Voice in the Wilderness
Voice in the Wilderness
Book 1
Against all Enemies Series
H.L. WEGLEY
Political Thriller with Romance
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction, set in a real location. Any reference to historical figures, places, or events, whether fictional or actual, is a fictional representation. Names, characters, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events is entirely coincidental.
Cover Design: Samantha Fury http://www.furycoverdesign.com/
Interior Formatting: Trinity Press International http://trinitywebworks.com/
Copyright © 2015 H.L. Wegley
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-0996493710
ISBN-10: 0996493719
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to all the men and women in uniform, as well as those elected to public office, who truly mean their solemn oaths to defend—not reinterpret—the Constitution of the United States. May God help you to stand firm against all political and cultural pressures to violate your word.
The Presidential Oath
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Officer’s Oath of Commissioning
I … do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.
ENDORSEMENTS
A terrifyingly real political thriller!
How much power does one voice have? H.L. Wegley has written an action-packed, politically terrifying, hair-raising thriller about the need to guard our freedoms--lest they be snatched away. An edge-of-your seat race to keep one man from taking over the United States--don't miss it!
--- RITA and Christy Award-Winning Author, Best-Selling Novelist, Susan May Warren
If you're looking for a rich and creative adventure through a dystopian future in the heart of America's powerbase, then Voice in the Wilderness will be a wild ride that you won't forget anytime soon. Watching this duo tackle this massive mission, which stretched across the US in mesmerizing detail, from DC to Oregon, was such an enjoyable read....I would recommend it to anyone. KC and Brock, an insider who knows where the bodies are buried and her longtime protector and friend, must rise to this dangerous occasion to prevent the unthinkable from happening. Every scene seems essential, and there weren't any sections that I found myself just "getting through". I enjoyed it all - thoroughly, and I can't wait to see where this series goes from here. Wegley has a sizable talent, to be sure.
--- Author, John J. Staughton
Voice in the Wilderness brings to mind the concept of “Romancing the Thriller.” This is an action-packed romantic suspense story that doesn’t slow down for a moment.
The novel opens with tension. The main character, a freckle-faced, red haired beauty named K.C. Banning receives a text message from inside the White House that she’s being set up. She’s a techno-genius who works for the government. There’s one thing for certain, the author knows his technology.
As K.C. sets off across the country to get as far away from the beltway as she can, the author’s skill shines in painting a clear picture of the beauty of rural America.
K.C.’s childhood, Christian political-blogger friend, Brock Daniels, sees her image on a television news program and knows exactly where she will go to hide. Brock draws upon his deep faith and this sustains him. K.C. struggles with God, but as things get darker she begins to rely upon Him. Her fledgling faith is presented in a natural way. The author shapes a story sending both characters into what looks like will be their doom, but somehow there is hope. There is also a wonderful use of humor which lightened some of the more terrorizing moments.
--- Author, Nike Chillemi
There are several avenues authors take in writing about the disintegration of the political systems, especially the government as it functions in the US. Each has an audience but few other authors are as successful as Wegley in finding that fine line of terror and intrigue and eventual hopelessness, then leading the story into an inspirational realm. That is talent and Wegley has it.
Tension and very realistic factual descriptions of all aspects of this story make this a film waiting to be produced. A very fine, entertaining read.
--- Hall of Fame Amazon Reviewer, Grady Harp
What a powerful and compelling book! And to think it is "only" a fictitious portrait of modern America and things that may actually come to pass unless "We the people" do something to prevent them from happening. Multiple kudos to Mr. Wegley for having the courage to use his talents to "tell it like it is.
"Mr. Wegley is a talented writer, and he keeps the story moving right along while allowing us to cheer for the good guys and boo the villains. A definite page turner...not necessarily recommended for bedtime reading.
--- Author, Roger Bruner
The author took present day events and exaggerated them into fearful possibilities where America nears becoming the dystopian U.S.A. As usual, Wegley delivers on excitement. I believe the author intends this to be a wake-up call to young people in the USA to use their talents and God's wisdom to fight tyranny and evil wherever it shows its ugly head. I love the use of a special childhood relationship that grows into a forever love. This book is worth a read if you like thrillers, politics, or both, or even if you like a little romance. There's something for everyone.
