Read Online Lost Past by Teresa McCullough, Zachary McCullough - Free Book Online

last.
                  “Let me start with drugs,” John said. All the while he was talking, he was aiming at engaging Mason’s support. Eric caught on immediately, but Cara went from being annoyed to understanding. Whenever they took a break, Jun converted the files to DVD’s and flash drives. They had lunch from sandwiches in a cooler, supplied by Eric.              
                  Seven hours later, John was finished. They all picked up their phones and turned them on. Mason started to make a call, but John put his hand on his arm. He was worried that Mason’s call would ruin the carefully laid plans. “I would prefer you not call until everyone is safely away.”
                  “I think you’re being paranoid,” Mason said.
                  “Ten minutes won’t hurt.”
                  “I can send this out immediately and there will be no need for your colleagues’ amateur spy caper.”
                  “Perhaps not,” said John. “But if you’re so sure of what you’re doing, start out with a message saying that this is the only version of the information. Tell them I trust you as a government representative and only told it to you.”
                  “That would be a lie.”
                  “That you are a representative of the government?” When Mason’s face confirmed his status, John continued. “You can correct the lie tomorrow. Or in person as soon as you get there.” He saw that Mason was not convinced. By then, the others had left. “Give it a chance.  If I’m not paranoid, it matters. If I am…” He shrugged.
                  “My duty is to report immediately,” Mason said.
                  “Your duty is to see that the information gets to your boss. How will delaying hurt that?” John’s voice was deliberately soft and persuasive. Mason allowed John to argue with him for eighteen minutes. John felt that was enough. When Mason finally made his call, John thought it was safe. He had to trust that Eric and the others got the information out. He didn’t trust Mason to be discrete about where the information went.
                  As John started for the parking lot, Eric caught up with him, laptop in hand. “Did you delay him?”
                  “Until about a minute ago. Short of using physical force, I couldn’t do more. Why did you invite him?”
                  “Wilson invited him. I think your phone is tapped, and Mason was a compromise. I sent hundreds of people email. Most of the people were notified to download it and send it out again as soon as they got it. Four of them were waiting for it and should have it resent by now. Some of it will be posted on various web sites. Cara is bicycling to…”
                  “Don’t tell me,” John interrupted. “A few days from now, when everyone has the information is soon enough.”
                  “What you don’t know you can’t reveal?” Eric asked.
                  “Exactly.”
                  “I’ll drive you home,” said Eric.
                  “I think not. I think now is the time to run.”
                  “What are you running from?”
                  “I don’t have a clue.” He forced his voice to be cheerful, but he was afraid.              
                  They decided that John should get on an Amtrak train and head for Boston. He could get off anywhere in between and try to disappear. Eric suggested he shave his head, which would alter his appearance. John had forgotten to bring a razor, and they stopped at a drug store to buy one. There was a sign at the cash register saying that they were taking cash only because the network was down. “Yes, and no one’s cell’s working,” the clerk