Elias’s jaw tightened. ‘We’ll have to tread carefully. Establishing trust with the locals will be crucial. We need their cooperation if we’re going to root out Kee Ting’s network.’He leaned forward, his gaze intense. ‘This mission requires precision and coordination. We’ll divide the search area into sectors and deploy our teams strategically. Communication will be key – we can’t afford any missteps.’Elias’s eyes swept across the room, meeting each officer’s gaze. ‘Remember, Kee Ting has been responsible for a trail of destruction. It’s our duty to ensure he’s brought to justice.’A hushed silence settled over the room as his words hung in the air.The officers nodded in agreement, their determination evident.‘Let’s get to work,’ Elias declared, his voice firm. ‘We’ll reconvene in six hours with a comprehensive plan of action. This is our chance to strike a significant blow against the cartels and bring peace to these borderlands.’As the officers dispersed, the room buzzed with ac
Elias felt the weight of his responsibility lift slightly, especially after confirming there were no fatalities on their side, then it was replaced by a sense of pride in the men and women who had followed his lead into the heart of danger.But he also knew that the mastermind behind it all—Kee Ting—might still elude them, and the battle against the cartels would continue.Elias checked his watch.It was twelve-fifteen pm.Callie would be taking her lunch break right about now, he thought with a smile.Walking back to his tent, he reached for his phone.***Callie wiped away her tears and got up from the bench, ready to head back into work.She couldn’t and wouldn’t let Simon get to her.She paused when her phone started buzzing in the pocket of her white lab coat.She fumbled to answer, her voice hoarse from crying. ‘Hello?’There was a pause on the other end, followed by a deep sigh.Callie sniffed, her heart skipping a beat as she recognised the voice.‘Elias?’ she whispered, her v
Back in his office, Simon’s eyes fell on a small phial resting on his desk.He glanced around, his heart racing, and saw no one else in the room.The phial contained no label.The liquid inside was colourless and odourless, though Simon had an inkling of what it was.Who put it here?His suspicions immediately fell on Angelia; he could almost picture her sly smile as she left the provocative concoction for him to find.Simon’s fingers hovered over the phial, his internal struggle evident.Should he use it?He thought of the three years he had spent with Callie – the shared laughter, the whispered confidences, and the promises they had once made.And now, she had moved on so swiftly, marrying someone else without a second thought.A dangerous idea slowly crawled its way into his brain as he looked at the phial again.If he could persuade Callie to share a moment of passion, she might reconsider their relationship.The plan could backfire; Callie could end up hating him even more.But S
Simon’s gaze flickered with something akin to desperation. ‘Callie, you don’t understand. I didn’t realise I never loved Abby. I thought I did, but I was wrong. I love you, and I’m willing to leave all of that behind for you. Doesn’t that prove how much you mean to me?’Callie’s lips curled into a sneer, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and disbelief. ‘Give it a rest, Simon. Drop the act. You probably want to divorce Abby because you can’t stand her anymore. But guess what? I’m not falling for your empty words again.’Simon’s facade crumbled, his shoulders slumping in defeat. ‘Callie, please...’‘No, Simon,’ Callie said, her voice firm. ‘I deserve someone who loves me for who I am, not for the gifts they can get from me or the lifestyle I can provide. Our Chapter is over, and it’s time for you to move on.’She stopped to face him. ‘If that’s all you wanted to talk about, then I think we are done here. Goodbye.’Then she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Simon standin
