Page 155 of Seven Deadly Sins

Liam passed him, giving Donnelly a concerned look. “He doesn’t seem very optimistic.” He handed Harper a coffee despite the late afternoon hour.

“I share his sentiment.” The clock was ticking, and she had no idea how much time they had left. “I’m tired of waiting for Robert to make all the first moves.”

“I’m all ears if you have an idea.” He sat in the empty chair opposite her. “More agents are being sent, along with the national guard, in preparation for this so-called war.”

“What if he wants Oakdale as his? Like a kingdom? It wouldn’t be too difficult. It is a valley. He could fortify himself here once we’re gone and start spreading out spreading his web of disillusionment.”

“That’s a scary thought.”

“It would fit with his God complex.” Another RV joined the others in the large parking lot. By nightfall, she counted thirty vehicles lining up plus a few motorcycles.

Her phone buzzed with a text. She didn’t recognize the number.

“Call off the reporters now, Detective. I will have any copter in the air shot down. I will kill any who try to follow by vehicle. If they aren’t in line by now, they cannot join us.”

Liam’s eyes widened. “I don’t think he’s bluffing.” He reached for his phone and called the local station.

Five minutes later, the video went black, and a reporter started talking about the excitement of those who had arrived. She said the atmosphere had been very much like a rally.

Harper shook her head and headed for her desk. She plucked an ink pen from the bright-colored coffee cup she used as a holder and tapped it on the desk blotter. Law enforcement needed to make the first move. Not easy to do when they had no idea where Robert was.

In the morning, she and Liam would start driving the mountain roads again. It would be too risky tonight. They couldn’t be caught.

Liam entered the room and sat at his desk. “What are you thinking?”

“Blank.” She sighed. “There’s nothing more for us to do tonight. Robert is going to make sure his convoy isn’t followed. We still won’t know where he is.”

He smiled. “Don’t be so sure.”

“What do you mean?” A flicker of hope sparked.

“We’ve someone undercover. One of the motorcycle riders is one of our agents. As soon as he can, he’ll let us know the location.”

“Can he be trusted? What if he’s the mole? What if he’s a convert?”

“I guess we’ll find out. If we don’t hear from him within a day or two, we can assume he betrayed us or was killed.” He crossed his ankles on his desk. “It’s a risk we had to take.”

“Why wasn’t I informed?” The FBI wasn’t the only one that might be betrayed. She felt a bit herself.

“Last minute decision. I only found out a minute ago. My director said the less who knew until the convoy was underway the better.” A smile teased at his lips. “You know I wouldn’t leave you out of the loop, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She pushed to her feet. “Let’s go home.”

“Let’s pick up Chinese on the way.” He feet banged the floor as he slid them from his desk.

“Okay.” The man could eat under any circumstances. Her stomach rolled at the day’s events. The city of Oakdale was going to war.

~

Robert laughed with glee and clapped his hands at the long line of vehicles arriving at his compound. Even better with so many RVs. Less buildings to erect. “Get everything into the trees. They’ll have copters in the air at daylight.”

A few of his men started directing traffic. Motorcycles were sent to the large barn. Cars and trucks were covered with camouflage. The RVs were directed into the thickest part of the woods.

Robert’s men had been working fast and furious to build barricades around the compound. Soon, it wouldn’t matter if the authorities knew their location. But now was not the time.

When his fort was complete, no one could get to him. All he needed was a few more days.

A droning drew his attention to the sky. A helicopter appeared over the rise. A bright spotlight swept the area.