Page 251 of Scars of Fate

He was wearing a costume.

“You don’t belong to this army,” I said.

His smile faded slightly.

“What makes you say that?”

“Your uniform.”

He glanced down.

“A journalist who understands military decorations?”

“A journalist who pays attention.”

Boone leaned toward Russ.

“She always did ruin surprises.”

Russ nodded.

“Birthday parties were exhausting.”

The officer ignored them.

“I am Colonel Ahmet Demir.”

“No, you aren’t.”

His eyes hardened.

“I’ve interviewed Colonel Demir. You’re not him.”

A flicker of anger crossed his face.

Lucas almost smiled.

“Problem?”

The man struck Lucas across the mouth.

I lunged.

A soldier caught me around the waist.

Lucas turned back slowly.

Blood ran from his split lip.

His silver eyes were terrifying.

The false colonel stepped closer.

“You are alive because General Kane requires the key. Once we deliver it to Minser…”

He looked at me.

“Your wife will watch you die.”