Chapter 8 - The High Command
The drive to the military installation in Groton was silent. The armored vehicle rode smoothly, filtering out the noise of the highway. I sat in the back, holding Grace in my arms while Ethan slept in the carrier beside me.
For the first time in five years, I felt like I could breathe.
When I had married Daniel, I had desperately wanted a normal life. I had wanted a home where the threat of a mortar attack wasn't a daily reality. I had wanted a husband who would complain about the lawn being too long or the milk being expired. I had wanted ordinary.
But I had learned the hard way that ordinary people can be far more vicious than any enemy combatant.
We arrived at the base, the security gates parting instantly as the convoy approached. The guards snapped to attention, saluting the vehicle as we passed.
General Vance escorted me into the command center, where a secure video link had already been established with Washington. On the massive screens, three members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were waiting.
"Colonel Bennett," General core said, his voice deep and authoritative. "We've reviewed the security incident report from Connecticut. We are relieved to hear you and the children are safe. But we need to discuss your future. Your leave of absence is officially over in thirty days. We have a theater of operations in Eastern Europe that requires your specific expertise."
I looked at the screens, then down at my sleeping children.
"With all due respect, General," I said, "my operational priorities have changed. My primary objective is now the security and upbringing of my son and daughter."
The generals on the screen exchanged looks. They knew my value. They knew I had saved lives, intercepted intelligence that prevented national disasters, and commanded soldiers with flawless execution.
"We understand, Colonel," General Vance spoke up, standing beside me. "Which is why we are offering you a transfer to the National War College in Washington. You will serve as the Chief of Tactical Instruction. No deployment. A secure residence on the base. Full military childcare and top-tier security for your family."
I looked at Grace, who had just opened her eyes, her blue gaze fixed on me.
"I accept the transfer, General," I said. "On one condition."
"Name it, Colonel."
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"I want a complete security detail for my children. No one from the Hayes family, including Daniel, is to ever be permitted within five hundred yards of them. If they attempt to make contact, it is to be treated as a high-level security breach."
"Consider it done," the General replied.
