The Man Leaving the ER Was Not the One They Wanted

A shout came from outside. “Elias Mercer!” Not a cop. Someone was calling his name. He looked out and saw Megan Holt by the news truck across the street, pulling an earpiece from her ear and staring at a newly arrived feed. On her monitor, the White House briefing room signal was being switched in. The lower banner read: *Federal response elevated. Targeted infrastructure attack suspected.* In one move, the whole city had been pushed onto national television. Then Megan looked up and made a decision that froze everyone around her. Into the microphone, she said, “If you’re going to cut this livestream, explain why Trevor Hale’s name showed up on a federal transfer list at three this morning.” Elias felt the floor go cold. Transfer list?