To keep her mind off Elias and the constant worries, Callie threw herself into work.Days blurred into nights as she honed her surgical skills, and, when she had the time, she learned about battlefield first aid from the experienced nurse Craig.Given his position as a major general, Elias was likely to be deployed to yet another active battlefield after he returned from his present mission.When that came, Callie didn’t want to just wait around for him; she wanted to join him.And Craig, a seasoned and battle-hardened nurse, whose weathered face bore witness to countless trials, was the best teacher she could find in the military academy.With a steady yet gentle voice, Craig began his teachings, each word carrying the weight of countless lives he had touched. ‘Now, Dr Hawthorne, out there, you won’t have all the fancy equipment and medications you’re used to. It’s your wits, your hands, and what basic supplies we can muster. But make no mistake, they’re often enough to make all the
The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows that danced at their feet.As the clock neared seven, the brief autumn daytime was already giving way to night.Callie’s thoughts turned to Elias, her heart aching for the sound of his voice, for the reassurance only he could provide.She longed to escape this walk down memory lane, to return to the present where her heart truly belonged.As Simon’s stories continued to flow, Callie stole a glance at her watch, her expression growing more distant.She was ready for this farewell to come to an end, for the memories to fade into the night.Simon continued as if oblivious to Callie’s lack of response. ‘You know, Callie, despite my short time here, I’ve come to appreciate the sacrifices soldiers make. The dedication they have to their training and their duty, it’s quite remarkable.’Callie nodded, her guard easing slightly. ‘It’s true. The academy is a place of discipline and commitment. It’s where future leaders are forge
Simon’s expression feigned innocence. ‘Nothing. I’m just taking you to the health centre.’Callie’s body swayed unsteadily, and she weakly tried to push Simon away.His arm around her waist held her firmly, his grip unyielding.As they stumbled forward, two cadets on patrol duty recognised Callie.They approached cautiously, concern etched on their faces. ‘Dr Hawthorne, is everything okay?’Simon spoke smoothly, his voice dripping with faux concern, ‘She’s not feeling well. I think maybe she’s running a fever, and I’m taking her to the health centre to have her temperature taken.’One of the cadets offered assistance. ‘Do you need a hand?’Simon’s dismissive tone cut through the night air. ‘No, I can take care of her. I’m a doctor, after all. You have your duties.’The cadets exchanged glances before continuing their patrol, leaving Callie and Simon alone again.Callie’s face was flushed, her eyes unfocused, and she clung to Simon for support.She didn’t realise her movements were gro
The guards, recognising both the vehicle and the prestigious passenger, saluted them.Elias acknowledged the salute with a nod of his head, a gesture of camaraderie shared by those who understood the sacrifices of service.The jeep pulled forward, and Lemuel turned to Elias with a yawn, his weariness palpable. ‘Sir, to your dormitory? I could use a hot shower and eighteen hours of sleep.’Elias’s gaze flickered to his watch before he shook his head. ‘No, drive me to… the medical personnel’s dorm building.’Lemuel complied, steering the jeep toward the three-story concrete structure.Elias was about to bound up the stairs when a familiar figure emerged from the building.Wendy, her face lighting up with surprise and delight, hurried towards them.‘Major General Westwood!’ Wendy’s voice held a mixture of respect and warmth. ‘You’re back, and Callie will be over the moon to see you.’Elias managed a tired smile. ‘Thanks, Wendy. Can you get Callie for me?’Wendy’s expression shifted to co
