Page 30 of A Gathering Storm

“That’s where we’re going.”

“Can I go up to where Jen and Ben are walking?”

Cole nodded and set her on her feet. “You can, but watch your step. There’s a lot of snow up here.”

Sadie nodded but still ran with the St. Bernard bounding after her.

Cole chuckled as he watched her go. “I hope she can keep that innocent enthusiasm for a long time.” He looked to the woman beside him who had always had his heart.

Eva reached for his hand. “I do, too.” She watched Sadie chatting with Jen for a long time before her smile disappeared. “Do you think he’d really use the nuclear warheads on us? Even if they’re able to pinpoint our location, there will be significant damage done to the environment, and there’s a good chance others will die as well.”

“We’re a liability. Kirkpatrick or Pamphili—whoever is calling the shots—can’t allow an organized group who knows about their ties to Legion to live. They’re doing their best to discredit us, so when the time comes, they can announce to the world that they were forced to kill us.”

Shock appeared in her eyes. “Will the mountain allow us enough protection against the nukes?”

His knowledge on nuclear fallout was limited. “It should.” But there were so many unknowns that made it impossible to give her a knowledgeable answer. “I’m glad Abby and Brookes and the others made it safely, but I’m worried about the president. They’re still several hours away, according to the last information we received.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Eva blew out a sigh and shook her head. “When I reached out to you, I had no idea what was coming next.”

He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. “I admit I was surprised by what happened in Israel, but in hindsight, with the events that had taken place prior, I shouldn’t have been. We’ve been moving in this direction for a long time.”

The first members of the team reached the cave. Will and his wife, Lizzy, entered followed by several others. The riders dismounted and led the animal into the narrow passage. Next came the horses carrying supplies.

Lincoln and several of the men had managed to get a half dozen four-wheelers abandoned by the camp’s previous owner operational again. The extra horsepower helped with carrying the computer equipment and food rations.

Once the four-wheelers were unloaded, they’d return to camp for the final equipment and supplies. Cole was hoping by that time President Lancaster would arrive.

He and Eva entered the mine. Cole had been surprised by the size of the operation and yet he shouldn’t be. God had guided them to this part of the state for a reason.

The food supplies were being unloaded into a smaller space that would hopefully keep them from spoiling. The equipment had been designated to one of the larger rooms carved out of the mountain. After everything was unloaded, Cole found Victor in the crowd. “We need to go back for the rest of the supplies.”

Victor stepped away from the group for a private conversation. “I’ll come with you.”

Cole wasn’t surprised by the offer, but he couldn’t allow their leader to put his life in jeopardy any more than he had already. “I’ve got this. I’ll take Deacon and Lincoln with me. We need you safe.”

Victor was one of the humblest men Cole knew. “We need everyone safe.” His gaze panned across the growing members of Strike Force. “We have so many people to protect. I’m worried, Cole. I’m really worried.”

Cole was as well. “We’ll be okay.” He hesitated before telling Victor about his dream and the command that he believed came straight from God.

“We’re living in supernatural times indeed.”

“Yes, we are.”

“We’ll move everyone away from the entrance and find a way to cover it. I’ll gather some people together to work while you’re gone.”

Cole clamped his shoulder before he left to search out Eva amongst the crowd. “We’re going back for the last of the supplies,” he told her and knelt near his daughter. “I’ll be back soon. Take care of your mother for me.”

“I will.” The little girl hugged him tight, and his heart melted. He held her for a moment longer before he let her go and stood. “Keep inside just in case,” he said low enough for only Eva to hear. He touched her face and looked deep into her eyes.

“I will.” Eva stepped close and kissed him with the love that had always been there for him. “I love you, Cole,” she whispered against his mouth. “Come back to me. Us.”

Cole cupped her face, running his thumbs across her soft cheek. “I will. I promise I will.” He kissed her again and then let her go. With a final searching look, he found his men and went out to the waiting four-wheelers. “We don’t have time to waste. Let’s get the supplies and meet back here.” God’s message kept replaying in his head. Time was short. He was certain the nuclear cruise missiles would be used against them soon.

“I’m all for that.” Lincoln mounted one of the four-wheelers. They fired the engines and picked their way down the mountain to the camp.

Astride the powerful four-wheeler, the trip down the mountain went much faster. Cole pulled in front of the lodge where the remaining supplies waited to be loaded upon the trailers attached to the four-wheelers.

Working quickly, they loaded the equipment first and then went to the kitchen to gather the last of the food supplies.

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