Page 31 of Firestorm

“Thanks, James.” Mark and Garrett returned to the computer room while James went back to the meeting.

Victor glanced his way with a frown. Most of them had worked together long enough to read each other’s emotions.

“This is a big camp, and I want to be fair to everyone,” Victor was saying. “So, Emily Pearson and Kinsley Allison have agreed to manage the signup for the patrols. And we’ll be reaching out to those of you who are hunters and fishermen to help with gathering food for the camp. Everyone’s help is needed. If you have an idea of how to improve things, come see me or any of the core members.” Victor glanced around the room. “That’s all I have. Let’s end with a prayer.” He pointed to Ben who had become the minister for the team.

While Ben prayed aloud, James poured out his heart to God. Many things troubled him. Making a single wrong decision could end up costing them all their lives.

“Amen.” Ben ended the prayer. Most rose from the table. Several gathered in groups to talk. James made his way up to the front where Ben and Victor chatted.

“We have a problem.” James explained Garrett’s and Mark’s find.

“This could be a setup.” Victor’s thoughts mirrored James’.

“It could. Or it could be someone within Pamphili’s regime who doesn’t like what the new leader of the free world is promoting.” James told him he wanted to gather the core team. “Before we answer this person, we need to make sure everyone knows about it and we’re all in agreement.”

“Roger that. Let’s bring everyone together now. We can’t afford to wait,” Ben told them. “If this person is legit, he could have inside information on what Pamphili is planning next.”

Victor nodded. “We can’t afford to dismiss this if it’s real.” He turned to Ben. “The room used for church services would be a good place to meet.”

Ben nodded. “I’ll let everyone know.” He scanned the room. Spotted Kaid and Sidney and headed their way.

When it was just James and Victor, the former president said, “What’s your gut telling you about this guy?”

With so many things fluid and the players of Legion changing at every turn, it was hard to read the situation. “This guy is looking for help. He’s in the middle of Satan’s kingdom. I can’t even imagine the things that are in the works.”

Victor pulled in a breath. “I hope you’re right. It would be good to have someone inside Pamphili’s lair to give us a heads-up on what’s happening.”

“That it would.” James noticed Sarah and Blake talking to Jen Parker, Ben’s wife. Both Jen and Sidney Bennett were pregnant. After what happened with the nuclear attack, everyone was naturally worried for them and for Sadie Hernandez, Cole’s and Eva Hernandez’s daughter. There were several older people among the group. Truth be told, none of them were exempt from the after-effects of radiation from the explosion.

Victor followed his line of sight. “How’s your friend?”

James wasn’t so sure. “He’s been through a lot—both have. Blake’s strong though. He and Sarah have been in hiding since he and I returned from Afghanistan.”

Victor absorbed the story. “It seems as if we’ll never be free to come out in the open again. At least not before Jesus comes to get us.”

While James was ready, when he thought about all those out there who still didn’t know Jesus, his heart was heavy. What happened when the believers were absent from the world and the antichrist was in full control of all the world’s media? Would there be a chance for any of them to be saved? Ben believed there would be many who would come to know Jesus then, especially among the Jews. James sure hoped so.

“I’d like Garrett and Mark to sit in on the meeting. Hopefully, they have made some progress on identifying our messenger.”

Across the room, Sarah spotted him and waved. As much as he wished for simpler times where they could allow their budding relationship to go where God took it, those days were gone. There was so much work to be done. How could he be selfish when there was a good chance many of these faces around the room might not be alive to see the rapture?

He forced a smile for her before leaving the room. The cool night was like a wake-up call. James crossed the yard to the computer room. Stepping inside he was once against hit by a sense of pride at the men and women who were part of his team.

James stepped over to where Mark and Garett huddled over a laptop. Both looked up as he approached.

“Anything new of our mystery man?”

Both men shook their head.

“Nothing. He’s being careful to cover his tracks. That either means he’s worried he’ll be found out, or he’s trying to hide his real purpose from us.”

James told them about the meeting taking place soon. “I’d like you both to be there.”

They didn’t hesitate. He and his teammates crossed the camp and entered the chapel. The members of the team who had been with them since the rescue in Anana Harbor, Alaska, and a burgeoning group of military and intelligence along with civilians had come together to fight an evil so great they had no idea how deep it ran.

“James, why don’t you explain what’s happening and let’s get everyone’s input?” Victor suggested once everyone was there.

“Sure thing.” He explained what his people had found while reading through messages. “Mark and Garrett have tried to track his IP without luck.” James read the comment. “We want everyone to be part of this decision on how we proceed.” After what they’d barely survived in Idaho, the stakes had never been higher, and one false move could be disastrous.

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