The Crimson Fall (The Sons of Liberty Book 1) Read Free Page B

speaker,” Joe said firmly.
    Surprised by Joe’s tone, Adam motioned with his free hand again and disconnected the truck’s speakerphone.
    “Okay, you big grump. You’re off speaker. What’s up? Upset about bailing on vacation with the family?”
    Joe was silent for about ten seconds, with only the stifled sounds of a turn signal and an unusually harsh curse from his older brother as he yelled for someone to hurry up. Finally, Joe spoke again.
    “Sorry, I’m scrambling out here,” he said. “I need you to meet me in Raleigh tomorrow.”
    Adam couldn’t help but laugh.
    “Funny,” he said plainly.
    “I’m not kidding, Adam.”
    “What do you mean you’re not kidding?” Adam borderline shouted. “You’re crazy if you think I can leave now. Do you know what Sarah would do to me if I left? We’ve been planning this for—”
    “Damn it, Adam, just do it!” Joe broke in harshly.
    Startled, Adam wasn’t sure how to respond. His first inclination was to berate his brother and tell him all the reasons why he wouldn’t go. But Adam had never before heard anger or fear like this in his brother’s voice. He knew something was wrong.
    “What happened?” Adam asked.
    “I don’t have time to explain. I’m not even sure I understand it all myself. I didn’t want you to get involved but I have no other choice. Just promise me you will be there tomorrow night by eight. And don’t say or mention anything to anyone. Especially the FBI or anyone else in government. It doesn’t matter what the laws are. You and I both know they’re already listening.” Joe paused for another moment before clearing his throat loudly. “I love you, Adam.”
    “Joe, I’m not going to—”
    The line clicked.
    He tried calling back, but it wouldn’t go through. Adam couldn’t think of another time when Joe had told him he loved him at the end of a call. Worry and questions flooded him. What had Joe gotten himself into? Was he in danger? What did he mean about the FBI and government? Fear had gripped Joe in a way Adam had not ever heard nor seen in his brother. Sure, he had told his brother no, but even as he had spoken the words, he knew he would be there for him the following day. After a few moments, Adam realized Judah was trying to talk to him.
    “What’s wrong with Uncle Joe, Dad?”
    Adam tried to think of something he could say to reassure him, but he knew as well as Judah that something was indeed wrong. “Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s nothing too serious,” he lied. “You know how Joe likes to joke.”
    “He didn’t sound like he was kidding.”
    “Well, whatever it is I’m sure I can ask him when I see him tomorrow.”
    “He’s coming here?” Judah asked excitedly.
    “Damn it, Judah, just let me think for a minute!” Adam shouted. “And no, he’s not. I’m going to go there.”
    “North Carolina? You can’t leave now! I thought you had the whole week off?”
    “Son,” Adam said, “your dad is a congressman and your Uncle Joe is a senator. We never get the week off.”
    An hour passed with little talk between the two as they rode in silence toward the ranch. Judah answered any further attempt Adam made to start a conversation with one or two word answers at best. As much as Adam wanted to spend his time getting closer to Judah and figuring out a way to convince him that he was sorry for his harsh words, Adam didn’t mind the silence. He was too wrapped up in thinking about the phone call to hold a conversation, and he didn’t think he could concentrate even if Judah had wanted to talk.
    The sun had already turned the wispy clouds to red, and long shadows were stretching far across the wide valley by the time they had reached the ranch. The home at the end of the long dirt road was an old-fashioned craftsman situated twenty minutes outside of Durango, Colorado. It had been built years ago to replace the log home that had been in the family for generations. At the age of eight, Adam had