The Paris Contagion: A Geopolitical Thriller by CA Farlow

Author:CA Farlow [Farlow, CA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Launch Point Press
Published: 2023-03-14T23:00:00+00:00

Sam was deep into her evaluation of this multipronged problem when a knock sounded on her door. “Come.”

The door swung open, and Grant stuck her head around the edge. “May I have a moment, ma’am?”

“Of course, Grant. What may I do for you?”

Grant perched on the edge of a chair and began to fidget. This was behavior Sam hadn’t seen her self-assured aide ever exhibit. “I, err…”

As Grant struggled, Sam encouraged her to voice what was bothering her. “Out with it. You know I won’t judge.”

“I know, ma’am. It’s just difficult. I don’t want to leave, but at this point I don’t have a choice.”

“Leave? What are you talking about?” This got Sam’s attention. What now? Just when she needed all of Grant’s cyber expertise to look into this new potential threat.

“Remember I received a communique from my uncle over the Christmas holiday?”

Sam folded her hands on top of the thick red folder. “I do,” she said slowly.

“I thought I could ignore it, but now it seems I cannot refuse his request. Certain things are coming to a head for MI6, and I am needed for one of their projects.” Grant looked down.

When she wasn’t forthcoming with more information, Sam prompted her. “Go on.”

“That’s just it. I can’t tell you what I am needed for or what I’ll be doing. I feel as though I am failing you. You have taught me so much. You’ve allowed me to fully explore and utilize my cyber skills. Not being able to tell you why I’m needed elsewhere makes me feel like I am cheating on an examination.” Grant’s words ran together in one rapidly expelled sentence. She fidgeted again, wringing her hands.

“Take it easy. I understand. You’ve left before, when you collected the UDMH samples.” Sam paused to ensure her aide was listening. “You’ve got to realize, Grant, there are things I do and things I work on I can’t share either. It’s often a sticking point between Cassie and me. But it’s part of the job. I understand your responsibilities and duties. You need to do what you need to do. Regardless of what it means to me or our project here. Your ultimate duty lies with the UK and the Queen.” Sam watched the younger woman slowly relax back into her chair. “Will you be able to return?”

“Return?” Grant questioned with a frown.

“Come back here? To Langley?” To me and this potential global nightmare?

Grant seemed taken aback. “You would have me back? If it’s possible, I mean.”

“Without question. Why do you think I wouldn’t want you to return?”

“I never expected you would ask.”

“Don’t diminish the contributions you’ve made on our projects, Grant. You are an invaluable member of this team. Your cyber project is still ongoing and will need your continued expertise.

Grant blushed. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Now, when are you scheduled to leave?”

Grant blushed a deeper shade before answering. “I’ve asked Cynthia, err…Doctor Brockstone, if she would be able to move our planned ski holiday up. If she is, I would like to leave for Colorado by next Friday.

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