Page 34 of Firestorm

James took a sip of coffee. “People are desperate. They aren’t buying what they’re being fed. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to bring everyone here.” He shook his head. “Before the attack in Idaho, we discussed setting up a series of safe houses around the country and the world. I have contacts in many states. A friend of mine lives on a ranch in Texas. I’ll reach out to him.”

Hope surged through her at his suggestion.

He continued, “Maybe I can gather some of our other team members to work with you, and you all can start working on creating safe houses. I’ll give you the names of my contacts around the country and outside of the US.”

Excitement took life inside her at the possibility of doing something meaningful. Sarah had wondered what her place would be. She wanted to help. If she could save any of those who were searching for hope, then she was all in. “I’d love to.”

James smiled at her enthusiasm. “This is going to be a huge undertaking. I’m thinking Emily Pearson who was once NSA and Sidney and Jennifer Parker. Moshe and Athalia Edelman have family in England. I’m sure they would be happy to help. I’ll have Garrett and Jordyn help you out with the computer stuff. And if you need more people, we’ll get them for you. Let me run the decision by Victor and the rest of the core team first.”

“Of course.”

“Hey, boss, I have something,” Mark called out.

Both James and Sarah returned to Mark’s station.

“He’s NSA. Meet Aiden Mills.”

Sarah stared at the photo of a man who appeared to be in his thirties. He smiled slightly, blue eyes focused on the camera. Blond hair swept back from his forehead.

“What do you know about him?” James asked.

Mark pulled up Mills’ work history. “He’s been with the agency five years. Married and lives in Arlington with his wife, Janine.” Mark glanced back at them. “I wonder if Emily knows him.”

“It’s possible. I’ll text her. If she’s sleeping, hopefully it won’t wake her, but Emily’s mentioned she has trouble sleeping after what happened to her.”

Sarah had heard how close to dying Emily had come. Minutes in fact. If members of Strike Force hadn’t rescued her from her apartment, her story would have been buried. And no one would be the wiser.

A couple of seconds later, Emily responded.

“She knows him. She’s on her way here now.”

Sarah hoped Emily was well enough acquainted with Aiden Mills to predict whether he’d become a traitor.

“From the information he gave, it sounds like he’s in Germany for the peace talks. Didn’t Kirkpatrick mention setting up a united police organization that would include law enforcement around the world and intelligence? Maybe Mills is part of the new world police force,” James told them.

“He did.” Sarah recalled hearing the press conference before Blake was taken.

“Is there any mention of him being transferred to Pamphili or promoted?” James asked Mark. Both he and Sarah leaned over Mark’s shoulder as he brought up Mills’ detailed work record.

“No, nothing,” Mark scanned the details. “But then, Pamphili wouldn’t go through the normal process.”

Someone entered the room. All three turned to see Emily hurrying their way. She removed her jacket and threw it on the back of a chair. “You’ve heard from Aiden?” Her brows knitted together.

“We have. He’s in Germany with Pamphili to set up the new international police force.”

“Aiden’s a good man. If he’s reaching out to you, he’s worried.”

James showed the text to her.

“That’s not his number. Granted, he could have changed his personal and work cell phones, but I’m willing to bet it’s a burner.” A frown creased her forehead. Of all people, Emily knew how dangerous Legion was. Pamphili’s threat was far greater than Legion ever thought of being.

“I want to be here when he calls,” Emily told them.

“Of course. Maybe it will help him feel at ease if he knows one of us personally. What can you tell me about his wife?” James asked.

Emily’s face screwed up in a frown. “Janine is incredibly nice. She’s an attorney. Smart. She and Aiden are the perfect couple. I’ve been to their home a few times.”

“He’s concerned about Janine.” Sarah recalled the message. “He’ll want us to extract her.”

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