Executive Orders: Part 2 of the Homeland Series Read Online Free PDF

he heard from Betty since she was taken to the Advanced Care Center.
    Maggie was all he had left.
    Hank watched the dying light of the setting sun shimmer across the Pigeon River as it flowed past the court house with no regard for the living or the dead.
    Hank knelt on the asphalt, tears rolling down his weathered cheeks. He began to pray.
    Please, God. Protect my family. Please.
    A cold gust chilled him to the bone. Hank stood with a grunt. He felt as if he’d aged twenty years in the last week. He looked up to the sky once more.
    Please. I’m begging you.
    He wiped his eyes and walked to his office, struggling with each step under the burden of his woes.
    *****
    Finbarr Duncan fought the urge to fidget as he sat in Agent Sanger’s office located in what used to be First Baptist Church. He pulled a handkerchief and wiped his forehead; he was sweating in spite of the November chill. He sat alone, waiting for Sanger. The two FEMA troopers who showed up at his office an hour ago informed him that his presence was requested. It was obvious that declining Sanger’s invitation was not an option.
    He looked around the room. It was a Spartan space, no pictures, empty bookshelves, pulled shades. A black coat hanging on the back of the door and a large map on the wall of the ten FEMA regions were the only signs of occupancy.
    What does she want?
    Finbarr racked his brain, trying to think of anything he’d done or said that could be used against him, any reason to have him arrested. But Sanger didn’t need a reason. She was the law and the law was subject to change without notice these days. He decided it was pointless to wonder why. He also resisted the urge to come up with answers to questions he thought she might ask. He knew her well enough to understand that she only asked questions she already knew the answer to. Volunteering extra information would only incriminate him in any case.
    He became aware of his foot nervously tapping against a nearby bookshelf. What was taking so long? Why did she summon him here just to keep him waiting? Maybe that was the point.
    He took a deep breath, calming himself as best he could.
    Footsteps drew near. Finbarr didn’t know whether to be relieved or terrified.
    Agent Sanger entered the room and sat behind her desk without a word. She produced a key, unlocked a desk drawer, and pulled out a pen and writing tablet.
    It took all Finbarr’s will to remain still as he watched her, his heart pounding as if trying to escape his chest.
    She finally said, “Mayor Duncan, thank you for coming.”
    Finbarr nodded. “M-My pleasure.”
    “I need your help,” she continued.
    “G-Glad to do what I can.” His voice trembled in spite of his efforts to appear calm.
    “Are you?” Sanger’s face hardened.
    Finbarr cleared his throat. “You still doubt me?…After all I’ve done?”
    “Should I?”
    He wiped his head again. The sweat was coming faster than he could dry it now. “I think I’ve proved my loyalty.”
    “You have, but not everyone shares your patriotism.”
    “We have our share of troublemakers.” Finbarr offered a meek smile.
    “Who are they?”
    He laughed awkwardly. “Let’s just say some of our families are more high strung than others.”
    Sanger slid the pen and tablet in front of Finbarr. “I want names.”
    “I gave you all the names I had.” The mayor looked down at the blank paper and back up to Agent Sanger. “I don’t know if anybody else…”
    “Should I make the list myself, Mayor? I could start with you. Or maybe your daughter, Chloe. She was arrested a few minutes ago, trying to steal drugs. Hanging a thief and her traitorous father side-by-side would have the exact effect I’m after.”
    “No. I-I’m sure I can think of a few more names.” He began to write.
    Sanger leaned back in her chair. “That’s more like it.”
    “There.” Finbarr’s hand shook as he pushed the paper back to Sanger.
    The agent examined the list. “Only five?” She