by R. D. Brady
Laney nodded, but Henry didn’t see; he was already answering the call and bounding across the room.
Laney watched the activity around her. Everyone was busy doing something to help her, and yet she felt strangely detached from it all, as if she had no part in it.
She stood and quietly made her way out of the room and out the back door. She pulled out her phone and hesitated for only a minute before dialing.
“Laney? Are you all right?” Matt asked.
“Yeah. I’m just—I don’t know. Shocked, I guess.” She paused. “What’s going to happen now?”
Matt sighed. “A bunch of law enforcement agencies will get involved. They’ll all want to speak with you.”
“Have you looked at the proof Elisabeta put online?”
“Yes. I’m not going to lie—it looks damning. But I have my people tearing it apart. They’ll find the forgeries.”
Laney leaned against the porch railing and closed her eyes. “God, how did I get here?”
“I’m sorry, Laney. But we are in your corner.” He paused. “The priestess is here. Elisabeta made it seem like she was killed, but we know that’s not true. We could show her to the world.”
Laney considered that. “Not yet. I don’t know how this is all going to play out, but the priestess is just part of a litany of acts I’m being demonized for. And besides, if we show her to the world, we need to tell the world how she survived. We need to tell them the Fallen exist.”
“Maybe we should,” Matt said quietly.
“Maybe. But I don’t think this is the right time. If this turns out the way I think it will, people won’t be in the right mindset. Revealing that the Fallen exist will create panic. Neighbor will turn against neighbor. We can’t do that. If and when we reveal their existence, it needs to be in a way the world can handle.”
Matt sighed. “You’re right. But Laney, I’m worried.”
“Me too.”
“Well, whatever you need, you have the SIA at your disposal.”
“Thanks. In fact, I’m calling because I do need something.”
“What’s that?”
Laney took a deep breath. “I need to speak with Cain.”
CHAPTER 99
It was only a few minutes later when Laney’s phone rang. With a quick glance at the caller ID, she answered. “Hello?”
“Ring bearer, are you all right?” Cain asked.
Laney felt tears prick the backs of her eyes. Even Cain was worried about her. “No. I’m not.”
“What can I do?”
“This was Samyaza’s plan all along—to build me up so she could see me fall.”
Laney quickly laid out every detail of Samyaza’s plan—which had all clicked into place for Laney when the broadcast ended. Samyaza had been the one who had set up the accident on the bridge, being sure to catch Laney at her most heroic. She had started the online campaign to make sure the world knew about her. She had led her to Israel. She’d taken out the Honu Keiki members at the house in Israel, leaving Laney with only one thing to do—reveal herself in order to save lives at the Temple Mount. And then in Australia, she had told Laney about the bombs, knowing Laney would run to help and confront the priestess.
“How could I have been so stupid?” Laney asked.
“You weren’t stupid. You were protecting people. It’s what you are. Who you are. Samyaza used that against you. She’s always been good at the long game. I’m sorry. I should have seen this coming.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“It is. I’ve failed you. I am sorry.”
Laney looked up at the night sky, content for a moment to just breathe with the immortal on the other end of the phone. Finally she spoke. “Has she ever done this before?”
“No. She’s raked reputations through the coals, but not like this. In fact, you, in one of your previous lives, are one of her most successful cases.”
“What do you mean?”
“Helen. Samyaza had you recast as a home-wrecking woman of loose morals. The real Helen… well, she was a force of nature. Much like you are now.”
Laney laughed, because if she didn’t she was going to cry. “Right now if I’m a force of nature, it’s a misty drizzle.”
“You’re more than that, Laney.”
Laney shoved her self-pity away. “I wasn’t trolling for compliments.” She paused. “Okay, not just for compliments. I was also wondering about the end of days. If Samyaza is behind all this and trying to get me painted as the Antichrist, it has to be linked to the end of days, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I would say you’re right.”
“So I was wondering. Seeing as you’ve been around forever, there must have been other times in our history when we reached the end of days. That’s when the ring bearer is supposed to be called.”
Cain was quiet for a moment. “That’s true. We have reached this point before—many times in fact. You know of some of those times, the Trojan War being the most recent, but there are earlier times, too, when whole societies were destroyed.”
Laney felt a chill. “Is that Samyaza’s end game? To destroy the world?”
“I don’t think her end game is ever destruction—at least not from her perspective. She views it as molding the world to her view. But if anything gets in her way…” He didn’t need to finish the thought.
“And know, Samyaza is trying to get me pushed aside,” Laney said. “To clear the way for whatever plan she’s set in motion.”
“I think you underestimate her.”
“What do you mean?”
“If she merely wanted you ‘pushed aside,’ there are myriad ways she could accomplish that. Instead, she’s made you the target of multiple nations and organizations. She wants more than to get you out of the way.” He paused. “I believe she wants you dead.”
CHAPTER 100
I believe she wants you dead. After she hung up with Cain, Laney couldn’t stop those words from replaying in her head. She stared up at the sky, wondering how things had come to this.
