Operation Proof of Life by Misty Evans Read Free Book Online Page A

sir.”
    A knock on the door interrupted them. Helena stuck her head inside. “Your eight o’clock has arrived, Mr. President.”
    Michael gathered the loose papers hurriedly and returned them to the PDB pouch. At the end of the day, the papers would be shredded. It was an antiquated way of disseminating information, but sending the briefs via internet, fax or phone was still too dangerous.
    “Keep me posted about Ella,” Jeffries said. “And tell Thad and Ruthie they’re in my prayers.”
    “Why don’t you call them, sir?” The words were out before Michael could rein in his candid thought.
    A slight flush rose in the president’s cheeks, and he chuckled. “I thought about it, but figured that rascal Thad would tell everyone I conceded the election ahead of time.”
    Michael accepted the joke with a nod and shook the president’s hand. The political fight for the presidency had been ugly, as most usually were, but the president was off the mark to think Thad so underhanded. “I’ll convey your thoughts to them.”
    “Remember what I said about taking some time off. As the PDB proves this morning, you’ve earned it. It’s a good day for you career-wise. Enjoy it.”
    On his way to the door, Michael considered his chief and commander’s order. The results of hard work and dedication were paying off, but the work of securing a nation was an ongoing and ever-growing job. The moment you let your guard down—the moment you enjoyed your success—some unlikely and unforeseen enemy would blow it all away. Literally.
    As he tucked the pouch with the PDB under his arm and stepped into the reception room, Helena spoke to the president’s next appointment. A woman in a gray suit and matching heels stood at the window, a trench coat draped over her arm.
    She answered Helena over her shoulder, stopping in mid-sentence when her gaze landed on Michael.
    Just like the night before, his instincts went on high alert. The change in her appearance sent a jolt of unease through his stomach. Brigit Kent was not who she claimed to be, he’d bet the PDB on it. “Good Morning, Dr. Kent.” He gave her a nod.
    She looked him over from head to toe and returned a small, forced smile. Her lipstick was the color of good burgundy and emphasized the white of her teeth. “Deputy Director Stone. We meet again.”
    He wondered how late she’d been out, and if Flynn had caught up with her. “You took off so suddenly last night, I didn’t have a chance to talk to you.”
    She took a couple of careful steps toward him, as if she were tentative to get too close. “I believe you kicked me out.”
    He had, but until he figured out the puzzle standing before him, it was better to befriend her than push her away again. “My apologies. You caught me at the end of a long and stressful day.” He gave her a smile that had charmed everyone from the Duchess of York to his mother. “The situation has me on edge. I’m sure you understand.”
    She studied the smile, studied the sincerity he willed into his eyes. Relaxed a bit. “Of course. If I overstepped my boundaries with your family, forgive me. I’d like to help if I can.”
    She didn’t realize it, but she’d just opened the door for him to keep an eye on her. “Ruthie could use someone to talk to. A friend.”
    A faint quirk of her lips let him know she was pleased. “Ruth is a good person. I’ll call her when I’m done here and try to stop by this evening if she’s up to having company.”
    As Helena ushered Dr. Kent into the dining room, Michael tapped the PDB under his arm. Unlikely enemies were everywhere, and apparently conspiring with the president.
     
    Brigit entered the dining room, flushed from Michael’s apparent change of heart. She wasn’t fooled by his sudden friendliness, his smoldering Clooney eyes or the flashy smile, but, jeez he was hard to resist when he turned on the charm.
    She greeted the president and turned down the coffee Helena offered her. Trying not