Changing Tides Read Online Free Page A

here and placed a note on his desk without raising suspicion was down right disturbing. There was no way the injured man could have made it onto base, let alone into the building without raising suspicion or getting arrested.
    Brett drew in a deep breath then let it out slowly. He couldn’t discuss this with anyone. He’d only meant to help someone. Now, he could lose everything he’d worked for. If he wasn’t careful, not only would he lose his freedom, he’d lose his life.
    The light on his phone flashed, pulling him from his thoughts.
    “Lieutenant DeMarco speaking,” Brett said into the receiver.
    “In my office, now,” Major Fitzwilliams demanded.
    “Yes, Sir.”
    Brett hung up the phone. Unlocking a drawer in his desk, he removed a couple sheets of blank paper then slipped the note between them. Stopping at the cross-cut shredder used for shredding confidential information, he fed the sheets through it before heading into Major Fitzwilliams’ office.
    “Close the door and sit down, Lieutenant,” Major Fitzwilliams said firmly, waiting until Brett was seated before continuing. “Under normal circumstances, you’re right to have your team start looking into the video.”
    “These aren’t normal circumstances?”
    “No, they aren’t,” Major Fitzwilliams said. The older man leaned forward, resting his elbows on the edge of his desk. “The person listed in that video wasn’t some random name. He’s the son of General Williamson, the head of Homeland Security.”
    Brett swore. “That—”
    “Changes everything. Yes. I want you to work on it, quietly. Also, I’m not sure if you’re aware of it or not, but General Landry’s cousin and uncle were also placed in an institution years ago by her father. So, while I’m letting you proceed discreetly, we will need to wait for direction from the Capitol and Homeland Security,” Major Fitzwilliams said, steepling his fingers and leaning forward. “I trust this will not go any further.”
    “No, Sir, it won’t.” Brett stood. He’d forgotten about the scandal concerning General Landry’s uncle. Her father had taken over, declaring himself president after finding both his brother and nephew in compromising positions that had led to a judge proclaiming them mentally deficient. General Vanessa Landry was later viewed as a hero for wiping out the corruption that had been present under her father and uncle’s reigns.
    “One more thing. It has come to my attention that you’re interested in the general’s special staff member.”
    Brett let out a breath. “Yes, Sir.”
    “Don’t let it affect your job, and don’t share any of this with him or anyone else.”
    Brett nodded. “I understand, Sir. I won’t.”
    “Good. I know your choices must be made in a matter of months, but you’ll need to talk to Brigadier General Reynolds about the boy. There are circumstances that must be considered. I would, however, wait until tomorrow to approach him.”
    “Yes, Sir. Is there anything else, Sir?”
    “No, you’re dismissed.”
    Brett saluted, turned and left the office. Once back at his desk, he doled out assignments and discreetly worked with Tech Sergeant Westbrook on the video. Throughout the day, he found himself wondering how Orion was doing and if he was safe.
    * * * *
    Brett stretched and rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He’d learned that a half-dozen individual teams across the country were trying to figure out who had hijacked the system and had been for the last five days. The government’s response had promised an investigation and told citizens not to believe the lies being spread by the terrorists. They’d assured people their relatives were fine.
    Brett knew the messages did little to reassure anyone. There had been an unprecedented demand to see those who had been institutionalized. While no mention of General Williams had been made public, within twenty-four hours of the broadcast, everyone had known