Dissident by Cecilia London Read Free Book Online Page A

going on?” Maureen asked. “And where have you been?”
    “Texas seceded. Earlier this morning.”
    Her jaw dropped. “You’re kidding. Tell me you’re kidding.”
    “Haven’t you been paying attention lately?”
    “Bill, I grew up in Texas, remember? All sorts of crazy people talk about secession down there. It happens every couple of years, depending on who’s in the Governor’s Mansion and who’s trying to be the most conservative Republican primary candidate. Are you sure you didn’t misinterpret something?”
    “I didn’t misinterpret anything. The legislature voted. The Governor concurs. There’s going to be a popular referendum in two weeks, but the polls indicate that Texans are willing to cut ties with the United States in overwhelming numbers. Regardless of political affiliation.”
    “Just like California,” Maureen murmured.
    “I know,” Ted said grimly. “I’ve heard rumors that President Santos is going to let them leave on the condition that they allow all American troops and government employees to leave peacefully.”
    Maureen wasn’t totally in tune with her roots, but her memory was long. The Texas Legislature only met every two years. “The Lege did this? They’re not even in session right now.”
    “Looks like they decided to make a special trip to Austin.”
    She froze as the pieces came together in her head, and sprang out of her chair. “I have to call Aimee.”
    Bill grabbed her arm. “Have you checked on Ms. Gerard today?”
    “Not yet.” She hesitated. “Is there any cause for concern?”
    “I don’t think so. Make sure she’s comfortable. How often are the nurses popping into her room?”
    “Once every couple of hours, I guess.”
    “Make it every hour. And you do the same, if you have the time.”
    Maureen frowned. That request was overly cautious, even for him. “What’s going on, Bill? She’s only been here a few days.”
    Bill lowered his voice. “They’re breathing down my neck. That’s why I was late. I gave them some bullshit about needing to keep her here another week or so. But they’re going to get restless the longer this goes on.”
    He glanced back at the TV screen, where two pundits were quarreling loudly about whether or not Texas leaving the United States would cause any real damage, economic or otherwise. They were both making the same tired, predictable partisan arguments, except there was a palpable cautiousness in their tone. And a noticeable lack of criticism of the Santos Administration.
    Maureen rubbed her eyes. “This is bad, isn’t it?”
    “Can’t see how it could get much worse.” Bill kept his voice low. “There have been rumblings about insurrection out in California. Who knows if there’s anything to it. I’d be shocked if Santos let them go just to have them rise up, though.”
    “Shit. I really need to call Aimee.”
    Bill cleared his throat. “Be careful what you say.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “You heard me.” He dropped his voice even further. “Don’t get too personal.”
    “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
    Bill leaned in closer toward Maureen. “I got the distinct impression after speaking with our nice friends over at INSCOM that our conversations may not be private.”
    “Any of them? I declined a government cell. I have my own phone.”
    “Lower your voice, Maureen. You think they can’t get a wiretap on your personal phone? Come on. How do you think they found out what Representative Gerard was doing?”
    The room suddenly seemed chilly. There were a lot of things Maureen hadn’t wanted to think about lately and Bill was doing his best to make sure they were in the front of her mind.
    “What was she doing?” she asked.
    She hadn’t bothered asking too many questions when Gerard had been admitted to the hospital. Hadn’t even recognized her the first time she’d seen her. The sight of the woman’s beaten and bloodied face had almost made her sick. That hadn’t ever happened, not even