Page 33 of Firestorm

“Thanks. I told Pamphili himself about the information. He’s going to bring it up at the next press conference. Pamphili even asked me to be part of it,” Carl said sticking out his chest.

Pamphili was creating false evidence against each member of Strike Force to sully their names with the public and those who followed the website. If Pamphili could make them look bad enough, their deaths would be welcomed.

“Sounds important,” Aiden muttered while wishing Carl would leave so he could read the message.

“It is. I’m certain we’ll uncover more dirt soon. Anyways, looks like we’re about to start back up.” Carl dropped the cigarette and snuffed it out with his heel. “You coming?”

Aiden didn’t want to draw attention to himself, but he wanted to read that message. “Yes, I’ll be right there. I want to check in with my wife. It’s been hard receiving messages from her.”

“That’s your problem, buddy. You have ties. Marriage is going to keep you from getting ahead. Pamphili expects complete loyalty—that means above anything and anyone else.” With a jaded smile, Carl headed back inside.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Aiden blew out a heavy sigh. Carl was all about climbing the ladder. He’d do whatever was necessary to ingratiate himself with Pamphili. That would include turning Aiden in if Carl thought he was less than loyal to the “cause.” Aiden stepped to the side of the castle and out of view. There were eyes everywhere, though. Pamphili had probably installed listening devices in all the rooms. He stepped away from the castle in case and pulled out his phone. The message was simple.

We feel the same way. What can we do to help you?

Relief coursed through his body. His first concern was for his wife, Janine.

I’m worried about my wife. She’s still in D.C. and all alone. It’s just the two of us.

Aiden glanced back at the castle. He couldn’t continue the discussion now with Pamphili waiting.

I need your name if you want our help.

Aiden hesitated for a long time before typing,Aiden Mills. I will have to reach out to you later. I’m expected in a meeting. It will be bad for me if I am late. Can I reach out to you at 2100 hours Germany time?

“Come on,” he murmured to himself while he waited for a response. He’d turn the phone off before he went back in because he couldn’t risk having it go off in the meeting.

Nice to meet you, Aiden. I’ll be waiting for your call. No more messages. It’s time to talk.

Aiden smiled. He understood. It was hard to read emotions through messages. Only eleven hours to go. It felt like a lifetime from where he stood.

Chapter Seven

“Do you think he’s telling the truth?” Sarah asked once James sent the message.

“I’m not sure. After I speak to him, I can tell more. I wouldn’t put anything past Pamphili.”

“He sounds concerned about his wife. If she’s still in Washington, it could be bad for her. Especially if they figure out her husband is reaching out to us.” Sarah was worried. There was so much at stake.

“We’ll have to find a way to help her. But I want to make sure he is who he claims to be first. Let’s see what we can find out on Aiden Mills.”

There was so little to go on. James typed the name into the computer and did a quick search. “Several Aiden Mills come up. If he’s from Washington and ended up part of Pamphili’s team, then there’s a chance he has either a military or intelligence background.” He motioned to Mark who came over. “Can you dig into the government databases for the CIA, FBI and NSA?”

Mark gave him an oh, puleez look.

James smiled and rose. “The name we’re looking for is Aiden Mills. If he’s not intelligence, he’s military.”

Mark claimed James’ seat. “Got it.”

Sarah smiled at the confidence the former hacker had in his abilities.

“Want some coffee?” James asked her.

Her veins were flowing with caffeine as it was, but there was much work to do, and she had been assigned to help with the overflow of messages the website received.

“Sure.” Sarah rose and stretched. She’d been hunched over the keyboard for several long hours. The questions pouring in from people around the world all had a thread of desperation in them.

James poured two cups and handed her one. Sarah told James about one person she couldn’t let go of. A young woman from Texas whose family was killed by the previous bombings that took place at the command of the former leader of Legion. “She’s terrified to leave her home. Many of her neighbors are gone. I wish there were something I could do to help her.”

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