Bennie nodded at Eric as he said, “Bennie. And this is Eric.”

  “What, Eric can’t speak for himself?” Darius asked menacingly.

  “Yes, he can. He’s my friend.” Bennie stared straight at Darius.

  Darius cracked a smile. “Oh, I get it.”

  “No, I don’t think you do,” Bennie replied and puffed up his chest a bit. He knew he was pushing his luck, but the guy did not outweigh Bennie, and Bennie was in good shape.

  “I must have misunderstood.” Darius pursed his lips. “No offense.”

  “None taken,” Eric finally spoke.

  The conversation centered on how and why they were in the pen. It was cordial enough. The next day, Darius latched onto them again, which became the routine for the next two years. That’s when Leroy arrived. He looked like a deer in headlights. Bennie and Eric befriended the goofy-looking guy, knowing he might become someone’s human punching bag. They soon discovered Leroy was severely lacking in common sense.

  For the next three years, the four of them shared their meals. The routine was: Wake up at 4:30 A.M. Breakfast at 5:00. Report to work at 6:00; lunch at 11:00. After noon, they would either work, go to the gym, or take a class. Dinner at 4:00; 6:00, more classes, TV, or dominoes. Inmates had to return to their cells by 9:30 for evening count. They were allowed to have a light on to read up until 10:30.

  The place was not packed with hardened criminals. The really, really bad guys went to ADX super maximum security in Florence, Colorado, home to heads of international drug cartels, terrorists, and serial killers. It was something to be thankful for.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Philadelphia

  It was almost 7:00 P.M. when Annie came rushing into the suite. She ran to Myra, practically knocking her over.

  “Oh my Lord! What on earth has happened? How is she? How are you?” Annie stopped to catch her breath. “Jack? Are you all right? Charles?”

  Myra untangled herself from Annie’s grip. “We don’t really know much. We’re waiting for the doctor.”

  Charles added, “And we don’t know much about what happened, except there was an explosion.”

  “It was meant for me. I’m sure of it,” Jack said grimly.

  Myra and Annie took a seat on the sofa. They were clutching each other’s hands. The three men paced. Cooper sat at the women’s feet.

  “The wreck is on the way to a lab in D.C. I was able to pull a few strings, but it’s still going to take several days,” Jack informed them.

  Annie elbowed Myra. They scanned each other’s faces. Everyone knew what they were all thinking: Get the sonofabitch who did this.

  “Fergus, we have another problem.” Charles began to deliver another piece of bad news.

  Fergus gave him a concerned look. “What’s up, mate?”

  “It appears our VPN has been hacked.”

  A resounding “What?” came from both Annie and Fergus.

  “We don’t know the extent of the breach yet. Abner recommended a woman named Libby Gannon. They went to school together. She’s top-notch. She checked our security, and she was able to break in.”

  “That’s terrible!” Annie cried out.

  “What’s worse is that it came through Jack’s laptop,” Myra interjected.

  “Jack’s laptop?” Fergus squinted in disbelief.

  “Yes. Someone hacked into Jack’s system and wormed their way into our portal.”

  Fergus scratched his head. “This is bloody awful. All of it.”

  “So what happens next? What’s the plan?” Annie asked.

  “I’m afraid we are in a holding pattern until we get more information,” Charles explained.

  There was a soft knock on the door. It was Connie, the head nurse. “Sorry to interrupt. Dr. Jarmon is on his way to see you. They’ll be bringing Nikki in a few minutes.”

  “How is she?” Myra sprung out of her seat.

  “She’s in stable condition. Dr. Jarmon will fill you in on all the details.” She turned and went back to her station.

  Dr. Jarmon entered, carrying a tablet that replaced the old clipboards. He was smiling. “Good evening.” Salutations went quickly around the room before he resumed. “Nikki is in stable condition. She is still unconscious. She suffered a fracture of the occipital bone. There is some swelling of brain fluid. We are going to check her again in an hour before we decide on a craniotomy.”

  Myra gasped, and her knees went weak. Annie grabbed her on one side, and Charles, the other.

