“I have two words for you, ‘Lizzy Cleburne’. She’s resurfaced.”
There was a gasp on the other end of the phone. “We left her for dead in Appalachia. Why and how the hell did she claw her way back?”
“Some people just don’t take a hint and stay dead,” Hennigan replied.
“Let me guess. She’s the one who infiltrated The Complex?”
“Her and someone else on the inside. We’ll scurry out that mole in due time. For now, there are more pressing concerns. How familiar are you with the Constitutional Liberation Army?”
“Until two days ago, I don’t think anyone in the White House had heard of them. Now, they’re all anyone is talking about.”
“Have you heard of one of their leaders, Laura Lee Jackson?”
“I’m sure I have.”
“Well, that’s our old friend Lizzy.”
There was a stream of obscenities that flew out of the speakerphone.
“We have a more urgent matter. Our intel suggests there will be an attack on a university campus in the Houston area. We need your assistance in coordinating with other key individuals.”
“Whoa,” Cleo replied. “You realize the risk we’re taking? You could expose my cover.”
“That cover we both have worked hard to create. Trust me, I wouldn’t have you betray your cover unless it was dire. Give me a couple of hours. Who should they contact as the point person on the ground? Just have them call this number.”
“Fine. Jeffrey won’t enjoy having his plans interrupted. Tonight was supposed to be date night.”
“Give my regards to Jeffrey.”
With that, the phone call ended.
Hennigan looked around the kitchen and living room.
“That was really her,” Blayne said. “Wow. You had the First Lady of the United States of America on the phone in the blink of an eye without anyone even bothering to notice at the White House.”
“Yes,” Hennigan replied. “And trust me, I can count the number of people who know about my relationship with Cleo Barnes on one hand.” She looked around the room. “I hope you all recognize the seriousness with which I’m treating this threat.”
“Any chance she can get us a tour of the White House when we’re there on tour?” Orr asked. Zach, sitting next to him, elbowed him in the rib cage. “Ow! What was that for?” Zach just shook his head in frustration.
“I’m sure we can arrange something when all this unpleasantness is behind us,” Hennigan said. “For now, we wait. I recommend calling it a night.”
Initially, the group seemed reluctant, but everyone agreed that not much else could be done until they had better intelligence and help from local contacts. Lucas called up Mr. J. and requested transportation back to the band’s hotel. Hennigan watched the room, taking in the various dynamics.
Blayne
For the first time since he’d gotten home, Blayne pulled Ethan away from the rest of the group and enveloped him in his arms.
“I missed you today,” Blayne confessed.
“I think…I’m going back to the hotel tonight,” Ethan said.
“Why?” Blayne asked, concern in his voice.
“All this,” Ethan said. “It’s been a long day. I need clean clothes. And I know the guys will have more questions once we’re away from…them,” Ethan said, glancing at Denzili and Richardson, who were whispering in the living room. “I just need a break.” There was a sudden slump in Blayne’s posture, so Ethan quickly added, “Not from you. I still love you, and I love you more than ever. But I just need to get away and have a break, return to my normal life for this evening, even if it’s not a true escape.”
“I could come with you,” Blayne said, trying to put a puppy-dog look in his eyes.
“You and I both know you’re needed here. Kira needs you, and the guys need me. It’s just for one night.”
