Chapter Sixty-Eight

Rory’s meeting with Johnson and Creighton, who once again joined in via video conference, lasted longer than expected.

The news wasn’t good. The admiral’s people had traced the money that had kept Prima Vista running over the years and discovered links to factions that had once been connected to Rising Sun.

The admiral had reestablished contact with an informant in Europe, and he had confirmed that rumors were circulating about the old sect resurrecting itself.

“I thought they were dealt with years ago,” Rory said, frustrated at the thought of not only having to worry about Creed, but the terrorist group, as well.

“It was. But we never did manage to get the founders.” Creighton had obviously already adjusted his thinking to this new development. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they picked up right where they left off. And are trying to reacquire what’s left of their former members.”

Rory grimaced. “Great. Any word on Creed?”

“My contact tells me that there’s chatter about a mercenary hired to basically do what you are doing—track down the child-soldiers who are still alive.”

“Hired by whom?”

“The same people who are behind Prima Vista, if you believe the money trail.”

Rory swore softly.

“And a man matching Creed’s description arrived at Prima Vista just hours after you got Hernandez out.”

This was not good news. Having Creed connected to Rising Sun brought the danger level up several notches. Back then, Rising Sun’s resources were vast, their motives sinister. Undoubtedly, that hadn’t changed.

“How could Rising Sun set all this up without us knowing about it?” he asked angrily.

“We had other priorities.” Creighton admitted. “The Rising Sun members who escaped capture went underground and have not come up for air in all these years. Our contact is trying to find out more.”

“So, it looks like Creed is back to working for Rising Sun. Why would the son of a bitch want to do that?”

The admiral gave a humorless chuckle. “He’s the son of their former leader. Crazy son of a bitch fits right in.”

True. Creed had always been a narcissist to the core, with delusions of grandeur. Rising Sun’s agenda of world domination achieved through terrorism and general chaos would be right up his alley.

The video conference continued for another twenty minutes. It ended with the admiral’s bid for caution and patience as he figured out their next step.

“I’ll try,” Rory said, but he wasn’t happy about not having an active role.

At least Nina would be out of harm’s way here at the base.

For now.

Preoccupied and worried about these latest developments, he went looking for her. He needed to see her, touch her, be sure she was safe.

He found her in the mess hall talking animatedly with a group of young marines.