  Dr. Jarmon continued. “I know it sounds horrifying, but it’s a routine practice. One of the downsides is that she would need to be intubated. She is on oxygen now, but not a respirator. That’s the good news.”

  “What’s the bad news?” Charles put his arm around Myra, bracing for something horrific.

  “The usual concerns that accompany any surgery.” Myra was close to hyperventilating. “But we won’t have to make that decision yet,” the doctor added.

  Voices and the sounds of wheels were getting louder as the hospital aides shuttled Nikki into the room. Myra was frozen in place. Annie thought they were both going to faint. Fergus put his arm around Annie, and Charles did the same with Myra. Jack stood helplessly, with Cooper by his side.

  In less than three minutes, Nikki was settled into the room designated for the patient. Myra rushed to the side of her bed and gently took Nikki’s hand. “Oh, my dear girl.” Tears were flowing down Myra’s cheeks. Charles pulled out a clean handkerchief. He had the forethought to bring several. Surely the hospital would be rife with boxes of tissues, but there was something comforting about a real cloth hankie. Myra looked up at Charles. He was placid. But only on the outside. Inside, he was raging. Charles noted all the machines monitoring Nikki’s vitals. Her pulse was weak, and her blood pressure was low, but the doctors thought she was within the range to be determined “stable.”

  “We’ll bring the portable CT scan down here so she won’t be disturbed,” Dr. Jarmon said.

  Myra turned to him. “Thank you, Doctor. Is it all right if I sit with her?”

  “Absolutely. And talk to her. I’ll leave you for now,” he said, and shook Charles’s hand.

  “Thank you,” Charles replied.

  Annie walked with the doctor. She reminded herself of the Sisterhood slogan. She spoke to him in a hushed voice. “Whatever it takes.” He nodded. He understood. She was Countess Anna Ryland de Silva. No price tag for Nikki’s care was too high. Even if they had to fly experts in from Switzerland. She prayed it wouldn’t come to that.

  Myra and Jack stayed in the room with Nikki. Cooper rested his head on the end of Nikki’s bed. Charles, Annie, and Fergus went into the living room to discuss the breach and what to do next.

  “I’ll text the Sisters and give them an update on Nikki’s condition,” Annie offered. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick note:

  Nikki is stable. We are at hospital. More tests. Pray.

  Dozens of texts flew back:

  “Can we come?”

  “Can we meet?”

  “How is Myra? Charles?”

  “What can we do?”

  “Deadheading back. Leaving Cal. now. s/b back 2 days.”

  The last message was from Kathryn, whose main occupation was driving a long-haul eighteen-wheeler.

  Annie replied to all of them:

  Hang tight. Stand by.

  Annie, Fergus, and Charles huddled in the living room. Fergus was the first to speak.

  “I think we should have the Sisters meet at the farm. Granted, we won’t be able to use our systems until we find the leak.”

  Charles chimed in. “Perhaps we should invite Libby Gannon to join us. She might have better luck if the electronics are at her fingertips.”

  “Good point,” Annie said. “Let me go speak with Myra. Be right back.”

  Annie softly entered the room where Nikki lay unconscious, Myra holding one hand, Jack holding the other.

  Annie put her hand on Myra’s shoulder and motioned her to stand and walk into the hallway. Myra looked weary as she asked, “What is it?”

  “Fergus and Charles suggested we bring Libby in. Have her come to the war room and see if she can sort this mess.”

  “According to Abner, she is one of the best, and he trusts her.” Myra paused. “Did you know Libby also suffered a head trauma and was in a coma for six weeks?”

  “My goodness!” Annie exclaimed. “That is a bizarre coincidence.”

  “You know how I feel about coincidences.” Myra gave a wry smile. “And, according to Abner, Libby doesn’t seem to have any long-term issues, either. That gives me hope.”

  “Indeed.” Annie gave Myra a hug. “It’s a good sign.”

  “Tell the men I am totally fine with inviting Libby. She’s in Missouri, though.”

  “I’ll send the plane,” Annie offered. “Let me get back to the gents and get this show on the road.” Annie walked briskly into the living area of the suite.

  “Myra is fine with asking Libby to join us. I can arrange for the jet. Charles, can you see how soon she would be available?”

