Chapter 11 - Lena Orders The Entire Table To Clear Out
Inside my armored SUV, the secure screens flashed red as data streams poured in from naval operations in Norfolk.
I tapped the screen, bringing up the strategic tactical display of the Atlantic coastline.
“General Vance, contact the base commander at Fort Story,” I ordered crisply over the vehicle's interior speakers.
“Tell him to initiate a perimeter sweep of Sector 4 immediately. No civilian entry until further notice.”
“Understood, Ma’am,” Vance replied, picking up a secure hand-mic to relay the command.
I tapped my earpiece again.
“Command, this is Carter. I want a full lockdown on all external data channels coming out of the regional hospitality sector tonight.”
“Understood, General. Are we wiping local traffic?”
“Negative,” I replied.
“Just ensure no media recording devices were active near my private dining location.”
“I don't want my family’s embarrassment becoming a public distraction for the department.”
Even after everything they had said to me, my instincts were still wired to protect them from the fallout of their own actions.
That was the burden of real leadership—you take care of people who don't even realize they need taking care of.
May you like
The motorcade accelerated down the interstate, the black vehicles cutting through the Virginia night toward the secure military airfield.
Behind me, the restaurant faded into the distance, taking with it the last remnants of my willingness to play the quiet, invisible daughter.
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