Decay: Book 4 in the Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Survival Series: (Flashpoint - Book 4) by Tara Ellis & Mike Kraus

Author:Tara Ellis & Mike Kraus [Ellis, Tara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Muonic Press Inc
Published: 2019-12-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

JAMES

Master Sergeant, US Marines, 1st Force Reconnaissance

Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado

The ticking of the clock seemed abnormally loud. James refused to look at it, and it took all of his self-control not to shift uncomfortably in the leather chair. He hadn’t noticed the tick-tick-tick of the old-style mechanism the last time he’d been in General Montgomery’s office, but it was probably because he’d been distracted. Or, perhaps the air units that shut off as he entered had been running during the past meeting, drowning the smaller noise out.

More than likely, it was because the general was staring silently at James. Montgomery’s attention hadn’t wavered for a good two minutes, so that James became acutely aware of everything around them. Such as a fluorescent light over the table in the room behind him that was flickering. There was also a low, resonant vibration in the granite floor that James could feel in his feet, and a piece of red yarn had come loose from a tack on the general’s giant map. It hung just inside James’s view and was moving slightly from a current of air he couldn’t feel.

He was having a hard time determining the mood of the general, which James found very disconcerting. He was normally an excellent judge of people and their demeanors. Montgomery was certainly paler since he’d last seen him four days earlier. He might have even lost a few pounds, though his starched uniform made it difficult to tell. He was perfectly still, aside from the index finger of his left hand, which was making small, quick movements on top of the desk, almost like he was scratching at the wood.

Unable to stop himself, James shifted his eyes to look more closely at the motion. Montgomery’s hand froze and he cleared his throat, leading James to believe the general hadn’t even been aware he was doing it.

“I didn’t realize that 1st Force Reconnaissance had a problem following orders.” The general’s voice was level and free of irritation, but the allegation was clear nonetheless.

“Sir?” James was honestly surprised by the remark.

“I thought it was made clear that there were to be no other packages taken with the asset.”

James stared at General Montgomery for a moment as he processed the statement. He had an internal battle between soldier and father as he grasped that the little girl was being referred to in such a manner. “The child is the doctor’s granddaughter,” James said carefully, being sure not to allow any emotions to show. “I… used her as leverage, sir, to prevent an unnecessary conflict.”

Montgomery picked up a pen and began tapping it, his eyes narrowing. “Yes. I read the report. I’m aware of your justifications, and while I can appreciate a certain level of ingenuity in the field, I still expect you to adhere to standing orders. They are not a guideline. I need to make sure you’re clear on that before you leave on your next mission.”

“Crystal.” James noticed the general’s eyes narrowing further. “Sir.”

“Have you been

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