The Choice: The Unexpected Heroes

By Gwen M. Plano

The Choice: unexpected heroesis the sequel to The Contract: between heaven and earth. In the first book, a catastrophic political event threatens Earth. The heavenly leadership decides to execute extraordinary measures to ensure the survival and long-term viability of the planet. Two volunteer souls return to Earth and take human form as Brad Channing and Sarah O’Brien. They are ultimately successful in preventing the catastrophe, but lose their lives in the process. 

The Choicepicks up where the first book ends, at an Air Force Base in northern California. The base commander invites Brad’s former Navy SEAL instructor to help him determine who is behind the murder of Brad and Sarah. It is evident that their deaths are part of a bigger plan, and the commander has an urgent need to thwart that plan.

A mystery unfolds which implicates key Washington D.C. officials. A confidential team studies the evidence and pursues leads. Eventually, they uncover a traitorous conspiracy that has as its goal: world domination. The pressing question is who can be trusted and who cannot.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fresh Ink Group
• Release date: Jun 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781947867529

Book preview

series.

PROLOGUE

ADISTURBANCE BREAKS OUT in the bleachers at Begert Air Force Base, where reporters have gathered for a special press conference. Two Navy SEALs wrestle down a man who has drawn a weapon. Security Forces rush in and handcuff and remove the man.

Julie walks across the platform to Admiral Parker’s side and announces, I will take one more question. We’ve heard from the two coasts. Is there someone from the Midwest?

I’m from the University of Texas at Austin.

Your name?

Kathleen LeBaron. It’s an honor to be here. My question for you is this: Why are you risking your life to meet with us?

Julie wipes a tear from her eyes and glances at the admiral. Some things are worth more than a life. Brad and Sarah proved this to me. Their love continues, powerfully. It brought all of us together, didn’t it? Two people who loved and chose truth can change how we see. Their message reverberates across the globe. When I read the evidence, I couldn’t remain silent, because the whole world needs to know. We don’t move forward by ignoring a dangerous cabal. We move forward by facing the truth courageously.

Burney and Davis rush up the stands.

Light glints off a rifle.

Parker sees the threat and steps in front of Julie. The muzzle flashes. A white-hot burn sears him as the bullet passes through his body. The velocity of the round picks him off his feet and pushes him into Julie. They both slam to the stage. The admiral lies on top of her, but his mental struggle to get up fails to produce any physical movement. He cannot feel her breathing, and she doesn’t make a sound. Please, cry or yell, my love. A bright crimson stain spreads across his dress-white uniform.

CHAPTER 1

ADMIRAL JOSEPH PARKER walks off the plane and sees his driver holding a placard with his name. A uniformed airman greets him, takes his carry-on bag, and asks, Do you have checked baggage?

Parker shakes his head. None.

Then the airman leads him through the terminal to a black Chevrolet Suburban parked at the curb. The airman holds responsibility for making sure Admiral Parker gets from Sacramento International Airport to Begert Air Force Base safely, about an hour’s drive north. The base, a high-security facility, requires anyone visiting to hold the highest clearance. The admiral fits that criterion.

The airman grabs for the rear door to open it, assuming the admiral would want to ride in the back. Parker waves him off and goes to the front of the vehicle. The airman smiles.

For the admiral, this trip feels somber. Two weeks earlier, the President had visited Begert, and someone had made an attempt on his life.

Ten people died in the failed assassination.

One of the ten, Brad Channing—a former Navy SEAL—had been one of the admiral’s students at Annapolis. Brad had contacted him for advice once he became aware of the plot to kill the President. Admiral Parker’s guidance had helped Brad thwart the attack but had also put him in the line of fire. In a subsequent investigation, the new base commander—General Robert Taylor—had learned of Parker’s involvement from the survivors and contacted him to ask for his help in scrutinizing the case.

The admiral gazes through the window. Rice fields and almond groves race past. The flat terrain and brown earth bear little similarity to the rolling green hills of Annapolis. But Brad gave his life here. His thoughts return to the funeral at Arlington Cemetery ...

The overcast day held a chill in the air. A horse-drawn caisson led the hundreds of mourners to the Navy SEAL’s final resting site. Throughout the three volleys of rifle shots and the taps, many shed tears. After the presentation of the flag, the SEALs lined up and, one-by-one, each took his Trident pin from his uniform and laid it on the coffin. Finally, each drove the pin into the wooden cover with his fist. When the sun broke through the clouds and shone on the insignia, the coffin glistened as if covered with tears.

It amazed the admiral to see how many had known Brad. The knowledge of how many more knew of the SEAL comforted him too. All who came had one goal: to honor the hero.

The admiral didn’t try to stop his tears that day.

Even now, as he thinks about the occasion, his eyes fill and spill over.

