The Way He Came Home - Full Story

The national media firestorm following the live televised arrest of Senator Hayes was unprecedented. News networks worked around the clock analyzing the leaked Project Blacklight files, exposing a massive network of military corruption that shook the highest levels of government.

However, while Hayes was locked away in a federal holding facility awaiting trial, Colonel Arthur Vance had vanished into thin air following his escape from the utility tunnels. A massive federal manhunt was underway across three states.

Rachel, Emily, and Nate were staying at a secure, undisclosed military guest house at Fort Meade under round-the-clock protection by federal marshals.

It was late afternoon when Nate walked out onto the rear porch of the guest house. His shoulder was recovering well from surgery, though his face carried the deep fatigue of a man whose battle wasn't fully over until the final threat was eliminated.

Rachel stepped out onto the porch, carrying two mugs of warm tea. She handed one to Nate, standing beside him as they watched Emily playing in the fenced yard below with a golden retriever provided by the base therapy unit.

"You haven't slept in two days, Nate," Rachel said gently.

"Vance is still out there, Rachel," Nate replied, his eyes scanning the surrounding tree line automatically. "A cornered animal with nothing left to lose is the most dangerous thing on earth. He knows his life is over. His only remaining goal will be revenge."

"The marshals said he has no resources left," Rachel pointed out. "His bank accounts are frozen, his Apex mercenaries are all arrested or fleeing the country."

"Vance doesn't need an army to pull a trigger," Nate said grimly. "He knows how I think. He knows how Daniel thought. He won't leave the country until he tries to strike at what Daniel left behind."

Rachel looked down at Emily, a sudden chill running through her despite the warm tea. "You think he's coming for us?"