Page 119 of A Choreographed Coup

“Easy. There were too many witnesses in the VIP tent at the concert to scrub those links. Instead, I constructed a plausible backstory linking Cleo and Laura Lee. It makes it abundantly clear that they parted ways over two decades ago. It makes it look like Cleburne was jealous of Cleo Barnes and hatched this intricate plot out of some form of mental illness.”

The senior-most Hennigan steepled her hands under her chin. Everyone waited to hear what she would say. “We were lucky this time. I don’t like how close we came to losing everything we’ve spent generations building.” She turned to Ms. Brighton. “In your assessment, what changes should be made?”

Ms. Brighton let out a breath. From the look on her face, Dr. Hennigan could tell the other woman knew this question was coming, but she still wasn’t happy to be asked.

“I am concerned that Elizabeth Cleburne survived liquidation. I believe we need to reconsider our protocols for internal asset liquidation to ensure such an incident never reoccurs. I also worry about the exposure this whole incident had on The Foundation. Norms that have lasted the organization for over a hundred years were violated.” Before Dr. Hennigan could protest, she added, “But I don’t think these were necessarily a bad thing. We’ve been insular for a long time. The world is changing. I think we must adapt.”

Sara Hennigan took in the information. The older woman took a sip of her tea. “I’m afraid I agree with your assessment, Ms. Brighton. The Foundation does not exist in the same world our predecessors created. Being an old woman, I’m not fond of change. However, for The Foundation to maintain its relevance, we must adapt.” There was a pause before she asked, “Anything else?”

“I’ve connected Lizzy to several of The Foundation’s previous operations,” said Ms. Wilson. “The Houston convoy attack has now been blamed on the CLA.”

“And Sarah Murphy?” Hennigan asked, her tone cautious.

“We’ve provided her with sufficient leads in Houston to keep her busy for a few years,” Ms. Wilson replied. “She’s not an immediate concern. She’s been permanently appointed to the Houston Field Office.”

“What about the young men you continuously involve in our affairs?” Deborah asked.

“They are dealing well, considering,” Hennigan said. “Their assigned therapist is one of ours. We are keeping tabs on them.”

The conversation lulled as the women sat in silence, sipping their tea. Finally, Sara looked at the group. “We can’t end this meeting without discussing the elephant in the room. Who funded this? The CLA didn’t have the capital to do this alone.”

Ms. Wilson cleared her throat. “We cannot confirm, but certain indications are pointing to the Aegis Concorda,” Ms. Wilson stated, her voice steady.

Sara Hennigan scoffed, a sharp, almost bitter sound. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“Chatter suggests otherwise,” Ms. Wilson replied, meeting Sara’s fierce gaze head-on. “They’ve set their sights on US territory.”

The matriarch’s eyes hardened. “Then we shall take the fight to them.” The words resonated in the silent room, setting the course for what would come. The battle lines were drawn.