Admiral Parker breaks away from his thoughts and checks his watch. He is ahead of schedule. In all probability, the general won’t be ready for him yet. He asks the airman, Is there someplace quiet where I can grab a coffee?

Yes, sir. I know a spot on the way to the base. About fifteen minutes from here.

After another ten miles or so, the driver makes a right turn onto a side street and parks in front of a bar.

It doesn’t look like much, sir, but we don’t have much else in the area. The coffee tastes great, and the place is quiet.

With a glance, the admiral checks for himself. It will do.

He and the airman leave the SUV and enter the establishment. The airman excuses himself to use the washroom. On the way through the central area, the admiral notices a few men sitting at the counter, facing a sizeable mirror. When they see him in the reflection, they straighten—a gesture he has grown used to.

A waiter comes over and welcomes him. How can we help you, Admiral?

You’ve spent some time in the service, son.

Yes, sir. I served in the Navy for four years. On the Gerald Ford.

A fine ship, son. What was your assignment?

Gunner’s mate, first-class, sir.

You have my respect. I hear your coffee’s tasty?

Sure enough, sir. Let me show you to a table.

The waiter leads him to the far side of the room. They walk past a wall of windows where a young woman sits alone at a small table, hunched over with her face in her palms.

Just a coffee. With cream, please.

The waiter leaves. Parker studies the room. Probably airmen at the counter, he decides. Who knows about the woman? Two large, framed photos, one of Brad Channing and another of Sarah O’Brien, hang on the wall. Each is draped with black bunting. He clenches his jaw.

The waiter arrives, breaking the admiral’s thoughts. Here you go, Admiral. I brought a pot, in case you need another cup.

Thank you. Parker motions to the two portraits. What’s the story?

I’m glad you asked, sir. Honor. Those people gave their lives to protect the President. This is my place, and for my money, they will always receive drinks on the house.

Brad was one of my best students at Annapolis.

Well then, sir, you also get drinks for free.

That’s kind of you but not necessary. I never met Sarah, but if Brad loved her, that’s good enough for me.

Well. To me, she’s a hero just like him.

Not to change the subject, but what’s with that woman with her head in her hands?

She might be a friend of Sarah’s. They wouldn’t let her onto the base, as far as I can tell.

The admiral glances toward the woman and whispers, I don’t think folks understand how tight the security is, especially at a place like Begert.

The waiter shakes his head, Civilians don’t get it.

Did you know Brad?

He came here the day before the shit hit the fan.

Really? Did he say much?

Not to me, other than to order his lunch. He sat where that woman is and kept looking over at Ricardo’s. I think Sarah had gone over there. Then the traitor walked in.

What do you mean?

That guy Jason, the one killed during the assassination attempt, walked in and sat with him. Brad didn’t look happy.

Any idea what they talked about?

No, but it seemed intense. After Jason left, Brad went too. In a hurry.

The admiral shakes his head. Life’s not fair. Brad went through hell in Afghanistan and returned just for some son of a bitch to murder him.

But he saved the President, sir.

That he did. That he did. Few could’ve managed that situation as well as he.

He stood his ground to the end, sir.

Like any Navy SEAL would. The admiral pauses, runs his hand through his silver hair, and takes a sip from his cup. He looks over to the woman again. What’s your name, son?

Cox, sir. My friends call me PJ.

Well, PJ, could you tell the lady that I might be able to help her gain access to the base?

Consider it done.

PJ goes over to the woman, who glances over to the admiral. After he nods, she then gets up, leaving all her papers and computer at her table.

Hello, sir. The waiter said you might help me?

Her red-rimmed eyes make him think of his daughter and the many times he’d tried to calm her tears.

Well, maybe. First things first. Take a seat. What’s your name?

Donna Tucker, sir.

Okay, Donna, nice to meet you. My name’s Parker. Joe Parker. How about you tell me your story. Why do you want to go to the base?

She starts to tear but takes a breath and regains control. "I’m a friend … er, I was a friend of Sarah O’Brien, the one killed two weeks ago. Her photo is up on the wall."

Yes, I know them.

Well, I lived next to Sarah in Maryland. I wanted to see where it all happened and to say a prayer. She was a sister to me, and I feel uneasy about letting her go without the proper respects. Donna stops and cannot hold back the tears. She uses the tissue balled in her hand to catch them before they fall. After a moment, she continues, We went through a lot together. I even helped her remove two spies from her house.

Spies? How did you know them as spies?

It’s true. She nodded. Two Russian spies. I can show you the newspaper articles. They got apprehended in New York after they left Sarah’s house.

Admiral Parker refills his cup and stares at the coffee, deep in thought. In a few moments he looks at her and says, Donna, what did you show the airmen when you were at the gate?