Jake burst through the back door onto the porch. His eyes were wild until he caught sight of her. “Laney! I didn’t know where you were.”
“I’m sorry. I just needed a little air.”
He pulled her in for a hug. Laney didn’t need it—she was too numb for comfort—but she could tell Jake needed it. So she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his strong chest.
“This was all Elisabeta’s plan from the start,” she said. “She built me up, thrust me into the spotlight, and then made me the Antichrist.”
“Why?”
“To discredit me. To make it impossible for me to do what I need to do: fight her.”
“But you can still—”
Laney shook her head and stepped out of his arms. “Jake, I’m probably only hours away from being arrested. And you know Samyaza will have someone in the system ‘take care of me.’ That’s been her plan all along.”
“But why? What does she want?”
“To take over the world? I don’t know. But once I’m gone, whatever her plan is, it will be a lot easier.” A thought hit her then, and she could have smacked herself for not realizing it sooner. “She’s the one behind the Fallen killings, too! She’s been taking out anyone who would have sided with us, whittling away our supporters. She’s set this whole thing up so that when she makes her move, she’s in a position of strength.”
“But what is her move?”
“I don’t know. But as soon as I’m dead, I’m sure she’ll make it.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
Laney sighed. Jake would be loyal to her to the end, but right now she needed some of Jake’s pragmatism, not his optimism. Because she knew he was wrong: Samyaza was going to make sure she was killed. Thus far, Laney had danced along perfectly to Samyaza’s tune. And there was no reason to think Laney was going to stumble over her feet now. Samyaza had boxed her into a corner.
Laney looked awa
y from Jake’s concerned eyes and stared up at the sky once again, this time to try and keep her tears at bay.
How on earth am I going to get out of this?
CHAPTER 101
On the porch with Jake last night—that had been her last peaceful moment. Ever since then, she had been in constant motion. Henry had sat her down with his legal team, who assured her they would be with her every step of the way. Jake had taken her through the extra security protocols. Patrick elected to stay at her cottage that night, sleeping on the couch while Jake took the guest room. Laney knew they were both positioning themselves to stand in front of whatever danger was coming at her.
It was a long, dark night. She didn’t sleep much. She finally stumbled from bed at five a.m. As she made her way down the stairs, she tried to be quiet so as not to wake the others, but she needn’t have bothered. Patrick was already sitting at the kitchen table with a pot of coffee brewed. He stood and wrapped her in a hug. “I was hoping you’d sleep a little longer.”
“I was hoping the same for you,” she said.
He gently pushed her into a chair and poured her a cup of coffee. “Jake?”
“Sleeping. I don’t think he fell asleep until an hour ago.” She had heard him pacing through the night, occasionally showing up in her doorway to peer in and make sure she was all right. She had kept her eyes closed, faking sleep, hoping if he thought she was sleeping, he might get some of his own.
She took a sip of coffee, and they both sat silently for a while.
Finally, Laney broke the silence. “What did the church say?”
“Nothing. It’s all right.”
“Uncle Patrick.”
He sighed. “They want me to appear before the bishop for an accounting of all of my dealings with you.”
“When are you leaving?”
“I’m not. They can wait. I know the truth, and if they can’t see what I see, well—”
Laney took his hand. “No. Don’t say it. You love being a priest. You should speak with them.”
“I will. But you’re the priority right now, not appeasing their curiosity.”
Jake stepped into the kitchen, and Laney gave him a tight smile. “Sorry. Did we wake you?”
Jake shook his head and kissed the top of her head. “No. I wasn’t really sleeping. I heard you get up. Henry will be here in a second. He just texted me.”
Laney closed her eyes. Henry at five a.m. That doesn’t bode well.
There was a light rap at the back door. “Come in,” Jake called.
Henry stepped in, dark circles under his eyes. And yet one more who needs some more sleep, Laney thought. But he smiled when he saw her. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” She held up a mug. “Coffee?”
“Please,” Henry said, taking a seat.
Patrick poured him a cup and put another pot on.
“Where’s Jen?” Jake asked.
“At the school,” Henry said. “She wanted to stay with the kids, help them through. But if you need her…”
Laney shook her head. “No. She’s got her priorities straight. The kids need her. Besides, there’s not much she can do here. But can you have extra security put on the cats’ preserve? I don’t want anyone trying to get in there.”
“Already done. And I’ve got a crew who’s going to erect metal plates around it, to keep out any lenses.”
Laney knew that was a good idea, but she hated the idea of preventing the cats from being able to see out. It felt like she was imprisoning them.
“So,” Henry said. “It’s been a busy night.”
“What’s happened?” Jake asked.
“I’ve been in touch with sources all over the world. The impact of The Sunday Report has been… wide-ranging.” His gaze flicked to Laney.
“Tell me,” she said. “All of it.”
“I—” Henry paused. “I don’t even know how to say half of this.”
“Just say it,” Laney said softly.
He sighed. “Okay. Six different jihadist terrorist organizations have put out a fatwa calling for your—” He stopped.
