Cloud Dust: RD-1 (R-D #1)(77)
"We donate. He told us at the beginning that money clears the way with the uncooperative. We have a mission, and we can afford the donations."
"Ten thousand people? Do we have likely targets?"
"I have several—marked on this map," Death said, tapping a key on his computer. A map of the United States popped up, with several locations circled. He then pulled up another window on the screen, listing events.
"I like this better," Conquest grinned as he pointed out a specific event. "We can offer our congratulations with an air event they can't refuse. Not only will we achieve our objective, it will be recorded."
*
Corinne
Rafe thought a Krav Maga session, followed by weight lifting and a run would help. While I normally suck at Krav Maga, I was so distracted I got mangled. Rafe didn't intend to hurt me and truthfully, I wasn't really hurt but he did amazing acrobatics to keep that from happening.
"Maybe we should just run," I said as he lay on top of me. "If I trip, it'll be my own fault."
"You're too distracted," he rolled to the side and rose with an easy, graceful movement. I felt like a slug attempting to stand on its tail when I got up.
"I have no idea why," I replied with a hint of sarcasm. "You know something else will happen before he calls back."
"I'll be happy to hand myself over—and deliver my version of justice."
"Which brain are you thinking with?" I asked sweetly.
"I can protect both of us," he said.
"I'm getting a headache," I responded.
"Then let's go to the kitchen and get something to drink with your aspirin."
James was already there when we arrived, taking a coffee break. "What are we going to do, Cori?" he pleaded, as if I had answers for everything.
"Honey, I don't know," I sat beside him and rubbed his back. "I have a feeling the enemy is about to flex his muscles big time, just to see how we'll react."
"How many do you think he'll kill this time?" Auggie walked in. "Madam President will make the announcement tonight that I'm the new Secretary of Defense," he added. "I want you and Rafe with me at the press conference."
"I'd prefer not to wear the wig," I complained.
"I believe that disguise is compromised already," Auggie muttered as he popped a coffee pod into the brewer. "I honestly don't care if you dress in jeans, although the President will likely complain."
"Congratulations, Auggie," I said. "You deserve it. I just wish it were a better time to take that position. She should have put you there to start with, instead of attempting to appease Cutter's camp. That could have saved us time and trouble."
"You think Cutter already knew about the Program?" Auggie asked.
"I think he knew something—what crumbs the previous administration saw fit to give him. Madam President handed all of it to him on a plate."
"I remember what you said when he was given the job," James said. "You told us the virus had been introduced. Man, we should have shot him then and taken the jail time."
"Oh, his cronies were doing their happy dance," I said. "I don't want to visit you in jail, honey. Let somebody else take out the bad guys. Somebody who can get away with it," I added.
"That means Maye, Nick, Rafe or somebody from another agency," Auggie sighed. We just need to know who the targets are and where they are. We can send the cavalry after that. Cori, have you had any luck with the photographs of wealthy people?"
"Not yet," I grumped. "Don't get me wrong; a bunch of them are steeped in felonious behavior, but it doesn't include murdering a town in Montana."
"Let's table that for now and focus on the other thing. I'd love to hand the information to Madam President before she gets that call tomorrow."
"That would be a coup—new Secretary of Defense solves Montana mystery," James framed a journalistic headline with finger quotes.
"I'd have to say my team was responsible," Auggie pointed out. "Cori, why don't you and Rafe look at photographs until we have to leave for the White House?"
"We can look while we're on a treadmill," Rafe said.
"Joy."
*
"You have your orders," Death said into his cell phone. "Tonight, we begin."
"You are sure, Commander?"
"Yes. Once we attack, the retaliation will be swift. You must not be deterred, even when it seems our allies have turned against us. It is his will."
"We are strong. None shall stand against us. We go tonight."
"I'll expect a report afterward—be at the rendezvous point for extraction afterward."
"It will be done. Thank you, sir. The end times are upon us."
"The end times are upon us," Death agreed and ended the call.
*
Corinne
"I'm not finding anything," I said. "I've gone back through some of these twice. Nobody sticks out." A computer monitor was hooked to my treadmill, and I'd walked while I studied photographs.
"Nobody?" James walked on a treadmill beside mine, while Rafe ran on a treadmill on my other side.