  “Right-o.” Charles quickly dialed the number he saved. After two rings, Libby answered.

  “Hello, Charles. How is Nikki?”

  “She’s stable. Thank you for asking. Would you be able to come our way anytime soon? As in tomorrow?”

  “Fortunately, I just finished a project, so I have some free time. I’ll check the airlines,” Libby responded.

  “Never mind that. We’ll send Annie’s plane to fetch you. Just get me the name of the nearest airport.”

  “That’s great. I can be ready in a few hours. Jackson City is probably the closest. Just need to make sure someone can watch my dog, Buddy.”

  “Do you want to bring him with you? We are very dog-friendly,” Charles offered.

  “That is very kind of you, but I think he’d be less stressed if he hangs around with the kid down the block.”

  “Even if it’s a private jet?” Charles chuckled for what felt like the first time in two days, although it seemed more like a lifetime.

  Libby laughed. “I appreciate it, but I don’t want to spoil him, either.”

  “Very well.” Charles smiled. How about ten A.M. tomorrow?”

  “That would be fine.”

  “The plane will take you to a private airport in Virginia. Someone will meet you and bring you to our farm, Pinewood. Tomorrow evening, there will be a meeting with some of our group members.”

  Libby interrupted. “Group members?”

  “Fergus, my best friend and colleague, will meet you at the farm. He will explain more upon your arrival,” Charles continued. “You mentioned you went through something similar. A head injury?” Charles stopped. “I don’t mean to be cheeky—er, personal.”

  “Not at all,” Libby responded. “I’m a walking, talking, computer-hacking miracle. There is a lot to the story, which I would be happy to share after we get things figured out.”

  “Splendid.” Charles nodded. “When you get to the airport, ask for Annie de Silva’s pilot. He’ll get you to Pinewood straight away.”

  “Roger that.” Libby had an obvious hint of enthusiasm. As much as she loved her home and neighbors in Hibbing, Missouri, it would be a nice change of scenery for her, and nice to meet new people.

  Charles turned to Fergus and Annie. “Jackson City municipal airport. Tomorrow at ten A.M.”

  “Excellent. I’ll ask Maggie to pick her up and bring her to the farm,” Annie replied.

  They stopped and stared at each other for a moment before Fergus spoke up. “I’ll gather the Sisters at Pinewood. Whomever is available. The rest will have to use one of their cell phones. We can’t risk any other technology until Libby gets under the hood, so to speak.”

  “Agreed,” Annie and Charles said in unison.

  “We’ll get a helicopter to take you to the airport. This way, you can ride to the farm with Maggie and Libby,” Annie offered.

  “Splendid idea,” Fergus said. “I’ll phone one up and see if I can take off from the hospital helipad.”

  “I’ll go tell Myra what we’re up to. I know this may be a slow process. All of it. But, one foot in front of the other,” Annie said, before she headed back into Nikki’s room. No one had moved an inch. Jack and Myra looked up as she entered.

  “Fergus is calling the Sisters to Pinewood for tomorrow. We’re sending the jet to pick up Libby in Missouri. Fergus will helicopter to the airport where Libby is landing, and Maggie will meet both of them and bring them to the farm.” Annie stopped to catch her breath. “I’ll stay here with you and Charles.”

  Myra stroked her pearls. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I don’t know what I would do without you.” She gave Annie a bear hug.

  “Have you had anything to eat?” Annie asked both Jack and Myra.

  “Eat?” Myra snickered. “I have no appetite.”

  “I know that’s where you go when you’re upset—nourishment deprivation land. Not this time, my friend.” Annie looked in Jack’s direction. “And you, sir?”

  Jack smiled. “I suppose I’m visiting Myra in nourishment deprivation land.”

  “Well, I’m closing down the park. The two of you are not going to fall apart from lack of food. And that’s all there is to it.” Annie turned on her heel and marched back to the living room. “We need to get some food delivered, ASAP,” Annie barked. “And I don’t suppose you’ve eaten anything either, Mr. Charles Martin?”

  “I’ll have you know, Ms. Smarty Pants, I fixed a wonderful basket of sandwiches and salads for our drive up here.”

