Private Rogue

Chapter 33

“We have to leave,” I said, shaking Beth awake.

She’d fallen asleep with Danny and Maria, the three of them cocooned under heavy blankets and breathing deeply when I made my announcement.

Beth sat up suddenly and stared at me in bewilderment, until she recalled who I was and where we were.

“I got spotted by a couple of cops — or people dressed as cops,” I explained. “I went to make a phone call.”

Beth eyed me with disapproval.

“I was calling someone who can help us.”

“Come on, kids,” she said, rousing the children.

They had all slept in their clothes, so getting ready simply involved wrapping up for the cold weather and grabbing provisions to take with us.

We were soon starting our journey through the woods. I decided against the trail and road to avoid unnecessary exposure, so we were going to make this journey cross-country.

“Where are we going?” Beth asked.

“Swiftwater,” I replied. “One of my colleagues is meeting us there.”

Beth nodded uncertainly and we continued through dense woodland. Swiftwater was about an hour’s walk by road, but this terrain would take much longer to cover.

I heard a bird call and looked up to see the familiar shape of a golden eagle riding the morning updrafts high above us.

“Hey,” I said. “You kids ever seen a golden eagle?”

Danny nodded and Maria rolled her eyes.

“We live in Garrison,” she said. “There’s a ton of eagles in the mountains.”

“Maria,” Beth chided.

“It’s OK. I still remember when I was young enough to believe it was cool to be jaded about everything,” I said. “If you’re interested, there’s one right over us.”

Danny looked up immediately, and was captivated by the bird. Maria pretended not to look, but I saw her sneak a couple of glances. Beth smiled at me, and we walked on.

Ninety minutes later, we emerged from the woods onto a quiet road just south of Swiftwater. We hurried directly across Route 611, onto an inclined driveway that led up to the bus depot. We didn’t have to walk far before I saw a black Nissan Rogue parked in a layby opposite the depot. Jessie got out as we approached.

“Beth, this is Jessie Fleming. She runs our New York office,” I said. “Jessie, this is Beth, Maria and Danny.”

“You guys look frozen,” Jessie said. “Let’s get you inside. I’ve got the heater on scalding.”

Beth and the children climbed in the back of the Nissan, and I took the passenger seat beside Jessie, who hopped behind the wheel. The car was warm and stuffy and, after the chill of the long walk, I loved it.

“I brought you a phone,” she said, handing me an iPhone. “And cash, and there are some clothes in the trunk. I’ve arranged a place for us to stay. Rye — just outside the city. Secluded and safe.”

“Thanks,” I said.

“Thank you,” Beth added.

I checked the phone and saw many of my important numbers had already been added. I dialed one I knew by heart.

“Hello?”

“It’s me,” I replied.

“Jack!” Justine exclaimed breathlessly. “It’s good to hear your voice.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t call sooner,” I replied.

“Jessie explained. Sci and Mo-bot have started very carefully digging into Singer’s background to find out who he really is and how he produced such a convincing legend.”

“Get in touch with Singer,” I suggested as an idea formed.

I noticed Beth suddenly tense, but I signaled her to stay calm.

“Tell him I want to meet somewhere in the city this afternoon. Text me the location.”

“Will do,” Justine replied. “But be careful, Jack. I want you back in one piece. I saw what happened at the motel.”

“I’ll do my best,” I assured her, before hanging up.

“You want to meet him?” Beth asked.

I nodded. “I don’t like being played. It’s time to turn the tables.”

Jessie put the car in gear.

“New York?” she asked.

“New York,” I replied. She swung the car around and joined the 611 heading south.