Chapter 16 A Secret Signal to Washington
The first rays of pale autumn sunlight broke through the mountain canopy, casting long golden beams across the wooden floorboards of the cabin. Chloe woke up instantly, her maternal instincts hyper-aware of every subtle sound.
Joe sat by the shortwave radio in the corner, his calloused fingers tweaking the frequency dial with practiced precision. Static hissed loudly through the metal speakers before a clear voice finally broke through.
"This is Federal District Office Baltimore, state your encrypted call sign," a crisp, professional voice crackled over the radio waves.
Joe looked over his shoulder at Chloe, nodding encouragingly. Chloe stood up, walking across the room to take the microphone from the old man's steady hands.
"This is Chloe Vance, civilian priority override," Chloe spoke clearly and firmly into the microphone. "I possess authenticated genetic evidence proving corporate homicide and succession fraud."
A heavy silence hung over the radio frequency for several tense seconds. The federal prosecutor on the other end was clearly weighing the immense legal and political implications of her statement.
"Identity confirmed, Ms. Vance," the prosecutor's voice returned, carrying a tone of grave urgency. "Where are you currently located, and do you have physical custody of the documents?"
"I have the original hospital DNA report with the silver wax seal," Chloe replied, her voice ringing with absolute authority. "We are heading to the federal courthouse in Baltimore right now."
"Negative on the courthouse, it's currently compromised by local municipal units on the payroll," the prosecutor warned swiftly. "Meet me at the federal safe house in Annapolis instead. I'll send a secure transport team."
"Understood," Chloe said before releasing the transmit button. She set the microphone down, exhaling a sharp breath of relief.
Mark and Sarah packed their remaining gear into the duffel bags within minutes. Joe tossed the keys to his old Ford pickup truck across the room to Mark.
"Take the old logging trail down to Route 9," Joe instructed, checking his revolver. "It'll bypass every police checkpoint in the county."
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"Thank you, Joe, we owe you our lives," Chloe said sincerely, shaking the old man's calloused hand.
"Just make sure you destroy that monster of a woman," Joe replied with a grim, knowing smile. "America needs fewer tyrants running its institutions."
