Page 152 of Enemy of My Enemy

Leslie squirmed, pain contorting her features. “IamLeslie,” she finally growled. “You’re making a mistake!”

Flynn shoved her chair backward, metal legs scraping until he slammed her into the far wall. Her head hit the concrete, but she glared up at him, fury in her eyes. He shoved his face into hers. “We know what you are! We know you’re here on a mission! You’ve been caught! It’s all over! Where and when are you supposed to attack?”

Leslie spat in his face.

Flynn stepped back. He wiped her spit with the back of his arm and shook his head.

“What do you think will happen after this? Hmm? Think Madigan will take you back? Welcome you home?” He scrunched his nose. Shook his head again. “You’re a failure. He won’t want anything to do with you. You want anything, any kind of life at all after this? You’re going to have to play ball withus.”

She glared at him, her head held high, and said nothing.

Flynn dropped down in front of her, resting one hand gently over hers, the one he’d ground into the metal moments before. His voice softened and he leaned in close, like he was sharing a secret. “You know, Madigan will kill you for failing. We can help you start a new life. You don’t have to do what he’s ordered you to do. You could have a real life of your own.” Flynn paused. “You say you fought back. Prove that now. Answer our questions.”

Silence, save for her fast pants, and the panicked look she shot toward the two-way mirror.

Flynn waited.

He shook his head again. “You’ve made a big mistake.”

“Jack!” She hollered. “Jack! This iswrong! You’re allwrong!” Her voice cracked, breaking apart, and then she was sobbing, huge, aching sobs that shook her thin frame.

Flynn stepped back, folded his arms, and spread his legs. “How many others are in your operation? Who else is a part of this mission?”

She glared, red-rimmed eyes raining tears down her splotchy cheeks.

“Where is Madigan’s current operational location?”

“I’m Leslie—”

“How do you communicate with Madigan?”

“Please,” she sobbed. “You’re making a mistake.”

“What is your name?”

“Leslie Christina Spiers,” she chanted. “Leslie Christina Spiers. Leslie Christina Spiers…”

* * *

“Mr. President.”Director Mori frowned. “Are weabsolutelycertain about this intelligence?”

“Do we have anything concrete to review? Anything other than a verbal statement? Any independent verification?” Campbell said as Julian Aviles, secretary of homeland security, looked away. Irwin glanced sideways at Jack.

“Keep it going,” Jack said.

“Jesus Christ, Mr. President!” Aviles shook his head. “That’s your wife in there!”

* * *

“You are not Leslie.”

“My name is Leslie Christina Spiers—”

“You arenotArmy Captain Leslie Spiers, an American hero and patriot of this country.” Flynn’s voice rose.

“My name is Leslie Christina Spiers—” She spoke louder, trying to drown him out.

“You are a science experiment—”