--- Author J. K. Brown
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Dystopian book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment.
Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great dystopian movie, or mini TV series.
There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
--- Author, Tony Parsons
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PROLOGUE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
/> Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
EPILOGUE
AUTHOR’S NOTES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many thanks to Susan May Warren, award winning author and writing coach, who helped me brainstorm part of the plot for Voice in the Wilderness and coached me on character development and the romantic thread. Thanks to my wife, Babe, for listening to me read to her all fourteen drafts and for helping me fill the plot holes and fix the logic as the story iterated to completion. Thanks to my beta readers, Duke Gibson, Don and Carol Ruska, David Lewis, and to my critique group, Dawn Lily and Gayla Hiss for their suggestions.
Thank you, Samantha Fury, for developing a cover that captures the feel of the story, and for figuring out how to get Photoshop to capture all of KC Banning’s beautiful red hair.
Thanks to the team at Trinity Web Works/Trinity Press International for their work in preparing this manuscript for publication, including editor, Dr. Caroline Savage, as well as Shawn Savage for web site work and book formatting. Thanks to their fearless leader, Tony Marino, and his assistant, Tom Blubaugh, for planning the publishing and marketing of this novel and to Lynn Marino for managing book promotion.
Thanks to our Lord for allowing me to be born in the USA and for leaving me enough wits and words to write another novel. May He bless and challenge us all through the lessons learned and the courage displayed by the young man and young woman featured in Voice in the Wilderness.
PROLOGUE
Hannan’s Rules for Radical Reform
Abandon all morals and ethics. They are impediments to establishing the world as it should be.
Absolutely nothing is sacred, so never behave as if anything is.
Make pragmatic concerns my only concerns. The end I envision justifies any means.
Reject all knowledge and wisdom from the past, because people cannot distinguish myth from history.
Build political apathy, by fostering consumerism, using entertainment, technology, pornography, addictions—anything that will reduce political interest and participation.
Destroy all sense of community, isolating individuals by motivating them to focus on private concerns, with the exception of communities of special-interest voting blocs that support me.
Remove religion from public discourse, confining it to private worship.
Attack and ridicule opponents, criticizing them harshly and personally.
Agitate the population, making chaos and crisis the norm so extreme measures also seem normal.
Never let the media, or my enemies, focus on one “scandal” too long. Give them something even more egregious to discuss, an endless cascade of “scandals” so they can never catch up.
Chapter 1
Washington, DC, 10:00 p.m. the National Mall
UR being set up. Watch your back, PL. More later. B.
The text message sent a shiver through KC Banning despite the warm, late June evening. Secret Service Agent Belino had probably risked his career to warn her, but what kind of set up was the young marine in the West Wing implying? Set up to be fired or—no one would kill her for what she had done … would they?
PL, pretty lady. Despite her angst, his flirtatious acronym almost made her smile.
KC closed her cell, dropped it into her shorts pocket, and glanced behind to see if anyone was following her. No one.
She hurried down the path between two rows of dim walkway lights, lining the wall of the Vietnam War Memorial.
Soon, the lights ended and the overhanging trees turned her surroundings nearly black.
The crunch of footsteps came through the trees on her right.
KC whirled toward the sound.
Two shadowy figures popped out from behind a large bush and walked away toward the east end of the mall.
She released her breath in a sharp blast.
Only a young couple, with arms intertwined. She had interrupted their romantic interlude.
KC continued down the walkway but stopped when she reached the paved circle drive. To her left, the Lincoln Memorial glowed like a lantern as its light reached out into the surrounding darkness.
The senator said to meet him inside the Lincoln Memorial at 10:00 p.m. in the Second Inaugural Address chamber. And he’d emphasized that they shouldn’t be seen together. For his sake or hers? After reading the text message, maybe for both.
