The horror would end, Kimberly had believed, when Travis Blackwood was arrested. It simply signaled the start of a new, more difficult chapter. Several days after Travis was arrested, Rachel called Kimberly.
Kimberly, we ought to chat. In an hour, come see me at the coffee shop on Main and 5th. It needs to happen now."
Heart hammering, Kimberly headed toward the meeting. Rachel was there, looking glum, when she got there.
What is happening? With a slide into the seat across from Rachel, Kimberly asked.
Low in voice, Rachel leaned closer. More to Travis's network than we first believed. Authorities have discovered a more extensive plot involving other senior officials. They're not thrilled with the visibility either.
Kimberly's tummy roiled. In what sense do you mean?
Sighing, Rachel said. "Travis operated inside a bigger plan. Strong supporters of his are now scurrying to hide their activities. Kimberly, they have made you a target."
Something shivered down Kimberly's spine. How do we proceed?
"Keep digging," Rachel said. You can only be protected by exposing all parties concerned. But it's going to be risky."
Kimberly kept feeling watched even as they were leaving. Glancing over her shoulder, the busy street provided no hints. She understood that she had to keep watchful.
Kimberley went back to the cabin that evening. Isabella and Jasmine, their features carved with worry, were waiting for her.
What was Rachel saying? Just now, Jasmine asked.
Kimberly related what had been said. "We're not quite through the woods. Still active and seeking to suppress us are Travis's allies."
Isabella closed her hands in fists. "We have to go first. Get additional proof and bring the network down as a whole.
Nodding, Kimberly said. It will call for caution. They have enormous influence and will do all to keep their secrets safe."
Research and covert meetings filled the next several days. They followed hints, sifted through paperwork, and put the corruption web together. Though laborious, every new finding helped them go closer to exposing the plot.
The young man who had helped them break into Blackwood Enterprises called Kimberly one evening while she was going over papers.
I found something, Kimberly, Alex said in a whisper. "Go to the old warehouse to meet me. Phone conversations are too dangerous.
Heart thumping, Kimberly said. It will take thirty minutes, I promise.
She told Jasmine and Isabella of the meeting as she grabbed her coat and left. She saw a black SUV parked close by as she walked up to the facility. Though her instincts warned of peril, she persisted.
Alex was pace-making tensely inside the poorly illuminated warehouse. He glanced up as she walked in. Over here, Kimberly.
Her question was, "What did you find?"
He handed her a USB stick. "This has transactions and correspondence between Travis's supporters documented. You need no other proof than this."
Kimberly froze as soon as the tires outside started to squeal. The dark SUV had trailed after her. Guns drawn, men dressed in dark suits charged the warehouse.
Hurry up!" Hurrying Kimberly toward a rear exit, Alex yelled.
The men trailed hard behind them as they raced through the cramped passageways. Their rush into the alley left Kimberly's heart hammering in her chest. Alex shoved her in the direction of a secret doorway. Walk! They will wait for me."
No, Alex!" He turned to face their assailants even as Kimberly sobbed.
Mentally racing, Kimberly took off. She could not allow Alex to have given his life in vain. She had to arrange for Rachel to drive.
Kimberly eventually made it to Rachel's office after hours. Breathless and hysterical, she hurled through the door. As she gasped, "We have it," she held up the USB drive.
Taking the disk, Rachel hurriedly connected it to her PC. Her gaze widened as the files opened. This concludes things. To bring them all down, we need this."
A text message from Rachel's phone, though, said, "They know," before they could celebrate. Quit right now.
Pulling her belongings, Rachel stated, "We need to move." "They know we are on."
They disappeared into the tangle of city streets as they left the office. Fright and resolve swirled in Kimberly's head. It was another problem to get the proof to the authorities without being intercepted.
They scheduled a meeting with dependable federal agent Agent Harris for the next day. Kimberly was nervous as they drew near the meeting spot, a small restaurant on the outskirts of town. Mistakes were not something they could afford.
Looking serious, Agent Harris was waiting inside. You got something for me?
Rachel handed him the USB stick. This proves the conspiracy. Help us to bring them down.
Harris looked over the files, the gloom on his face increasing by the minute. That is explosive. I have to get a team going right now. But everyone of you has to be placed into protective custody. People will pursue you.
Nodding, Kimberly said. Ready, we are.
Kimberly had a gut feeling something was about to go awry as they left the diner. Each immersed in meditation, they drove in silence. Then a motorist sped toward them, slamming their automobile off the road.
"Stay!" Hurrying out of the car, Harris yelled and pulled his gun.
When gunfire broke out, Kimberly crouched behind the smashed car, her heart thumping. Pinched down, outnumbered, and outgunned were they.
Harris said, "We have to run for it," in a cool, collected tone. "As I signal."
They shot out of the trees as soon as he spoke. Though yells and gunshots reverberated behind them, they persisted in running. Kimberly gasped for air in short bursts when they arrived at a clearing and saw a cabin out in the distance.
Harris said, "In there!"
Burst into the cabin, they blocked the door behind them. With every effort to catch her breath, Kimberly's thoughts raced. At least they had the proof even though they were stuck.
With his phone out, Harris said. I have backup on the line. We simply have to wait till they get here."
Tension rose as the minutes passed. Through a window, Kimberly saw movement among the treetops. Themselves.
Harris gave a signal. Keep your cool. We can do this.
Their shoes crunching on the dirt outside, the attackers surrounded the cabin. The improvised weapon Kimberly had discovered pounded in her chest. The evidence has to stay out of the wrong hands.
Abruptly helicopters were heard everywhere. The backup had shown up for Harris. The attackers paused, and agents swarmed the cabin at that same instant to secure the area and capture the terrorists.
Harris remarked, "We're safe," his voice full of relief. Kimberly, you pulled it off."
Kimberly dropped to the floor, fatigue sweeping over her. The battle was far from ended even if they had escaped another assault.
The evidence they had presented led the authorities to start a huge operation in the days that followed. Leading officials were detained, and the country was shocked to learn of the conspiracy. Once more having their lives uprooted, Kimberly, Jasmine, and Isabella were taken under protective custody.
Kimberly had both sadness and relief while she watched the news coverage. Though the price had been tremendous, they had brought down a strong network. Their lives will never be similar after Alex gave his life.
Still, she could tell her pals had chosen wisely as she glanced around at them. They had made the truth public and given those who had suffered justice. And they confronted the unknown future knowing that between them they could conquer anything.