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SOFRIA KIRK STELLA KEEN

Washington, DC

S tella walked the familiar path through the halls of the White House beside Theo.

They didn’t speak as they passed historic portraits and nodded greetings to staffers hurrying to work.

The Vice President joined them at the double doors, and threading the needle between two Secret Service agents, they entered the conference room.

The Secretary of Defense, the Chair of the Joint Chiefs, and five others were waiting.

When everyone was seated, the Vice President began the meeting.

“Gentlemen.” He added, “And lady,” as he nodded to Stella. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Other than their scrambling equipment, there was no technology, no landline, and no surveillance in this room. Theo dispensed with unnecessary introductions and delivered a status update that caused the VP to rub his temples to stave off a headache.

Stella spoke when asked, updating the team on the information she had gathered. “As of now, the Project Bloodhound drone is non-operational. So the good news is any leaked information is of little value.”

The Secretary of Defense bit back, “So our incompetence is good news .”

Stella replied calmly, “My point is that we are closing the net on the spy; we can do it before any usable, sensitive information is leaked.”

The Vice President chimed in, “Define closing the net.”

Theo fielded the question. “We have cleared a number of scientists affiliated with Project Bloodhound and will continue investigating until we catch the traitor.”

Stella supported her boss. “As you know, this person is old school; they don’t use tech. We’ve had to adapt our surveillance techniques and investigatory style.”

Theo added, “Electronic activity leaves a footprint.”

The Secretary of Defense crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s called a footprint, for fuck’s sake. Feet leave them, too.”

Acknowledging the Secretary’s remark, Theo replied, “Yes, we are focusing our investigation on the human factor.”

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said, “Ah, the good old days of live drops in bus depots and trailing suspects through dark alleys. Is that it?”

Theo tipped his head, “It’s our best option.”

The VP slapped the table. “I want this motherfucker caught.”

When Theo nodded, Stella cleared her throat and said, “There is another avenue we’re exploring.”

“And what’s that?” the VP demanded.

She continued. “We are looking into the possibility that the spy is on the government side of Project Bloodhound.”

“Go on.”

“I have detected some suspicious computer activity in Washington. Most likely involving someone with Federal credentials.”

“Well, that’s something, at least.” The vice president refilled his coffee cup from the aluminum pot on the table.

Stella continued, “I’m formulating a theory—”

Theo cut her off, “We should have a detailed report in the next few weeks.”

The VP nodded. “Keep me updated. Milton Abernathy is close to a breakthrough on this drone, and the U.S. is the only country that will have the capability. Am I clear?”

Theo spoke for them both as he rose from the table. “Understood, sir.”

In the hallway, Theo and Stella walked side-by-side without speaking. When they reached the car, Stella asked, “How was that?”

Theo opened the back door. “Nicely done. I’ll have our people expand tech surveillance. See if anything comes of your theory. You need to start your prep on Doctor Barnett.”

When she was tucked in the back seat, Theo closed the car door.

Stella lowered the window. “You’re not coming?”

“I have another meeting down the street.” He tipped his head toward the Senate Office Buildings. “Become Sabrina Kittridge, and I’ll be in touch.”

When the car pulled out into DC traffic, Stella blew out an anxious breath.

She had deliberately alerted the people in the room to her suspicions.

If someone in that White House briefing was a traitor, now they knew Hyperion, her top-secret organization, was onto them.

For now, she would spend the requisite six weeks preparing for her new undercover role.

Stella had always understood the gravity of the situation. Whoever was stealing the information was smart. But they’d make a mistake. Maybe they already had.