Callie, weakened but resilient, looked up as Elias entered the ward.A soft smile played on her lips despite the pain that lingered in her eyes. ‘I was wondering where you disappeared off to.’Elias took a moment to absorb the sight of her, the woman he loved, fighting her way back to health.The bandages on her abdomen marked the physical toll of the recent events, but the warmth in her eyes brought a sense of calm to Elias’s troubled soul.‘Hey, Bunny,’ Elias greeted, his smile genuine as he approached her bedside.He gently took her hand, mindful of her injuries. ‘How are you feeling?’Callie’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. ‘Getting there. The doctors say I’ll make a full recovery with time.’Elias nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of recent events. ‘There’s something I need to tell you.’As Elias shared the shocking truth about General Conway’s betrayal and the revelation about his parents’ deaths, Callie’s expression shifted from concern to disbelief and, ultimately, sorrow
Callie felt herself falling into his trap, struggling to maintain a hardened heart as his doting gaze softened her resolve.‘Callie, you’re my wife. We are supposed to share a bed,’ his voice, deep and intoxicating, whispered in her ear.He embraced her tightly, a possessive need evident in his hold.‘Callie, I want you to love me like before. I lied to protect you. But now I realise I was wrong. I promise, no more lies. Please, at least don’t ignore me. It breaks me...’ His eyes, full of affection, revealed vulnerability.Elias, usually so strong, trembled in his plea.His voice carried a hint of regret. ‘I messed up, and damn it, I know it. Are you willing to forgive me?’Callie sighed. ‘Elias, just promise not to pull something like this again.’‘I won’t hurt you with lies anymore,’ he vowed.‘No more lies, Elias. Not even one,’ she declared.‘I swear.’ To seal his promise, he planted kisses on her forehead, eyes, and nose, soothing her turmoil.Dylan’s knock shattered Elias’s plan
Callie drifted in and out of a dream-laden slumber, the ebb and flow of consciousness gently pulling her into the waking world.The enticing fragrance of chicken soup teased her senses, coaxing her from the depths of sleep.Elias had returned, a culinary saviour armed with a thermos of steaming chicken soup. ‘I used the mess hall kitchen to make this for you,’ he announced with a quiet pride.Drawing in a deep breath, Callie’s stomach couldn’t contain its eagerness, emitting a low growl that echoed through the room.‘Callie, tell me, what’s that sound?’ His question, though not a direct accusation, draped her in a blanket of embarrassment.‘Ahem!’ Callie, determined to maintain her composure, responded with a feigned nonchalance.‘I didn’t hear any sound,’ she declared, though the rumblings from her stomach suggested otherwise.She fought to suppress the impending growl, hoping Elias wouldn’t witness this audible betrayal.‘No sound?’ Elias’s raised brow and assertive tone exposed her
Elias’s eyes snapped open the moment he heard someone coughing.He sat bolt upright in the chair and turned towards Callie.Her eyes were open.‘Callie! You are awake!’In a haze, Callie recognised Elias’s voice.Struggling, she forced her eyes open, greeted by the familiar sight of a white ceiling—a hospital room.Elias’s hand held hers, his calloused palm brushing against her skin.‘Elias,’ she whispered weakly, her eyes glistening with tears.Her voice, frail, held a hint of disbelief. ‘Am I still dreaming?’The last she knew, Elias was in custody.The Elias before her now felt like a dream, and she doubted her reality.Elias, red-eyed and exhausted, held her hands tightly, reassuring her, ‘Bunny, what are you talking about? Of course I’m real.’Callie sighed. ‘Good…’Relieved, she closed her eyes, slipping back into sleep.‘Callie!’ Elias’s heart skipped a beat, fear gnawing at him.He rushed outside, calling for Jamison and the medical team. ‘Quick, take a look at her. She woke u
The puzzle of Mindy’s escape persisted, leaving Dylan in the dark, grappling with the mystery that allowed her to slip away undetected.A knock came on the door.‘Come in.’Dwight entered, settling gracefully into a chair opposite Dylan.He produced a pack of cigarettes, extending it toward Dylan.Dylan accepted it, extracting a cigarette, igniting it with a flick of his lighter, and indulging in the smoke that soon enveloped the room.Dwight, sensing Dylan’s foul mood, asked, ‘General Sheppard, not in the best spirits today?’Dylan retorted, ‘Aren’t you in the same boat?’A subtle smile played on Dwight’s lips as he selected a cigarette from the pack.His slender fingers expertly lit it, the room filling with the fragrance of tobacco and a haze of smoke.‘Any updates on Mindy?’‘Not yet,’ Dylan replied after a brief pause. ‘Which is a problem for you. That woman is more cunning than her father. I think she’s the one behind your assassination plot, not Carl. By the way, when do you pl
