Free Paradise Hacked (First Circle Club Book 2) by Alex Siegel

posing as Illinois State Police are investigating us. They may be trying to hack into our computers. We can't figure out who they really are. The strangest part is at least one of them has some kind of mind-control power, although I'm a bit doubtful of that."
    Harlow's eyes widened.
    "Here are some pictures." Knox handed over the printouts.
    Harlow stared at the pictures intently.
    "I can tell from that squirrely look in your eyes that you know something."
    "I might, sir," Harlow said. "My source warned me we might run into resistance. These might be aliens put on Earth to guard the portal."
    "Are you kidding?" Knox said angrily. "Why didn't you mention this until now?"
    "I didn't want to raise the alarm until there was some real evidence."
    Knox was furious. He was very weary of Harlow's mysterious "source" revealing crucial facts at dramatic moments. Knox was certain important information was still being withheld, and that could get people killed.
    He restrained his temper with difficulty. "I hope you realize what you're saying. If aliens are on Earth, then this isn't a simple research project anymore. It's a matter of national security, even global security! The President has to be told."
    "Calm down. If they are aliens, they've been here a long time and haven't caused any harm to humanity. If not, we're getting excited about nothing. And if we start crying wolf, the big wheels in Washington will take this project away from us. We'll become little more than consultants. Neither of us want that." Harlow took another look at the pictures. "You have a whole bunch of Special Forces operatives to work with, the best of the best, right? I recommend you quietly capture the aliens. Make sure they actually are aliens before putting your neck on the line. If we deal with this on our own, it could be very good for us."
    Knox saw the wisdom in Harlow's suggestion. The Army rewarded people who solved problems instead of just complaining about them. Bagging three aliens would enhance Knox's stature and reputation enormously. He would likely get a promotion out of it. If the fake state troopers turned out to be ordinary human spies, he could also turn that to his advantage.
    "And of course," Harlow added, "there is no reason to tell Ms. Penn about this. She would just blow it all out of proportion."
    "Agreed," Knox said. "Is there anything else I need to know before I go?"
    "Not that I'm aware of, sir. Just be careful."
    "One day I'll find out who your source is."
    "We'll discuss it after the operation is a success," Harlow said.
    "I could force you to talk. Maybe I should, considering what is at stake."
    Harlow swallowed. "That would have very negative consequences, sir. You would lose the portal."
    "According to your source again?"
    "Uh, yes, sir. I'm the key to this mission. My source won't deal with anybody else."
    "This is disappointing," Knox said. "I can't believe you're holding out on me after all I've done for you. I gave you a job when nobody else would. I was the only commander willing to overlook your... unfortunate past. The men still mutter about you behind your back."
    Knox hated depending on a conniving weakling like Harlow, but without him, the project would fail, and Knox hated failure even worse. He just had to play the hand he had been dealt.
    Harlow lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry for your distress, but my source is very particular about how this matter should be handled."
    "There will be a reckoning." Knox pointed his finger. "Mark my words."
    He stomped out of the basement.
    * * *
    Harlow sighed with relief after his commander left. The situation was getting messy. Lies were piling on top of lies.
    The pictures were still in Harlow's hand, and he took another look. One showed a beefy man with wavy brown hair. The man in the second picture was older, thinner, and seemingly wiser. The last picture showed a skinny woman with hazel eyes.
    Harlow knew they weren't really aliens. They were most likely the dangerous