“You’re being brought in for questioning on a matter of national security.”
Colette’s heart stuttered. “I’m not a terrorist. I run a dating service.”
“We’re aware.”
“Then how can you think I’m a threat? Is this because we’re looking to expand into Russia?” Colette hadn’t yet decided if they would, given the volatile relationship between the USA and the communist country.
“As if you don’t know the real reason,” scoffed the driver, a male with a square head that screamed military.
“I don’t.”
“We know about last night.”
At his words, Colette’s mouth went dry. Had she actually been visited by ETs? Colette didn’t ask. Couldn’t. Because what if she were wrong? She’d end up sounding foolish. Instead, she tucked her hands in her lap and eyed the passing scenery. Whatever this concerned, she’d handle it. She’d done nothing wrong.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The man driving snorted.
Asshole.
The trip lasted just over fifteen minutes, and Colette tensed as her ride slowed at a checkpoint for a military base. Guess the kidnapping pair truly did work for the government, but she still had yet to figure out the reason for her detainment.
Did I really meet aliens, or is this about something else?
The guard at the gate let them through, and the Suburban moved past hangars and square buildings as well as uniformed soldiers marching in cadence. They drove through what appeared to be a warehouse unloading door and almost immediately began to descend. The utility elevator went down several floors, and when it stopped, her stomach clenched.
The man and woman exited the truck, with the latter opening the rear door and saying, “Get out.”
“I’d like to call my lawyer before speaking to anyone,” Colette stated without moving.
“Not happening,” barked the man. “This is a matter of national security, which means you move your ass out of that truck and do what we say.”
Colette never did like bullies and arched a brow. “This is a country of laws, and I’m pretty sure they don’t allow you to abduct citizens and force them to do your bidding, especially when they’ve committed no crime.”
“You don’t call treason a crime?” he spat.
Colette huffed. “For god’s sake, it’s a dating service. If it’s that big of a deal, I’ll skip whoever it is you have a problem with and open an office elsewhere.”
“Playing dumb ain’t gonna save you.” The man reached in and grabbed Colette’s arm in a tight vise before yanking her. The slippery leather seats sent her flying, and she only barely managed to plant her feet to avoid falling.
Once she did have her balance, Colette pulled free from his grip and hissed, “Touch me again and I will sue you for assault.”
“You’re assuming you’ll ever leave this place,” he growled right back.
“Sergeant Kilmer, stand down,” a firm voice ordered, and immediately the bristling fellow took a step back, clicking his heels together and standing at rigid attention with his hand angled at his temple. “Yes, General.”
“I’ll handle Ms. Wilson. You and Corporal Johnson are dismissed.”
“Are you sure, General?” the one called Johnson queried.
“I’m pretty sure I can handle Ms. Wilson on my own. If not, then I really should turn in my bars,” was the dry reply from the steely-haired woman wearing a military uniform, the emblems of which indicated she was a general of long standing.
“Yes, ma’am.” Johnson saluted before pivoting and walking away, soon followed by a sullen Kilmer.
“Hello, Ms. Wilson. I’m General Davis.”
Colette perused the woman who stood an inch shorter but a few inches wider, not from fat but what seemed to be muscle. A woman who didn’t have a hint of softness in her demeanor. Colette pursed her lips. “Are you the reason I was kidnapped off the street?”
