My commander has abandoned his post. Half of my convoy is heading into Europe, while the other half is going to make its way back to the States. Even though there is no word from Wallace, I have decided to join the group headed home.
—The diary of Megan Jean
“You are the most important part of the plan,” Zack said. “Proving to the American people that you are alive will rally their spirits and force them to question what their leaders tell them.”
Grant, the man who’d purchased Mia through the Registry and paraded around as if he were her husband, had made it well known that she had been killed during a kidnapping attempt. There’d been no kidnapper. Mia had run, and she was alive and well. Grant had been busy since Mia’s escape though. He was regarded as a national hero and likely successor to America’s supreme leader.
Mia pictured his face. He’d chased her and her companions across the country. Mia remembered the feel of his gun pressed against her temple, the look of glee on his face when he thought he had stopped her, but Mia’s friends had managed to save her, even if it was at the expense of their own lives. Mia grimaced at the memory.
“That being said, I’m the one in charge,” Zack said.
This was an uncharacteristic comment from Zack. The man was normally a team player and very open to others’ suggestions.
“Okay . . .”
“I mean it,” Zack said. “This is a dangerous mission. You’re brave to have volunteered yourself.”
“Stop with the compliments,” Mia said. “What are you trying to say?”
Zack let out a sigh.
“Mia, you have lots of strengths, but you’re no good to us if you’re dead,” Zack said. “You need to listen to every instruction you are given and above all keep yourself alive. We are all expendable, except for you. If we enter a situation where anyone, including myself, Carter, or Andrew, will be injured, you need to step away. I won’t allow you to assist.”
“I didn’t agree to help so I could sit in the background and do nothing,” Mia said. “One of the reasons I want to stop the Registry is so women no longer have to blindly listen to everything men say. I’ve played a big part in planning this attack.”
“This isn’t about gender and you know it. If everything goes smoothly there won’t be any action for you to step into,” Zack said. “But in order to make sure it stays that way I need you to listen to me.”
“I’m a member of External Tactics,” Mia said. “In case you’ve forgotten, that’s the division of Affinity that handles strategies for stopping America.”
Zack’s face went hard. Mia knew she’d crossed a line by trying to pull rank.
“We’re leaving Affinity,” Zack said. “The divisions don’t matter for the time being. I am in charge and you will do as I say, or else you will risk hurting those around you.”
Mia reached into her pocket and pulled out the queen, the chess piece Riley, her onetime mentor, had left for her. Mia realized that in this situation, she was the queen. The most deadly piece, which should never be sacrificed.
“I understand,” Mia said. “But I want to know what’s going on. Don’t keep me in the dark.”
Before Zack could respond the door to the van opened. Andrew stood outside, and Mia felt her concerns start to dissipate. Andrew would be with her; he would never let Zack push her to the side.
“The plane is loaded,” Andrew said.
Mia slid out of the van and she didn’t turn around to see Zack step out.
“What’s going on?” Andrew asked. “Neither of you look very happy.”
“Zack and I have a new understanding,” Mia said.
She looked to Zack and he nodded his head. Mia took that as a guarantee of his word and started walking toward their newest mode of transportation.
Mia increased her speed. She saw the big metal plane they would be boarding, along with Carter and the other two Affinity members who were accompanying them on this mission.
The rest of the members who had driven them to the drop point were loading the few belongings the group was bringing. Mia wished they were bringing more firepower, but if they were caught sneaking weapons into America it would mean instant death for all of them.