Prologue
282 Words
PROLOGUE
A DISTURBANCE BREAKS OUT in the bleachers at Begert Air Force Base, where reporters have gathered for a special press conference. Two Navy SEALs wrestle down a man who has drawn a weapon. Security Forces rush in and handcuff and remove the man.
Julie walks across the platform to Admiral Parker’s side and announces, “I will take one more question. We’ve heard from the two coasts. Is there someone from the Midwest?”
“I’m from the University of Texas at Austin.”
“Your name?”
“Kathleen LeBaron. It’s an honor to be here. My question for you is this: Why are you risking your life to meet with us?”
Julie wipes a tear from her eyes and glances at the admiral. “Some things are worth more than a life. Brad and Sarah proved this to me. Their love continues, powerfully. It brought all of us together, didn’t it? Two people who loved and chose truth can change how we see. Their message reverberates across the globe. When I read the evidence, I couldn’t remain silent, because the whole world needs to know. We don’t move forward by ignoring a dangerous cabal. We move forward by facing the truth courageously.”
Burney and Davis rush up the stands.
Light glints off a rifle.
Parker sees the threat and steps in front of Julie. The muzzle flashes. A white-hot burn sears him as the bullet passes through his body. The velocity of the round picks him off his feet and pushes him into Julie. They both slam to the stage. The admiral lies on top of her, but his mental struggle to get up fails to produce any physical movement. He cannot feel her breathing, and she doesn’t make a sound. Please, cry or yell, my love. A bright crimson stain spreads across his dress-white uniform.
- Writer