Most of the tourists out tonight had headed toward the African jazz concert near the east end of the mall, leaving the memorial nearly deserted. When KC strode ahead, the lights in front of the temple-like structure seemed to expose her like a spotlight hitting a performer on a stage. The sense of vulnerability sent her trotting up the steps to the protection of the memorial’s walls.
Inside the large chamber, two women stood in soft conversation beneath Lincoln’s left knee.
Time to play the role of a tourist, pretending to be transfixed by the magnificent sculpture. That wasn’t difficult. Even with her apprehension, how could she not be awestruck by this statue of the great man?
KC looked up and studied Lincoln's face. His eyes held a sad, pensive look, an expression that would be sadder still if he had suspected a man like Abe Hannan would someday hold the highest office in the land.
Would KC's life end like Lincoln’s, with a bullet through the back of her head?
Something moved on her right. KC spun toward it.
A bald head ringed with silver hair stuck out from behind one of the large pillars. Senator Richards.
She released the breath she’d been holding. Maybe the senator’s answers would end her role in this drama that had intensified from mysterious to threatening over the past several hours.
He motioned toward the back wall of the chamber where spot lighting illumined the inaugural address engraved on the wall.
KC walked into the chamber and headed toward the figure of an eagle, where the senator had stopped beside the stone bench lining the wall. She read the six words directly above Senator Richards’s head, “… for the widow and his orphan …”
Orphan … that would be KC.
When she stopped near him, the smile that normally appeared when she visited the senator’s office had been replaced by pursed, pale lips.
“KC, you called my office several times and left four messages. You shouldn’t do that. It’s a dead giveaway that you’re raising sensitive issues.” His steel-blue eyes pierced her with an icy stare.
What was that about? She was the one with the upsetting news. “Senator, I didn’t reveal anything about—”
“Just don’t do it again.” He sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry. But, I think my phones are being monitored. And there are other suspicious things happening.”
Suspicious? That was putting it mildly. “Senator Richards … you’ve helped me so much since my parents died but, tonight, I really need your help.”
“What’s the Defense Information Systems Agency up to now?”
“It’s not DISA. It’s Hannan. He may be targeting me.”
“The president targeting you? He wouldn’t have you fired, unless the man’s an idiot. Sometimes I wonder about—what does your supervisor, Major Grieve, say?”
“Sir, I think POTUS might have more than firing in mind. Maybe … eliminating.”
“That’s absurd. What could you have possibly done to—no. Even Hannan, scoundrel that he is, doesn’t go around murdering people.”
“But he does tap into the classified networks in the DUCC … from his private study.”
“And how would a DISA recruit, fresh out of school, know that? Besides, you work under the West Wing, not in it.”
How would she know? The back of her neck grew hot, the precursor to an eruption. “I’m twenty-one. And, if you’ll recall, I graduated top of my class with a masters from MIT, and hired in well above starting grade. You ought to know, senator.
You helped me get the job.” KC’s red hair and temper were getting the better of her. She needed to keep it down. Senator Richards had always seemed like a kind, friendly man. She’d never seen him so agitated and hostile.
He stepped close to KC. The blue bags under his eyes, and deeper wrinkles at their corners, made him look like he’d aged several years since she saw him last month. The senator lowered his voice. “You need to tell me what led to your suspicions.”
“That’s what I was trying to do.” She took a calming breath and tried to speak more softly. “Last night, while I was monitoring networks, we had an apparent cyberattack.”
“On the classified defense networks?” His eyebrows rose. “That’s darned near impossible.”
“That’s what I’ve always thought. Well, it turned out to be an exercise, or so I was told by Major Grieve. I trapped the malicious data packets and checked out the network configuration of the impacted subnet to see if we were okay. That’s when I saw a new machine connected to the router.”
“So you stopped the attack. But a new machine on the classified networks … wouldn’t you have known about that? Shouldn’t it be part of standard procedures to notify your group?”
“Yes. That’s why I made the effort to identify the machine. It matched the fingerprint of the laptop in the president’s private study.”
“But that’s outside your area of responsibility. The WHCA should—”
“The White House Communications Agency is where I got the fingerprint database. A certain young man who works for them gave it to me. And don’t look at me like that. It’s not classified information.”