Killswitch Read Online Free Page B

the five were free.
    “Thanks, exoself, old buddy.” Chase would offer some gratitude if no one else felt inclined.
    “You don’t even know if you did the job,” Switchblade said. “Don’t see nobody opening the front door.”
    “Wait.” Mel motioned to the display. “Look at this.”
    One of the men in the compound moved away from the five and studied his VPad. He spoke quickly, shook his head, and typed on the small screen.
    Chase intercepted. “The code is in place. They’ve all been identified as informants. Orders are to release them.” He slumped into the nearest chair and huffed. “After they’ve been debriefed on local activities.”
    “I hope they can lie as good as you, Charlie,” Switchblade said. “They talk to them one-on-one, those Feds’ll catch on.”
    Chase broke into communication between the deputies and the VPad relaying messages to the detention center.
    The people surrounding him waited and stared at the holographic image.
    One Fed slung his weapon to his back. Another crossed his arms. And then another walked to the door, waved his hand in front of the security device, and swung the door open.
    Molly and the rest of the group, their confusion not well hidden, hurried outside to a waiting transport. They climbed in. The gate gave way and the vehicle headed out.
    Chase spun on his heels to face to the believers and spread his arms. “And so we’ve sent another lucky soul—that is—five souls—to begin anew.” He smiled. “You’re welcome.”
    “What exactly did you just do?” Mel asked. “And don’t tell me that you used my programs.”
    “I sent word to the man in charge that the absence of the detainees would arouse suspicion if all five missed the meeting occurring in one hour. The upside believers would get spooked and scatter, ruining the operation. The five should be released and returned to town. ASAP.”
    Whooping began in the back of crowd. Mom cut through the crowd of worried expressions and kissed Chase on the cheek. The young girl who’d given the back-handed compliment joined in the cheering. Mel hugged him. He pulled her close and smiled.
    “You got lucky.” Switchblade’s deep voice lifted above the others. “Now tell me this—who’s arranging that meeting? All the up-top believers from Herouxville are in a government transport. And they don’t lie as fast as you do, Charlie.”
    “Despite the misleading information, God has gotten our people out of a mess,” Amos clapped his hands together. “And God will get them back safely.”
    What? God hadn’t hacked the system and lied his way out of this situation.
    “Switchblade has a point,” Chase said.
    “I’m glad you see that.” Switchblade puffed out his chest. “They gotta come underground. And never go back up.”

6
    Chase monitored the communication trails as the transport took the narrow road back to town. Did these people realize what he’d done? Most of them were off to one side now, praying or something. Thanking God.
    But that’s why Chase was here—the dreams, the words from his dad. This was God’s idea. Wasn’t it? What did he expect? A pat on the back?
    He hated siding with Switchblade, but the guy was right. Molly and others weren’t safe staying in town. They had to disappear.
    Amos held out his hand. “We’re grateful to you, Chase. What you did today was tremendous.”
    Chase took the man’s hand. A spark rushed through him. “Uh, thank you, Amos. Are you feeling all right?”
    “Little tired, but that’s nothing new. Right now I’m more relieved than anything. Why do you ask?”
    “It’s nothing. I’m relieved too.”
    Mel interrupted. “The transport just dropped off our group a block from here. The Feds are watching, so we’re sending a messenger. They’ll be directed to go to Kirel’s apartment for a meeting.” She sat at the work station next to Chase. “Can you get the Feds to leave once we’ve got the group inside?”
    “I’ll send instructions