The driver had informed me my husband was moments behind. I could smell the salty ocean air. I was so close to freedom I could taste it.
—The diary of Megan Jean
Mia sat on the couch next to Greg. He kept picking up her dress and spreading it out. They both froze when Zack answered a phone call. He hung up right away and dialed out.
“The master is destroyed,” Zack said. “It’s up to you to finish the rest.”
He hung up the phone again. That was enough information for Affinity to start attacking the online databases. Corinna let out a scream and started jumping up and down with Frank and Alex. Mia watched as Zack tried to keep a straight face, but a smile kept appearing on his lips. Greg leaned over and wrapped Mia in a large hug, moving her back and forth. She let out a small laugh and did the same.
“Remember,” Greg said. “You need to hit that button on my signal.”
Corinna went to her station and kept a finger pointed over a red circle. Once she put her finger down everything would start.
“Don’t be nervous,” Greg said. “I want you to give your speech, then I’ll start in with questions about anything you missed. We’ll end with the video of Grant.”
Greg pulled out his watch. He was waiting for the clock to strike 8:01 P.M.; by that point people would have tuned in already. Mia sat up straight and smoothed the rest of her dress down.
“Here we go,” Greg said. “Aaaaannnnnnndddd push it.
“Good evening, America,” Greg said. “I promised you a special show tonight and I am going to deliver on that promise. I want to start the program out with this young lady, who has a few words for you.”
Mia turned to face the camera. She swallowed hard, not knowing where to begin. She glanced around the room. Everyone was staring at her. Then she saw Corinna’s face. Her sister was glowing and Mia maintained eye contact with her.
“My name is Mia Morrissey. I am Grant Marsden’s wife. I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little about my world. I live in a place where families are kept intact, not just those created by blood, but ones made through the bonds of friendship as well. People agree to spend their lives together not because of money or appearances, but because they love one another. In this place individuals have rights. You can watch your sons grow old, you can be a part of your daughter’s life past her wedding, you can have relationships with the generations that follow in your bloodline.
“There is open access in my world too, where not only are you aware of what your leaders are doing, but you can have a say in who they are and how they behave. Some of the leaders are actually women, who are bright and educated, who care just as much about the people of their home countries as they do their loved ones. I am here to tell you that my world is happening all around you, and now it can happen in America.”
Mia stopped. She turned toward Greg. He had tears forming in his eyes.
“Why don’t we start from the beginning?” Greg asked.
Mia felt herself relax. She was ready to tell her story and not leave anything out.
Greg finished up his closing and Corinna pushed the red button again. The room was silent.
“What now?” Mia asked.
“We wait for their reaction,” Greg said.
“Affinity is sending a pickup for us,” Zack said. “We have to get back to Greg’s safe house.”
A loud noise came from the back of the studio. Mia watched as Riley rolled through the door. Mia ran to meet her. She was out of breath. Carter and Trent came in next. Mia smiled, waiting for Andrew to come through. The three caught their breath and Mia kept still.
“Where is he?” Mia asked.
Her body started to shake with concern.
“Where is Andrew?”
“I thought he was right behind me,” Carter said.
“I didn’t see him,” Trent said.
The studio went quiet. Mia heard a vibration coming from the dressing room. She ran over to her phone and saw Andrew’s name appear. She picked it up right away.
“Are you all right?” Mia asked. “Where are you?”
“Hello, Amelia.”
A chill and a shiver of terror ran down Mia’s spine.