But what if he truly wanted to try to work something out? What if he was telling the truth?
Adam felt like the peaceful ones had to explore this option. They couldn’t back down now. They would miss their opportunity, and they would have to go on living their lives in fear and in hiding. And now, add on to that the fear of retaliation from the KTP for killing their leader. So he tried to use RTP to think positive thoughts about the outcome of the meeting. He hoped he could convince them to at least meet with the KTP to plead their case.
Maddie hardly said a word to Adam the whole ride, which worried him because he didn’t know how she felt about what he had done. She had told Mel that he had acted in self-defense. Adam wondered if she was angry with him and, if so, if she could forgive him. It frightened him to think that this might ruin their relationship. But he wasn’t ready to push her or ask any questions. He felt like she needed some time to think.
When they arrived in Albuquerque, Adam recognized that they were approaching Sancha and Mel’s house. He wondered why they were going back there. They followed the same long driveway to the back of the house. This time, Sancha and Mel were not waiting to greet them. Instead, they parked and let themselves in.
Maddie motioned for him to follow her as she approached an area of the house he had not seen before. They entered a room that looked like a study or a library, with shelves of books lining the walls. Maddie approached a section of shelves and slid a few books to the side, revealing a keypad. She entered a few numbers and then placed her thumb on the biometric reader. Adam heard the sound of a latch unlocking and watched in amazement as she pushed the bookshelf inward like a door. He followed her as she disappeared through the hidden entryway.
When they walked into the room, Maddie removed her sunglasses and wig, so Adam did the same. He saw Mel and Sancha sitting at a large computer console with a young man who looked to be of Asian descent. They looked up and nodded but did not smile. Adam nodded back. The atmosphere in the room felt somber.
They were intently watching a large video teleconference monitor as the young man’s fingers raced over the keyboard as if he was taking a typing speed test. There was a phone console in the center of the desk. The large monitor screen was divided into eight equal-sized squares, some with people’s images, some filling sporadically as people joined the meeting remotely. Maddie and Adam took seats next to Mel and Sancha. Sancha looked at Maddie with sadness in her eyes, which caused Adam to wonder what Maddie might have disclosed to her.
Adam felt strangely calm in the hidden lair, almost as if he belonged there. Although he did worry they might cast him out since he had used RTP to kill members of the KTP, albeit in self-defense. He tried to keep his thoughts on influencing the outcome of the meeting. He thought about a peaceful agreement between the KTP and the peaceful ones. He thought about the peaceful ones living their lives out in the open—no more hiding, no more fear. It would mean freedom for everyone.
The KTP could benefit too. They might actually get more members if they didn’t force people to join and use RTP for evil or corrupt purposes. Jeremy had indicated as much when he told Adam that not all members of the KTP were bad or evil.
When all of the squares on the screen were filled with faces, Mel looked at the computer whiz and said, “Jonathan, is the room secure?”
The young man nodded and said, “Yes, sir. I’ve checked all of the phone and network lines. All clear.”
“It’s time,” said Mel.
It was clear that he was leading the meeting.
He opened the meeting by saying, “I want to thank you all for joining us today on such short notice. As you know, we wouldn’t have called this meeting if we hadn’t felt that it was absolutely necessary. A situation has occurred that we hoped would never happen. Now all of our training and planning for such an event will be put to the test. I’d like you all to meet Adam Lancaster, the newest member of our ranks.”
Mel motioned toward Adam. Not knowing exactly how to respond, Adam raised his hand and said, “Nice to meet you all.”
Several responded similarly. Some sat silently. An elderly man cleared his throat and said, “If he’s so new, why is he here? How do we know we can trust him?”
“Maddie has vetted him, Albert,” said Mel.
“And so have we,” Sancha chimed in.
Albert’s eyes narrowed, but he seemed to be placated.
Mel continued, “For those of you who may not have heard, Maddie and Adam were attacked by the KTP yesterday, which resulted in two KTP members being killed. One was Paul, who as we all know was the leader of the KTP.”
There were audible gasps and murmurs, and some very alarmed and shocked looks on people’s faces. Maddie kept her gaze on Mel, her face a mask concealing her thoughts.
Mel raised his hands to restore order and said, “I want to make it clear to you that the KTP attacked first. Paul disabled Maddie by rendering her unconscious with what appeared to be chloroform. He attempted to carry her away while two other men attacked Adam. So, as I understand the story, it was in self-defense that Adam used RTP against the KTP to save Maddie and himself. Correct me if I’m wrong, Adam.”
All heads turned to look at Adam. He saw expressions ranging from shock, to fear, to
