Chapter 5 - The Name on the Radio
The senior officer received another transmission.
"Vehicle approaching from the north."
He looked at Caroline.
"Do you want us to intercept?"
Caroline shook her head.
"Not yet."
Travis heard the exchange.
His confusion deepened.
"You don't give these people orders."
Caroline didn't answer.
He stepped closer.
"Who are they?"
The senior officer looked at him.
"You really don't know?"
Travis frowned.
"Know what?"
The officer looked at Caroline again.
She remained silent.
Then a second voice came over the radio.
"Command, we have confirmation."
The officer listened.
His face changed.
"Repeat."
The voice came again.
"Confirmation from the Pentagon."
Travis heard the word.
Pentagon.
His expression shifted.
Laura whispered, "Why would the Pentagon care about Caroline?"
Margaret turned toward her.
"Don't be ridiculous."
The senior officer lowered his radio.
He looked at Caroline.
"Ma'am, they want you on a secure call."
Caroline sighed.
"Tell them I'm unavailable."
"Ma'am—"
"Tell them."
The officer nodded.
Travis stared at her.
"You can just refuse the Pentagon?"
Caroline finally looked at him.
"Sometimes."
"Who are you?"
She didn't answer.
Then a vehicle appeared at the end of the street.
Not black.
Not marked.
Just an ordinary dark sedan.
Caroline watched it approach.
Her voice became quieter.
"Everyone inside."
The senior officer immediately understood.
"Move."
Travis didn't.
Caroline looked at him.
"Travis."
"What?"
"Get your family inside."
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"Why?"
"Because if I'm right, you're about to learn why I spent twenty years asking people not to underestimate me."