My driver’s license. They directed me to the turn-around. I tried to explain, but they stayed firm and wouldn’t let me enter.

You understand that Begert is a high-security base? You must hold clearance to get in.

I’m aware of that now, sir, but I wasn’t before. Her shoulders slump, and her voice goes to a whisper, It’s just that I want to pay my respects to Sarah.

Well, I understand that. I knew Brad, and I want to pay my respects as well. I’d also like you to tell me about the Russians, but not here. Let me check on a visitor’s pass. Do you have anything in your background that would concern the government?

No, sir—nothing in mine or my family’s.

Good. Give me a few minutes to finish up and make a call. In the meantime, try and dry your tears, eh.

Sorry, sir. I’ll try. Thank you. Donna stands and returns to her table, where she straightens her pile of papers and closes her laptop. She takes out a tissue and dries her eyes. Then she gestures to the admiral, now on the phone, and points to the restroom. He nods and continues his conversation.

* * *

Donna locks the restroom door and looks in the mirror. Her long dark curls frame her flushed complexion and red nose. She runs the cold water and washes her face. Satisfied, she grabs a paper towel and blots her face, grateful for the opportunity to freshen up. All done, she returns to her table. A short while later, the admiral walks over, accompanied by his driver.

I’ve arranged for a pass. You’ll meet with a PR representative, who will help you. Please share the story about the Russians with him. That could prove valuable information relating to the case. For security reasons, you cannot go anywhere unless this rep takes you. Do you agree?

Absolutely.

When we leave here, follow my car. I’ll speak with the airmen at the gate, and I don’t think you’ll experience any trouble. The base is on maximum security because of the assassination attempt, so I need to remind you again that you cannot freely move around. I’ll be busy meeting with the general. If they need to reach me for anything regarding your visit, they know how to do so. Are we square?

Yes, sir. Thank you.

CHAPTER 2

PARKER’S DRIVER STOPS at the main gate of Begert. Donna pulls up behind. The driver asks the guard in charge to come around the car and speak to the admiral.

The admiral says, Airman, I need you to give the general a call and tell him I have arrived with the guest that he and I spoke about.

Sir, the base is on high alert. I’m sure the general will not authorize an unknown party to enter.

Airman, I take personal responsibility for this person, and I would appreciate you making the call.

The airman pauses for a moment and comes to the realization that to argue with a person with the rank of admiral might mean a very short career. Yes, sir. Please wait here, sir. The airman walks back to the guardhouse and talks on the phone. After a few minutes, he hangs up and comes back into the sunlight. He confers with the other guard, and both give the admiral a smart salute and wave the vehicles through.

The admiral tells the driver, Stop here for just a minute. I need to talk with the staff. When the car stops, Parker gets out and directs Donna into a parking space in front of the Public Relations building. She exits her vehicle, and the admiral motions for her to walk beside him. Parker says, Probably, you’ll spend the day here, but there’s a possibility they’ll give you a tour. Let me do the talking when we go inside.

Yes, sir.

They walk into the office, and the staff responds to the admiral at once. He introduces Donna, The general has arranged for her to speak with PR about her friend, Sarah O’Brien. If time permits, a tour of common areas would be helpful.

A staff member using forearm crutches moves to the front. Jim Anderson, sir.

Yes, Anderson.

I will help her, sir. The general assigned me as her liaison.

Very good, Anderson. You’re active military?

No, sir. I was but am now a civilian employee.

I see a story here. If it’s not too personal, are the crutches because of service?

Yes, sir. Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, 2017. My F-16 came under attack, and I limped back to the base but got forced to crash land. Sadly, I couldn’t save my craft, sir.

"My goodness, son. I’m sure you did your best. You were fortunate to make it out with your injury. Do you have all the support you need?’

Yes, sir. People have been wonderful, and I think I’ve made a super recovery.

Did you get a chance to meet Brad Channing while he was stationed in Afghanistan?

I wish I could say that I met that man in the field, sir. But I didn’t have the pleasure. I did meet him here, though.

Donna says, I’m so sorry you got injured.

Nothing to feel sorry about, ma’am. With this new C-Leg, I’ll be running soon. If the Air Force would let me, I’d return to active duty. The way I look at it, the loss of a leg is so much less of a big deal than losing your life. Also, I’ve known some who lost neither, but through fear, seemed to have lost much more.

The admiral nods and responds, Well said, son. I’m proud to have met you, and I want to thank you for your service and sacrifice.

I appreciate that, sir.

I’ve got to go and meet with the general. I’ll leave Ms. Tucker with you. Here’s my business card with my cell phone number. If you need to reach me, I’ll be with the general all day.