‘I planned everything single-handedly. This has nothing to do with my daughter Mindy,’ Carl pleaded. ‘I only had her run a few errands for me. She didn’t know what she was doing.’‘Do you think your excuse is convincing?’ Dwight retorted. ‘Mindy isn’t seven years old. She’s twenty-seven, an adult fully responsible for her own actions.’Dylan, acting on Dwight’s orders, directed his subordinates to arrest Mindy and release Elias.Carl, comprehending the depth of his miscalculations, lashed out at Dylan.He felt betrayed by the very person he trusted.‘Dylan, you ungrateful scoundrel! I trusted you so much, yet you did this to me! You even took advantage of my daughter. You are going to hell for this!’ Carl screamed, blaming Dylan for their downfall.Dylan was unfazed.Nothing Carl said mattered, not any more.Dylan exchanged a look with Dwight; there would be time to celebrate later.However, their joy was short-lived.About twenty minutes later, a soldier returned, reporting that they
Inga was supposed to be dead, but Dylan assured him that he’d killed her, even brought back her charred corpse.And the witness secured by Mindy couldn’t be Inga.Dylan must have made the switch.Carl was right to suspect him; his protégé had betrayed him.Carl glared resentfully at Dylan, at the culprit who crushed his dream of presidency.Dylan leaned against the wall, hands in pockets, unfazed.‘Dylan!’ Carl bellowed.The general seemed to have aged in a matter of minutes.Dylan gave him a mischievous smile. ‘Did I do something wrong, General Conway?’‘You—’ Carl yelled, ready to tear into Dylan for the betrayal.But glancing around the room, he halted.Others were present—Harriet, Dwight, and the three cabinet ministers.To reprimand Dylan would be akin to admitting to his own crimes.Fury painted his face as he contemplated his next move.Dwight glanced at Carl.The situation resembled a chess game, with Carl in the inferior position.He should sense his disadvantage, understandi
Carl waited in his office, too worked up to sit still.A knock on the door, and then Mindy entered. ‘Dad, it’s done. We have the witness and evidence. Everything will unfold just as you want.’Joy sparkled in Carl’s eyes, grateful for his daughter’s assistance. ‘Good, Mindy. Get Dylan here immediately. I want Elias’s trial to begin ASAP.’Mindy nodded, a wicked smile on her face, and left to find Dylan.She brought Natee along, with the woman’s face veiled to conceal her identity.Meeting Dylan, Mindy relayed Carl’s instructions.Dylan’s eyes lingered on her earlobes, adorned with the pink pearl earrings. ‘You did an excellent job. Your dad is right to be proud of you. I am, too.’Mindy shrugged. ‘It was easy.’Dylan shifted his focus to Natee. ‘Mindy, go get changed. I’ll handle your witness. We’ll gather everyone in half an hour.’‘Alright!’ Mindy nodded.***The Kurtazagg border weather was frigid, and the air threatened to freeze.Dwight, draped in a wool coat, moved towards the m
But Dylan’s eyes remained ice-cold as he swiftly secured the earrings onto her earlobes. ‘Done.’Standing on her tiptoes, Mindy gave him a quick kiss on the lips. ‘Thank you.’Dylan didn’t reciprocate the kiss.He just looked at her with a smile, concealing the disgust he felt.Duty called, and Dylan left the dorm shortly after.Usually, Mindy would have been disappointed.But tonight, she had other plans—meeting the leader of Kurtazagg’s largest militant group and collecting the evidence framing Elias.Once the trial was over, Elias’s fate would be sealed, and her father would be one step closer to the presidency.Mindy shed her luxurious coat for a sleek black suit and donned a plain black mask.She examined her reflection in the mirror and noticed that the pink pearl earrings seemed a bit conspicuous.About to take them off, she remembered Dylan’s words and kept them on.These were Dylan’s gifts, and she’d wear them always.Ready, she stepped out of the dorm and found two men in bl