Free The Secret Weapon by Bridget Denise Bundy

accusation.”
    “Ridiculous! Why didn’t you tell the judge who actually did it? ”
    “Because I had to protect the operative, Coraset,” Xavier explained.
    “And what about me,” Coraset asked as she pointed a finger at herself.
    “I took care of you. I made sure you were looked after while you were in there.”
    “I was nearly raped twice, Xavier!” Coraset stepped away from him in disgust. “That’s a hell of a way to look after me!”
    “I’m very sorry you had to go through that, but I worked hard to keep you alive. The warden wanted you dead. Lea wanted you dead, but I wouldn’t allow it. I saved you.”
    She chuckled and remarked, “No, you didn’t.”
    Xavier exhaled in aggravation. He wanted so much to move on from the subject. He remarked, “I know you’re mad, but there are more pressing matters. I need your help.”
    “ You got some nerve, Xavier.” Her voice shook from her anger, “I’m not going to help you.”
    “ Will you let me say my peace before you make your final decision?”
    “No,” Coraset started for the exit.
    “Then listen to me instead,” A feminine voice stated from a darkened corner.
    Coraset turned back towards the unfamiliar voice. She glanced at Xavier with uncertainty as she gripped the gun tighter. A woman stepped from the shadows. She was statuesque and blonde. Coraset thought she looked familiar. She couldn’t place where she saw the woman before.
    “Who are you?” Coraset asked as she kept her distance.
    “Malie Levendro,” she answered.
    Coraset finally recognized her. She was the woman from the elevator the day she was arrested. She’d seen her many times going home or going to work. They never spoke. Malie didn’t look so harsh this time. She presented herself with an easy smile and a welcoming demeanor.
    “Coraset, Malie is my assistant.”
    She stared at Xavier uncertain about the woman’s presence and intentions .
    “ Why don’t we all have a seat in the conference room?” Malie slim hands waved towards a door near the large fireplace.
    “No ,” Coraset plainly stated.
    Malie’s voice was determined as she spoke, “Coraset-”
    “I’m . Not. Interested.”
    “Would you be interested if I said you helped spread the virus?”
    “Malie,” Xavier exclaimed as he cut his eyes at her disapprovingly.
    Coraset looked at her like she was losing her mind and asked, “What did you just say?”
    “I didn’t stutter.” Malie answered smartly.
    Coraset started for Malie, and Xavier blocked her by grabbing both of her arms. She pushed away and pointed the gun at Xavier’s head. At that moment Coraset heard numerous clicking of rifles coming from unseen places in the room. Laser lights appeared one at a time and were being aimed at her. Ten men in black combat uniforms were moving towards her at a fast pace. Her heart raced as she watched the men surround them all.
    Several d ark pupils focused directly on Coraset, and with a single motion, she spread her arms out letting the pistol hang on her fingers. One man approached her quickly and snatched the gun away.
    “That’s all I want you to do is hear us out, Coraset, please.” Malie stated in a calm manner.
    “Well, I guess I don’t have a choice now,” Coraset remarked.
    Malie led Coraset and Xavier towards the door near the fireplace. Two members of the team followed behind them. They went down a short corridor, and Malie opened another door to a rectangular room. In the center was an empty oval wooden table and on the wall was a large flat screen television. Coraset sat down in the nearest chair, and the two men stood behind her on either side. They held their weapons diagonally across their bodies, with their feet shoulder width apart. Xavier sat on the long side of the table close to Coraset, and Malie remained standing. Malie pressed an invisible button on the bottom of the television.
    Chancellor Katherine Erato appeared on the screen. She was a woman with white hair curled sensibly