Cloud Invasion: R-D 2 (R-D #2)(42)

"Where in Anchorage?" Rafe asked.

"Just outside, actually. We'll have some land between us and the neighbors."

"Not looking forward to snowfall measured in yards this winter," Maye said.

"Anchorage isn't that bad," Rafe grinned. "I found good restaurants the last time I was there."

"When was that?" Nick asked.

"Thirty years ago."

Nick opened his mouth to respond. "No, wait," I held up a hand. "I have to slap my forehead and say duh, first."

"Things may have changed," Nick ducked his head to hide the grin.

"Or not." Rafe chuckled.

*

Three days later, we stood outside my suite at the Pilchuck facility-all of us, with bags and personal items gathered about us. The other personnel had already left to join Dr. Farrell in Wales, Alaska. We were ready to go to Anchorage.

I'd already sealed off this portion of the facility-even if Merle and his followers came knocking, they'd never find this part. Maye looked uncomfortable at being locked inside what now appeared to be a shallow cave, but I was ready to take her out of those confines.

"Ready?" I asked.

"More than ready," Maye studied her boots.

"We're gone."

*

Notes-Colonel Hunter

"We're good," I said, flopping onto a chair in Shaw's new office. That was code between us-Leo would understand that what remained of the Program had just arrived in Anchorage.

Shaw nodded-he'd gotten the message from Corinne, just as I had. It amazed me that she could insert the words straight into our heads, when we were as telepathic as two stumps.

I just wished we could send messages back. Even with the phones she'd given us, I worried that Askins and the others were watching us too closely. It made me want to visit Alaska, just to dodge that scrutiny.

I'd be followed, so that was out of the question. Instead, Laci was attempting to settle into her life again in the Capital's shadow, while Shaw and I worried about our charges.

"Want lunch?" Leo rose and nodded to me.

"Yeah. What sounds good?"

"Philly cheese steaks?"

"Sure."

*

Corinne

It was breakfast time, where we were. Auggie and Leo were about to have lunch. They were about to have company.

Disguised company.

We looked like a group of middle managers from a nearby office building as we wandered into The Sandwich Line, a popular lunch destination in Silver Spring.

Leo, we're here, I sent. Long, communal tables were scattered throughout the small shop, which served hot and cold sandwiches. Nick's guarding the table at the back-he's wearing the gray suit coat.

I watched as Leo nudged Auggie as they stood in line, waiting to order.

Cabbage, what are you getting? I don't see anything on the menu you might want, Rafe informed me. We now stood at the back of the line, but it was moving efficiently. Names would be called whenever an order was ready, so all we had to do was order for Nick and ourselves, then sit down to wait. I'll have a toasted sub with everything except meat on it, I responded to Rafe's question.

"How the hell?" Auggie stared at us as we took seats across the table. He and Leo saw us as we were-I found I could manage that. Everybody else saw men in suits.

"Anybody trying to listen will only get the conversation around us," I shrugged.

"How's the place in Anchorage?"

"I feel like I'm in a Bonanza episode," Opal said.

"Logs. Big logs," Nick grinned. "I like it."

"You would," Maye frowned at him.

"I need you hooked up," Auggie said to me. "I want updates on what Askins is plotting, or what he knows. You can tell me that, I assume."

"I can tell you that-as much as I can see in him," I said.

"Good. You're sure those phones we have can't be compromised?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'll start sending stuff to you. Feel free to let me know what you thinkin the same way you set up lunch."

"I can do that," I said. "Are Nelda and Ray still watching Laci?"

"Yes. They're on the job," Auggie said. "We both feel better about that."

"I want to know if Askins ever leaves town," Rafe said. "Are we prepared to follow him? Are his calls monitored?"

"Matt is working on both those things," Auggie said. "We just can't be seen together very often, you understand."

"I'll be watching to see if any politicians start making a stir about running for the White House," I said.

"Are you saying that this one could already be in office?" Leo breathed.

"It makes sense," I shrugged. "Somebody doesn't run for the Presidency after appearing from nowhere. Auggie, can you get me photographs of all Members of Congress, Governors and big city mayors?"

"I'll do that," James said.

"Current photographs, James," I turned to him.

"Why are you asking for current photographs, now?" Leo was curious.

"Because I want to know whether our enemy is now wearing a disguise and posing as a legitimately-elected politician. I won't know that from an old photograph."