I took a deep breath, trying to steady my hands.

The recorder in my pocket felt like a block of lead.

I had to get to the committee room before Cole did.

I hurried out of the cell and down the narrow hallway.

The walls were painted a dull beige, interrupted only by heavy steel doors.

My heels clicked sharply against the linoleum floor.

I reached the heavy fire doors that led to the main wing of the building.

I pushed them open and stepped into the carpeted hallway.

The atmosphere here was different.

Oil portraits of past generals lined the walls.

Brass lamps cast a warm, deceptive glow over the polished wood paneling.

I saw Captain Merritt standing near the double doors of the main hearing room.

He looked pale, his eyes darting back and forth.

When he saw me, he hurried forward.

“Did you see him?” Merritt whispered, grabbing my elbow.

“He’s here,” I said.

“He has the original authorization files.”

“He’s going to blackmail Albright.”

Merritt’s grip tightened on my arm.

“I know,” he said.

“Cole’s lawyer just delivered a motion to the General.”