Page 45 of Degrees of Power
This time as we make our way into the elevator and Chase enters the code to the ground floor I know what to expect. The cameras in the lower level begin processing recognition and he is asked for the verbal code before the doors open.
I will myself not to look up, afraid that he will see my fear, the anxiety, and all the doubts of the past.
Chase has a tight hold on my hand and keeps me moving as we walk through a short hall before he opens a door that leads us into an exact replica of the first floor level of the home above. Gaby is already in the kitchen, seemingly unfazed by the disruption to everyday life and I wonder how many times she has gone through this scenario and how many more are in my future.
As the doors close behind us Jay begins giving Chase an update on the situation. “Your father and Emily are already in the safe room. They had one installed in Emily’s son’s home for them and the grandkids after the last time this happened. Carlos and Karissa are safely in their lower level, but Jenny, Brian and Matt are just getting ready to land. Alfreita is moments away. We’ve got teams spread out all over the airport, but it’s too far to get her here and they know where her house is. We’ve got ground teams in place. As soon as they land we’re putting them on the Augusta and sending them to Brian’s. I’ve already been in contact with him and he has a safe room,” Jay explains.
“Brian just landed,” Chase says, reading his message aloud.
“Alfreita’s men are in the air and moving this way. Jenny finally fell asleep. Her place is not safe. Taking her to mine.”
“What is he thinking? She’s going to be in a strange place with no one with her when she wakes up,” I say.
“Baby, Brian’s right. He’s mitigating risks. He has a heavy set of security of his own and a safe room in his condo. She’s been with Brian for the last few hours and knows Matt and his team. Right now they need to get to his place,” Chase says.
“Okay,” I say, instinctively knowing that he has things under control.
“Jay, you have an update?” Chase says.
“The aerial teams are holding them at bay, but they need a diversion to reroute without being followed,” Jay says.
“What’s the plan?” Chase says, his lower jaw clenching.
“We spread word to the Paparazzi that a Saudi Prince just landed. News reporters are all over Alfreita’s men, they have the car surrounded with cameras flashing and we’ve already got the Augusta up in the air,” Jay says.
“Excellent work, men. Let’s make sure they get home,” Chase says to the group.
“We’ve got teams on the rooftop and aerial support is holding the copters at a distance from the city, but let’s keep our eyes open,” Jay says into his phone before disconnecting.
“Chase, Brian will be on the rooftop momentarily and the team will get them in safely. The helicopters pushed Alfreita’s men out of the city and our way. They have a team scoping the perimeter of the Prestian estate. Snipers are in place, but this may end up being more than we anticipated. You want the authorities called in as a backup?” Jay says.
“No, just get them to the safe room and let me and Carlos deal with this,” Chase says.
“Chase, Brian just landed. The teams have them covered and they’re making their way to the rooftop elevator. The entire building has been searched and we’ve got men at all positions,” Jay says, relaying a step-by-step account.
“Good work. Just keep Brian informed of what the team’s doing,” Chase says.
“Chase, right now Brian’s calling all the shots. He’s been like a bear to my team and pulled in his own security crew to secure the perimeter,” Jay says.
Chase lifts his eyebrows. “As long as you are comfortable with the plan don’t intercede and text me as soon as they are tucked into the safe suite,” he says.
“Chase, we’ve got trouble at Emily’s son’s,” Jay says, glancing at his phone.
“What’s happening?” Chase says, but Jay holds up his finger motioning one moment as he takes a call.
“Do it, make sure they get a clear message of their own!” Jay says. “They surrounded Emily’s son’s house and tried to break in. Our teams were there with the Larussio group and have it under control,” he says.
“Baby, join me in the study,” Chase says, leaving me no choice but to follow in his wake. The room is an exact replica of his study upstairs with a Mac sitting atop a large wooden desk. The only difference is there are no windows allowing expansive views to the coast of Lake Michigan or orchards, in fact, no windows at all, only four walls and the door he closes behind us.
He takes a seat in the large black leather chair behind the desk and motions me to the seat across from him. “I need to connect with your father and I want you to hear the conversation,” he says.
“Why would you ask me to do that? He didn’t want you to tell me, he’s not going to be comfortable with me being on the line and at the end of the day, I really don’t know if I have the stomach for it,” I say.
“You need to know the details, need to be aware of the dangers and of what could happen if your father had not taken this position. Only then can you make informed decisions about how you feel,” he says, pushing the button for my father.
“Carlos here,” my dad says, his voice deep and much lower then I somehow remembered.
“Chase here, Carlos. I have Katarina with me. Jay just gave me an update on Jenny and Brian. They’ve landed and should be secure shortly. Alfreita’s men were at the airport. It would appear every attempt is being made to apprehend someone close to us. We’ve got heavy aerial traffic here at the compound,” Chase says.
