A Specter and an Invasion (Legacy of the Lost Book 3) by M. D. Cooper & Chris J. Pike & Jill Cooper

Author:M. D. Cooper & Chris J. Pike & Jill Cooper [Cooper, M. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sort4
Publisher: The Wooden Pen Press
Published: 2021-08-04T16:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

I lean against the desk and play with a metal paperweight to kill time.

I wonder what Finley is saying to Dr. Wash.

I also wonder how much trouble I’m in.

<Maybe you won’t end up in as much trouble as you think. Finley is usually reasonable. I know his behavior has been erratic lately…. Well, I guess maybe you really are in a lot of trouble, aren’t you?>

“Thanks a lot for your emotional support,” I smile wryly.

<I’m keeping it real. I’ll be here all week. Try the fish!>

“This is you being on my side, right?”

<Of course, Claire,> Isabella responds seriously. <We’re as close as a team can get. I was just aiming to lighten the mood.>

“I know. I’m sorry.”

A few seconds tick by.

<For everything we’ve done the last three years, and all the tough situations we’ve been in, I’ve never felt like you completely trust me,> Isabella admits. <You never talk about Annabelle, but I know it must be hard. I’m not her. I promise you.>

She’s never brought this up before, and honestly, I hoped we’d never have this talk.

I swallow hard. “I know you’re not her. I’m sorry. I should be over it by now, but you’re right. It is hard. But I know we’re free, and she isn’t. I should learn to just let it go.”

<It’s a process for humans. I get that. I’m here for you if you need me. I am on your side.>

I appreciate the gesture and say as much as the door opens and Finley walks in.

I hop off the table and stand to attention. “Sir, I hope your talk with Dr. Wash brought good results.”

“It did, he’ll be working with us. But that’s not what I’m here about.”

It’s not?

“Sir?”

He takes a deep breath and tugs on the sleeves of his blazer. “I had a rather interesting phone call today from Admiral Banks of the UA fleet. It appears he’s been getting information from you that I considered to be…between us.”

“You said you were going to inform the military, and it was information he needed to know. The fleet must be ready for an invasion. Not only that, but our ground troops need to prepare as well, just in case. I know you like the narrative of all of your troubles coming from domestic terrorism, but it’s a lie, sir. And it’ll damage the entire UA if you’re not careful. Earth itself is at risk.”

Finley huffs out a breath. “I thought you were on my side.”

“I am, but this time, you’re just wrong. I’m sorry, sir. We must protect the planet first…and to do that, we have to tell the truth. It isn’t just about your legacy as founder of the UA.”

“I would never do anything that harms the UA or her citizens. Do you know how much of my life I have dedicated to politics? To being a public servant?”

I shake my head. “I know you’ve had a grand career. But I also know you’ve cut corners. Does the name Amanda Coldwell mean anything to you?”

Finley’s complexion goes white as a sheet.

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