Rebel Heart

She was at least loyal to Mr. Tim. It was customary to wear the highest rank, and the VP trumped Mr. Tim twice over.

This was no normal government compound, he realized. With the former Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Special Assistant to the VP, not to mention the biofields, electromagnetic fields, and other beefed security measures, the compound at the top of the mountain was a fortress commanded by the President's own right-hand man. A chill swept through him as he realized how significant-and isolated-the command center was.

"Give the woman the keypad," Dan said in amusement, jabbing him in the ribs with an elbow.

Brady blinked, realizing he was staring at her and everyone was staring at him. He hastily reached into his cargo pocket and retrieved the keypad. She snatched it and swept past him, popping it open as she neared a wall covered in a titanium glass screen.

"Happy?" the general called after her.

"Yes, sir."

Brady watched Angel carefully place the keypad into a wall with several others, then secure them behind a thick shield of titanium glass. She lowered the titanium glass and stepped away, tossing the case onto a desk.

"C'mon, boys," the general said, ushering them towards the doors. "I'll take you to the docs."

Brady followed with reluctance, intrigued to meet the woman whose voice had kept him company for several long weeks.

"Lana, walk with us," the general added.

The brunette obeyed, taking her place at his left. Brady's attention instinctively shifted to their surroundings as he sought threats among the quiet surroundings of the secured compound.

"Lana is my right hand. Let her know what you and your men need," the general instructed them. "I gave explicit orders to Savannah that you'd remain with us."

"Yes, sir," Dan said, though Brady heard in his voice he was not happy with the decision.

"I won't subject you to Elise and her insubordinate rabble, but you'll remain with the other army seniors here as my advisors."

Angel fiddled with her mini-computer as she walked. She tapped her earpiece, listened intently, and responded with a few words.

"Florida communications are up," she reported.

Brady opened his mouth to address her before remembering the best he could manage was a croak. Dan glanced towards her.

"What is this, the command center for everything this side of the Mississippi?" Dan joked.

Both Lana and the general turned icy, less-than-impressed looks on him, and for once, Brady was glad he couldn't speak. He'd been about to ask a similar question. Instead, he watched red creep up Dan's face. He jabbed him in the arm, entertained by his unflappable friend's discomfort.