A Covenant with Death: The Peacock Trilogy - Book 3 by Bill Wetterman Page B

said. “With your permission, I’ll report these facts to Global Security. They’ll attempt to locate and advise on a rescue mission.”
    Connor wondered at the brilliance of both her brothers. Her intelligence quotient surpassed them both, but not in the area of retaining facts. Implementation was her specialty. She pulled out her cell and called Van Meer. “Hans, how’s Dad doing?”
    “Neither of us is doing well, nor will we for a long time. He’s ordered your team to search for Ammad.”
    She clutched the arm of her chair. Biting down on her lower lip, she said. “All the evidence points to Ammad. But we have no proof.”
    “He’s cut off contact. That’s evidence enough.” Chui rose and paced the room. “My sources tell me several complexes have halted communications with Global Central Command. They are operating under an independent communications network.”
    “We’ve lost touch with one-hundred fifteen Global complexes,” Van Meer continued echoing Chui’s concern. “Ammad sent a message to your father. He requests a meeting at a neutral site to negotiate a separate Muslim Realm independent from the Global Realm.”
    “What did my father say?”
    “He hasn’t responded. I’ve never seen him like this. All he can think about is Laverna. He can’t make a bloody decision on anything else.” Van Meer sighed. “I’m second-in-command. But in my state of mind, I’m delegating that responsibility to you, Connor, until we meet with our family team.”
    “Give me a few hours. I’ll come to you.” She disconnected the call. “Gentlemen. Until I speak to my father, I’m issuing you these instructions. Professor Cline, upgrade the space-based missile systems status to Code Red. Report any problems with the power-up to me. Target the rebel Complexes, and wait for further instructions. Mr. Duarte, gather all the information collected so far by Global Intelligence. Both of you meet me at the Balmoral Complex in four hours.”
    Cline rushed off muttering, “God, let’s hope the missiles haven’t been compromised. They couldn’t have been. I’ve three failsafe programs interlocking them. Still, this is nerve racking.”
    “Excuse me, Director,” Duarte said, as he turned to leave. “I’ve served your father for twenty-seven years. I’ll double my efforts.”
    Doctor Pederson, Chui, and Ziebach eyed her. Chui’s gaze bore down on her.
    “Regional Governor, I’m grateful to you,” Connor said, as her eyes met his. She didn’t turn away. “Assess the scope of the defection in your region and prepare to attack and destroy the offending Complexes when you receive the word from the First Citizen.”
    Chui’s head tilted slightly. “Your mother gained the respect of all who met her. Now is your hour under fire. You have my loyalty, as does your father. But, if Global Command and Control slips. I will act for the good of my region against all enemies.”
    As he headed out the door, he added, “There are no defections in my region. I demand obedience. Your father did also, until a few years ago.”
    Michael Ziebach waited to be dismissed. Connor pulled a chair next to him and took his hand. She glanced at Pederson. “I need both of you to accompany me to the Balmoral Complex. You two know my mother better than the others. How she’d react under pressure and what she’d do to help us find her.”
    “I have an idea that may help,” Ziebach said, with a comical grin on his face. “She has another implant. She doesn’t even know she has it—a hair filament tracking device imbedded under her right breast.” He scratched his head. “No one has attempted to make contact with it for years. Whether the damn thing works or not is uncertain.”
    “What device could you find to track it with?” Connor asked.
    “Any Global device would work, if you know the right frequency.” Ziebach frowned. “Her Herculean file would hold the frequency number.”
    “I’ve got that file,” Pederson