* * *

Donna accepts the admiral’s handshake and well wishes, and then he leaves the room. Jim invites her to follow him. They move to a back office, where he offers her a seat in front of a large oak desk. Jim sits behind the expanse and gazes into her eyes. For a minute, he says nothing, and Donna grows uncomfortable. Although she would like to, she doesn’t look away. Instead, she waits for him to speak.

I’m sorry for seeming to stare but my mind went back to the time I met Sarah, and I’m not sure why, but I must say, you remind me of her, Ms. Tucker. It’s my pleasure to be assigned to talk with you today. From what I understand, you knew Sarah well.

Grateful that Jim refrained from opening the conversation with a lot of personal questions, Donna avoids explaining her motivation for wanting to see where Sarah died. More at ease, she says, Oh, please, call me Donna. She pauses to catch her breath and then continues, Yes, Sarah and I were close friends. We lived next door to each other in Maryland before she moved to California. Tears rim her eyes. Not wanting to appear too emotional in front of this good-looking man, she stares down at the floor. Her next words come out quieter than she intended, I came here hoping to see where she passed away.

Donna glances back up at Jim, who gives her a reassuring smile. I’ll try to help you with everything I can. The exact site where Sarah and Brad died remains off-limits. Even I don’t have clearance to go there. So, you may have to prepare yourself for disappointment.

His words make Donna more confident, and she gains more control of her emotions. The site not being available brings relief, which surprises her. Maybe she doesn’t want to see the spot where her friend met her death. Perhaps she just needs to understand what happened so she can bring closure. Without thinking, and in an attempt to fill the long silence, Donna says, I can’t tell you how much your help means to me. I wish I could show you how grateful I feel. The words hang in the air, and Donna realizes that Jim might misconstrue her meaning.

You’re most welcome. I’m happy to help you in any way I can, and you don’t need to thank me.

Phew, he took her words as intended.

He says, Excuse me if I go a little off the subject, but they tell me you have some details about Sarah and her husband when they lived in Maryland.

Jim’s businesslike tone sets her further at ease. Yes. Sarah’s husband entertained Russian spies in their home.

Whoa. I didn’t realize we would get into matters of national security. It would be a good idea to record the conversation so that I get your words verbatim when I report your story to the general.

Certainly. I want to make sure the authorities understand what happened in Maryland.

Jim goes to his desk and pulls out a miniature recorder, which looks like a cell phone. He pushes a button and retakes his seat. For the tape, he says, I’m speaking with Donna Tucker, who wishes to share information about Sarah O’Brien. He nods in Donna’s direction. So, please tell me, with as much detail as you can, why you came here and what it is you believe we need to know.

Donna smiles and clears her throat. Sarah and I were next-door neighbors in Silver Spring, Maryland. We taught at the same college. Her ex-husband worked in an international organization.

He’s not there now?

She shrugs. No one knows where he is, so I don’t know if he still works there or not.

Okay, thank you. Please, continue.

Strange people would often visit their house.

Define ‘strange people.’

Foreigners. Suspicious-looking folks like the Russians.

Let’s talk about them.

Well, none of us liked them.

Us?

Those of us living on the cul-de-sac.

Okay. Names?

Abram and Nika Ivonov. They behaved rudely and liked to sunbathe naked on the Peterson’s deck, which ticked off the parents among us. After all, the sight of two nude people was tough to explain to the children.

Interesting. Jim smiles. Who are the Petersons?

Sarah’s married name was Peterson. She reverted to her maiden name after the divorce.

Okay, thank you. Returning to the Russians, did you ever talk to them?

Not much. They lived with Sarah for a month or more, but they didn’t converse with anyone. Sarah would tell me stories of how Sam, her ex, and this couple would work late at night. It all seemed rather secretive.

And why did you want to share this with us?

Because you’re investigating the incident, and shortly after Sarah moved to California, newspapers carried the story that the Ivonovs were spies. Here, I’ve brought newspaper clippings from the Gazette and the Washington Post.

She hands the clippings to Jim, who scans the articles and then excuses himself for a moment. Confused by his actions, Donna doesn’t know what to think. Isn’t her information meaningful? Jim reacted as if it were no big deal.

* * *

Jim goes to the next office and phones the general, whose aide takes the call. Jim explains that he needs to speak with the general. After a slight delay, the general connects.

Hello, General.

Hello, Jim. You and Ms. Tucker having a pleasant chat?

Yes, sir. I wanted to bring you up to speed.

Yeah, I appreciate anything you can tell me. Does she have any useful information?

Yes, sir. She knows a lot about Sarah’s life in Maryland and mentioned Russians and other foreigners who would visit the Petersons.

"That all sounds good. One other thing. Ask her if she has any knowledge about the journals. Maybe she would be willing to spend a few days going through