Page 196 of Reverie
“Earlier this morning, the network received an exclusive first announcement of the death of presidential hopeful Morris Winthrope. Mr.Winthrope’s untimely death is clearly shocking in its own right, but the reasons behind his departure from this world are downright horrifying.”
“That’s right, Addison. Earlier today, we received reports that Morris Winthrope, candidate for the president of the United States, died from a self-inflicted injury in a murder-suicide plot.”
I suck in a breath at the news, but the rest of the group is still as we all stare at the screen, transfixed.
“This is simply shocking news, but what’s even more stunning is the information coming to light about Mr.Winthrope. I recommend that you escort children from the area if you have them in the room with you.”
Addison pauses again, and the camera switches as she turns in her seat dramatically.
“We have exclusive, first-view access to a letter written by Morris Winthrope detailing the torrid affair and grooming he enacted on his daughter, Blair Winthrope. In the letter, he also admits to murdering Blair in a fit of jealous rage surroundingher engagement to Hunter Brigham. Additionally, we have learned from key sources that said engagement was broken off months ago, but to save Blair’s character, the Brigham camp chose not to announce the separation publicly.”
The male correspondent stares at the camera, nodding every few words as Addison speaks.
“These are truly appalling revelations, but that’s not the end of it. In the letter, Morris Winthrope admitted to orchestrating the Chevy Chase bombings as part of his revenge plan against Hunter Brigham. I have to tell you, Addison, I am not a psychological expert, but these seem like the words and actions of a madman.”
Addison nods. “This is a developing story, and as we get more news, you can be sure that you’ll hear the latest here first.”
“Addison, I will?—”
Misha turns off the television and spins in the captain’s chair to face Hunter.
“Max did good, right?” Luna says with pride in her voice.
I realize that I’ve been staring with my mouth open when I snap it shut. “Wait, Max planted all of that?”
Leo nods. “Yep. And with no one around to refute it…” He lifts his hands, shrugging. “We get to control the narrative.”
Giddiness swells in my chest. I sink into a chair, stunned.
This is…huge. By all measures, Hunter’s name is clear. Sure, there are still some loose ends to tie up, but the big stuff?
We’re controlling the narrative.
“What about The Architect?” Hunter says, looking at Misha and Luna.
The two share a long look, but it’s Misha who speaks.
“We’re still looking for them. Many things are at risk right now with The Legion, but we’ve put the heat on them. With how things are positioned, they won’t be able to make a move right this second, but by the time this dies down, we’ll be close tocatching The Architect and rounding them all up. We’ll go back to Isla Cara and search the island. There’s something there that will lead us to The Architect. I just know it.”
Misha’s face is serious, intense.
Luna nods along with everything he says.
I inhale, holding my breath to the count of three before releasing it.
This is good.
This is…great.
We can live, even if it’s just for now.
“Go rest, Winter. You too, Hunter,” Luna says, her voice soft. “There will be more to do tomorrow, but for now, be at peace.”
Rest. Peace. We can have that now.
“I think we’ll do that,” Hunter says, his voice thick. I rise from my chair, and together, he and I move toward the back. I pause, turning on my heel to take in the group of people…my family.
“Thank you. Thank you, all,” I say, but I turn to follow Hunter again before any of them can reply.