  “And how many hours ago was that?” Annie tapped her watch.

  Charles checked his, as well. “Going on seven hours or so.”

  “Need I say more?” Annie picked up the phone and hit the blue button.

  “This is Edmond,” came the immediate reply. “How can I help you?”

  “Hello, Edmond. This is Annie de Silva. Could you recommend a takeaway restaurant where we can order some food?”

  “Takeaway? Do you mean takeout or delivery?”

  “Yes, sorry. My partner is from the UK. He uses that term. Someplace that delivers good food.”

  “Of course. There is a French bistro that many of the doctors and administrators use. The food is quite good. There should be a menu in one of the side table drawers. You will also find dinnerware and flatware in the kitchen drawers.”

  Annie walked over to one of the end tables and discovered several menus. “Fantastic. Thanks, Edmond.”

  Annie opened the menu. Very French. She dialed the number and gave them several orders for coq au vin, beef bourguignon, pommes frites, and string beans. She’d set up a buffet on the kitchen counter, and everyone could fix themselves a dish. She rummaged through the cabinets and pulled out the necessary dinnerware, napkins, and glasses. She snapped her fingers. She forgot to order beverages. A nice glass of wine with dinner would take off the rough edges that accumulated throughout the day. She phoned the restaurant again and asked if they could deliver a bottle of Bordeaux. The person on the other end of the line was a bit hesitant. “One moment.” He put her on hold.

  A different voice got back on the line. “Countess de Silva?”

  “Yes. Who am I speaking with?” Annie gave the phone an odd look.

  “I am Jean-Paul, owner of the bistro. We are not allowed to sell alcohol outside of our premises, but that doesn’t preclude me from giving you a bottle.”

  Annie got the hint. “I’ll be sure to include a good tip.”

  “Merci,” Jean-Paul answered. “Lovely doing business with you.”

  Fergus and Charles split the list of Sisters and sent texts to all of them:

  Whomever is available meet at the farm: tomorrow at 4:00.

  A barrage of answers came back in a jiffy. Alexis, Yoko, and Isabelle were available. Kathryn was two days away. Maggie already had her marching orders, so she knew where to go and when.

  It was almost 10:00 P.M. when the food was delivered.

  “This smells delicious. I’m sure we can coax Myra into eating something,” Annie said as she set it on the counter and began to fix a plate for Myra. Charles picked up a dish, plated food for Jack, and set it on the table.

  Annie brought the food into Nikki’s room. She knew Myra wouldn’t want to leave her side. “Jack, there’s a plate for you on the table in the living room.” She set Myra’s plate on the portable adjustable table. “You need to eat.”

  Myra looked up at her. Her face was pale and drawn. “If you say so.”

  “I do, and I don’t want to see one scrap left over.” Annie moved to the other side of the room and sat on the small sofa. “Get busy.” She motioned for Myra to start eating.

  In the living room, Charles, Fergus, and Jack began discussing the perplexity of the breach as they ate their food. “I really don’t understand it. I’m so careful.” Jack was shaking his head. “This is all one huge nightmare.”

  “We will sort it out, old boy. Just give us some time. Meanwhile, we continue our vigil, praying for Nikki’s speedy recovery.” Charles poured a glass of wine for everyone. “Hold that thought.” Charles went into Nikki’s room and handed Myra a glass of wine.

  It dawned on Myra that Annie wasn’t eating. “Excuse me, but where is your plate?”

  “It’s on the kitchen counter,” Annie replied.

  “Well, you cannot have a glass of wine unless you have something to eat. Don’t you dare give her the glass.” She raised an eyebrow at Charles.

  “All right, all right. But I expect a clean plate when I return.” Annie took the glass from Charles’s hand.

  When she entered the living room, she overheard Jack berating himself for everything that happened that day.

  “It should have been me.” He dropped his head in his hands, elbows on the table, and began to sob. It was the first time since the incident that he let his emotions flow. Up until that point, it was all he could do to deal with everything that was happening and what needed to happen next.

  Charles put his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “It shouldn’t have been anybody, and we are going to find that dodgy SOB.”