Gathering the gear they’d need to traverse the mountain, the group left the protection of the lodge. A biting wind whipped around the corner of the house and cut right through them. Heavy clouds ladened the skies above. Another storm was on the way. It would be nothing to the one Kirkpatrick’s minions would unleash on them if they were too late.

With Eva close at his side, Cole braced against the bitter cold and clicked on his flashlight. Others did the same. They wore com devices in their ears for easier communication against the howling wind.

“According to the map, we’re a couple of miles from the mine.” He studied the intimidating mountain in front of them. “With this weather coming in, we don’t know what we’ll be facing up there.”

But with the threat of an immediate nuclear attack, finding a safe place for the team was critical. And Cole couldn’t get it out of his head that if they didn’t act fast, there would be no one left to fight against the coming darkness.

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