“Death,” she whispered.
Henry nodded. “My Israeli contacts tell me a special Mossad group has been called up to investigate you. The Australian Defense Force has done the same, as have the FBI and the CIA.”
Laney put her hand to her mouth.
“The media has been having a field day. They’re scrounging up every possible piece of footage they can find on you. Almost all Chandler Group employees have reported that they’ve received calls from the media. I don’t think anyone has spoken with them, but I can’t guarantee their silence will continue.”
“What about the SIA?” Jake asked.
“I spoke with Matt an hour ago. A special Senate committee has been convened to investigate your connection with the SIA. But as of right now, their activities have been suspended and their budget frozen.”
Laney closed her eyes. This can’t be happening.
“Any good news?” Jake asked.
Henry gave a small smile. “The people Laney has helped have been calling to pledge their support. They’ve offered to speak with the media on your behalf, or testify if it comes to that. I told them to hold off until we have a plan in place.”
Laney felt a hysterical giggle building up inside her. “A plan? I have, what, a minimum of three nations’ security and intelligence forces looking into me, a half dozen terrorist groups who want my head, everyone who has ever known me under siege by the media, and every aspect of my life under the microscope. What plan could we possibly come up with to combat that?”
“Laney, we will get through this. We always do,” Jake said.
Laney looked at the men around the table. They all loved her. They would all walk through hell for her. And they would all now be targets because of her. “I can’t—”
“No,” Jake said before she could finish. “None of this was your choice. There’s a way out. We just haven’t figured it out yet.”
Henry’s phone beeped. “Hold on.” He stepped away from the table to answer it. “Hello?” He paused. “No. Make sure they stay at least ten feet from the front gate. And double the patrols around the perimeter.” He hung up, looking none too pleased.
“What happened?” Patrick asked.
“The media is at the front gate, and one reporter tried to sneak in. Security caught him.”
“We’re under siege,” Laney said. She looked around the table. “I think I need some air.”
Without waiting for a reply, she headed to the back yard. She stepped out onto the porch and took a deep breath. Well, Samyaza, you succeeded. I’m sidelined, and so is the SIA. The Fallen could now run around unchecked. Human law enforcement agencies weren’t equipped to deal with them.
But was Samyaza really doing all this just to get to Laney? Sure, Samyaza had everyone focused on her—but to what end? Just to give herself more freedom? Or was there more at stake? Laney didn’t think Samyaza would go to all this trouble unless she had something big planned. And whatever it was, it was not going to benefit mankind.
The back door opened, and Henry stepped out. When he opened his arms, Laney stepped gratefully into them.
“You okay?” Henry asked.
Laney nodded against his chest. “Yeah, just trying to see a way out of this.”
Henry moved her back so he could see her face. His eyes were the same color as Victoria’s. “You’re not alone, Laney.”
“I know.” She thought of all those they had lost: Drew, the Shuar, King Julian, Rocky, detectives Frank Miller and Marcos Sanchez, and all the dozens of others she hadn’t been able to protect. Now the guns were aimed directly at her. And everyone she loved was in the crosshairs too. For the first time, she was glad that Kati, Maddox, and Max were gone. At least they would be spared this.
Henry mistook the fear on her face for a fear for her own safety. “Laney, don’t worry: anyone comes for you, they have to go through us.”
“
I don’t think that’s a comfort.”
Henry hugged her once more. “But it’s exactly what you would do for us: protect us at all costs.”
Laney’s heart broke as she realized what must be done.
Yes, I will protect you at all costs.
CHAPTER 102
“Dr. McPhearson, we still don’t understand why you think Ms. Roccorio would make such a statement if there was no truth behind it.”
Laney tried to hide her frustration. Her legal team had encouraged her to speak with the FBI agents in a conference room at Chandler's HQ, but an hour into the interview, she was pretty sure there was nothing she could possibly say to convince them to see things her way.
Apparently her legal team had finally come to the same conclusion. Brett Hanover stood, and the other six members of the team followed his lead. Hanover was the head of the team, with thirty years’ experience in the law. “I think that will be all for today,” he said. “If you have any further questions you can reach me at my office.”
Agent Mary Radford shook her head. “We still have—”
“I’m sure you do. But Dr. McPhearson is done for the day.” Hanover nodded to the two guards that stood at the back of the room. “Crow and Figel will see you to the gate.”
Agent Radford stood slowly, her eyes on Laney. “This would go easier if you would answer our questions now. Perhaps it will help us avoid any future unpleasantness.”
Laney could barely contain her snort. Right. Like anything I could say or do would make this go away.
Hanover put a hand on Laney’s shoulder—a warning to stay silent. But Laney didn’t need the warning.
“Thank you and good day,” Hanover said.
Agents Radford and Green gave a nod and headed out after Figel. Crow waited until they left, then followed.
Laney slumped down in her seat as soon as they were gone. “Well, that was horrible.”
Hanover sat down next to her and patted her arm. “You did very well.”