Unexpected Ultimatum (Unplanned Princess Book 6) by Michael Anderle

Author:Michael Anderle [Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2021-08-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Karl wasn’t sure what to expect when he and Zaena got into the back of the SUV. Two other agents he didn’t recognize sat up front. Neither bothered to turn around. An open laptop rested on the console between the two front seats.

Death by PowerPoint?

The two new agents stepped out of the SUV as Agents Lyle and Waves closed the doors. The laptop screen turned on to reveal a gorgeous dark-haired woman in blue glasses. She sat behind a desk, wearing a cool expression. The last woman he’d met who was that beautiful was Zaena.

“Good evening,” the woman began in a calm voice. “It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintances. I would have also asked to speak with Miss Kwan, but given some of her past experiences, I didn’t want to intimidate her. I also suspect you two are more responsible for what we’ll call field operations.”

“That’s all well and good,” Karl replied. “Who the hell are you?”

“You’re a rude one, aren’t you, Mr. Smith?” Her expression and tone of voice didn’t change.

“I’ve been called a lot worse. If a conversation doesn’t end with someone shooting me, I figure I’m doing pretty damned good.”

Zaena narrowed her eyes. “Initiating a conversation when we don’t know who you are is ruder. You already know Karl and me. I’ll ask you to identify yourself.”

The woman’s mouth twitched, but she didn’t frown or smile. “You make a valid point, Princess Zaena. My name is Selene D’Arcy. I’m an aide to the Secretary of Defense, but most important, I’m currently responsible for managing all matters in the US government involving magical and elf-related occurrences. In other words—”

“You’re the boss of Lyle and Waves,” Karl interrupted. He wasn’t a master of conversation, but he didn’t want Selene to control the flow of their discussion.

“Yes,” she replied. “I hope you’re satisfied with speaking with me rather than the Secretary of Defense. In practical terms, it makes more sense to talk to me. For many reasons, we need this matter compartmentalized while providing plausible deniability.”

“I have no worries about speaking to you, Miss D’Arcy,” Zaena replied. “I presume you have the authority to speak for your government on all matters of immediate concern.”

Selene looked annoyed but then reverted to her cooler and blander demeanor. “I won’t be negotiating any formal treaties between the government and the elven tribes, but your assessment is correct. I have far more authority than the agents you’ve been dealing with. I’ve been given great latitude to accomplish my mandate.”

Karl crossed his arms. He didn’t like how things were unfolding. D’Arcy could be anywhere. She didn’t trust them enough to sit down and look them in the eye. She could threaten them without any risk to herself.

“I should move things along,” Selene commented.

“That’d be nice,” Karl replied. “You’re the one who ordered us out here in the middle of the night.”

“Princess, I’m pleased that you felt comfortable enough with my agents to share additional information about your people and your goals. That

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