Chapter 5 - The Severed Ties
Derek stumbled backward until his legs hit his desk, entirely unable to process the impossible image on the screen.
If David Bennett was alive, the entire narrative of Operation Sandstorm was a lie.
More importantly, if David was alive and actively working with his mother, Derek was completely outmatched.
"Erase this security footage immediately and wipe the server," Derek ordered Vance, his voice cracking with desperation.
"I can't do that, sir," Vance replied, taking a slow step backward toward the office door.
"General Hale ordered a total lockdown of the base servers ten minutes ago."
Derek’s head snapped up, a sickening realization washing over him.
General Hale was the only other senior officer who knew the absolute truth about the failed desert operation.
Hale had helped Derek cover up the cowardice to protect the military's public image.
Derek grabbed his encrypted cell phone and dialed General Hale's private, untraceable number.
"Marcus, we have a massive problem," Derek said the second the line connected.
"You are the problem, Derek," General Hale replied, his voice terrifyingly calm and utterly cold.
"Eleanor Bennett just forwarded me a copy of your original combat logs, proving you ordered the retreat."
"You helped me bury those logs!" Derek shouted, abandoning all military protocol in his panic.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Hale lied smoothly, preparing to sacrifice Derek to save himself.
"Military police are currently en route to your office to arrest you for treason and dereliction of duty."
"You cannot do this to me," Derek pleaded, knowing his career and freedom were vanishing in seconds.
"I am giving you a ten-minute head start because of our past friendship," Hale stated coldly.
"If they catch you on this base, you will face a firing squad."
The line went completely dead, leaving Derek listening to the empty, dial tone of betrayal.
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He looked up to ask Vance for help, but his adjutant had already slipped silently out of the room.
Through the thick glass window of his office, Derek saw the flashing red and blue lights of military police cruisers approaching the building.
