Free Stricken Resolve by S.K. Logsdon Page B

be extracted at intervals to
protect from possible detonation, including but not limited to
terrorist acts of war.’
    I finish the rest of the document, sitting in
moving silence as only the tires on the pavement sound. I can hear
both of them breathing but they’ve done the correct thing and kept
their mouths locked tight. With the tension building in my body, I
feel like a dang rubber band. I might snap at any moment. This
isn’t like me at all. But what can I expect when you take me from
the only person who means everything to me. To inevitably shack up
with another, thanks to government protocol and no contact can be
made until my duty has been fulfilled. It’s stated clearly in this
document. Yet, the only thing they don’t seem to outline is the why .
    “ Why … are they bringing me in?” I
clear my throat. “Excuse me, us in.” I try to sound
reasonably calm. I don’t think I’m succeeding. I can feel the
muscles in my neck bulging and my jaw is clenched so tightly I
might chip a tooth. My fingers are gripping the papers firmly as I
attempt to control my breathing. I can feel my inherent
self-control fading fast.
    “The government. Actually, the president
himself is in need of the proper codes to test some of the world’s
most dangerous nuclear warheads and other important matters. Things
of which, even someone with such high clearances as yourself, is
not ranked high enough to warrant such information,” Brewer answers
forwardly, without an ounce of insolence.
    “In layman’s terms, it’s above my pay grade,”
I tack on snidely.
    “Precisely. All I can tell you is we are
going to the Pentagon tomorrow to start your initial paperwork for
induction fully into the program. At that time, you two will be
given a place to house, an assignment to complete alongside your
safe link extraction duties. You will be given a new cell phone, a
new identity for the time you serve with us, as well as all the
provisions and comforts needed to live as a stable married couple
for the duration of this job. After the completion, you will be
allowed to return to your former lives or take up another
assignment with us. The choice will be up to you both,” he
explains, speaking to us both. Sergeant Gonzales just keeps staring
at me out of the corner of her eye. I don’t think she’s looked
anywhere else since I’ve entered this car. Am I that intimidating?
Emily’s always said I scare… how does she put it? The bejesus out of everyone. Something about my dark clothing,
the way I carry myself and my guns. Although she swore it was one
of the sexiest qualities about me. Sexy? Ha—I never thought I’d
hear my name and that word used in the same sentence. Quiet,
reserved, strong, brooding, self-controlled...yes, those are some
words that resonate with me. But sexy or handsome and especially
perfect would never come into context when I think about who I am.
But apparently my woman views me differently. One of the reasons
why I am so deeply in love with her.
    I ride in silence and lean my head back,
closing my eyes as my two fellow ride-alongs causally carry on a
conversation which I ignore.
    I allow my mind to drift into the past,
trying to kick this constant aching in my chest. I knew leaving her
would do this to me; I just never thought it would affect me this
intensely. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear I’m on the verge
of a serious cardiac episode.
    The first time I spotted Emily was at the
Vegas concert for Stricken. Stacy, her best friend and road
manager. Well, let’s face it— he’s what keeps the band afloat. I’ve
always done the babysitting and he corrals the rest. Anyhow, he
informed me he was bringing Emily on part-time as the co-manager.
Something about his mom being ill and he needed the help. I wasn’t
going to argue. Although I did have my own internal reservations
considering the poor Indiana born and bred woman would have to
endure countless hours of potent male testosterone. Which