Page 148 of Blind Prophet

In truth, I didn’t foresee this, either. Nausea churns, and there’s a subtle tremble in my limbs. I swipe at my face, using my sleeve to clear the blood splatter.

Geoffrey could theoretically seek out the suit and instruct him to come for us. But he’s off-kilter. We all are.

Slowly, almost in a daze, I follow Geoffrey up to the helipad, Caroline on my heels.

The pilot is strapped in, ready to go.

The armed suit, the one who flew with me out here, sits beside him.

Based on their expressions, they didn’t see what happened with Luke.

The rotors are moving. The two men in the helicopter prepare for departure.

“Geoffrey, you need to give up. Turn yourself in,” I shout above the wind and mechanical rotor noise.

“No. The plan’s the same,” he says. “Think about everything you have to lose. If you don’t join me in DC, you’ll face an investigation, trials. Zenith will lose clients. You’ve already lost the trust of your precious syndicate. They won’t come to your aid.”

“You’re the one who set the bounty on Nick. You’re the one who wanted to make it look like it was me.”

It’s a statement. Not a question.

There’s no denial.

“Think my offer over. Discuss it with Caroline. You can have her with you. That piece changes. Perhaps holding her against her will was a miscalculation on my part. She’ll make a wonderful first lady. Or you can spend years in court and then in prison. Once again, your choice.”

Whatever damage Geoffrey believes he’s inflicted, there’s nothing that can’t be undone. Yes, there’s an AI-generated video out there, but it’s easy enough to issue a press release and allow the press to handle disseminating messaging regarding a deep fake.

Perhaps a younger version of myself might have fallen for his ruse. For the false narrative that reputation, wealth, and power are everything.

But he’s out of his mind. Our Dad didn’t dictate my life, no matter what he believes, and I’m not about to let this lunatic dictate my future.

Geoffrey climbs into the helicopter and straps himself in, speaking into his headset, likely giving instructions to depart.

Caroline joins me, Luke’s gun aimed down.

I see the moment the armed guard notices the gun in her hand. His mouth opens, speaking, and his hand goes to his waist, but just as quickly, he lowers his hand.

There’s no point in a shootout. Geoffrey has to land somewhere. The authorities will find him and detain him.

The chopper lifts, and Caroline’s golden strands fly around her, whipping every which way.

We both cower from the wind, and I try to protect her with my body until the worst has passed.

Geoffrey has to suspect there’s a chance I won’t do as he wishes. What will he do next?

As soon as the roar of the rotors quiets, the helicopter rising into the sky, I turn to Caroline.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. There are others on this boat. I don’t know where or how many.”

“No, I mean, are you…” She shot a man.

“I’m fine.” I’m not sure she is. “I’ll be fine,” she insists.

The helicopter swings right, heading off to what I presume is a southeast direction.

I take her hand, the one not holding a gun.

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