| |
COUNCILOR STERNE LEANED back in his leather chair, watching with heady anticipation as his fellow Council members took their seats around the conference table. Eight colleagues—men and women he’d known for years—with whom he’d debated, vehemently at times, and formed temporary coalitions when the situation called for it.
After this evening, none of them would be needed, in any capacity.
Sterne beckoned to Ethan, and his assistant bent down to listen. The murmur of small talk among the other Councilors masked what he said. “Everyone’s present and accounted for. Bring the Peace Wardens inside the Citadel, and post them at every exit. Nobody leaves, unless I say so.”
Ethan nodded, tucking his clipboard under one arm as he left to carry out his assignment. Sterne paused before calling the meeting to order, savoring the moment.
The oval table, heavy and imposing, was situated in the room’s epicenter. Behind him, the floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the Enclave in all its grandeur. Sterne had chosen the placement of his chair for maximum effect,
The thunderstorm was an unexpected bonus. The flashes of lightning added extra drama to his evening of triumph.
A polite beep sounded from the console before him. He glanced down to see a flashing pinpoint of light, confirming the signal he’d waited for. Sterne rose to his feet, reveling in the perfect symmetry of the moment.
Ethan returned through the door to his left, while at the opposite end of the room, a set of double doors opened to admit his special guests.
The Council members were startled, not expecting to see Mateo Reyes, herding his prisoners before him. The captured fugitives entered with their hands on their heads, sullen defiance etched on their faces.
Mateo ordered them to kneel, and under the threat of his weapon, the savages had no choice but to comply.
Flawless. Sterne clasped his hands behind his back. The stage has been set.