Chapter 4 - THE UNLOCKINGVance reached into his pocket, pulled out the heavy master electronic key fob, and practically sprinted down the corridor to Cell Three.
The electronic lock buzzed with a sharp green flash.
The heavy steel door swung open.
I didn't rush. I slowly stood up from the steel bench, smoothing down the front of my slacks, adjusting the collar of my blouse, and stepping calmly out of the cell. I looked down at Corporal Brandt, who was now trembling so violently he looked like he might throw up right there on the linoleum floor.
"Good morning, Corporal," I said, my voice smooth, even, and devoid of anger. Just professional. The kind of quiet authority that terrifies subordinates far more than screaming ever could. "You were thorough. I’ll give you that. You secured the perimeter against what you perceived as an unauthorized entry."
Brandt swallowed hard, tears of sheer panic welling in his eyes. "Ma’am... I am so... I didn't know... my training protocol—"
"Your training protocol includes verifying identity before detaining senior command personnel," I replied evenly. "Instead, you let personal bias and a system error override basic military courtesy. You assumed because I wasn't wearing dress blues or traveling in a convoy that I couldn't possibly be who I said I was."
I turned my gaze slightly toward my brother.
May you like
Glenn was pressed flat against the concrete pillar, his mouth slightly open, staring at me as if I had suddenly grown a second head. All the years of snide remarks, condescending dinner-table lectures, and backyard teasing seemed to have evaporated from his brain, replaced by the crushing reality of what was standing right in front of him.
"Viv..." Glenn whispered, his voice small, pathetic, and utterly hollow. "Vivi... I didn't... how were we supposed to know? You never told us you made General..."
