Page 31 of Viral Justice

“Stone,” she said.

“This is Private Walsh,” Eugene said to her, his voice high with stress. “Colonel Maximillian would like to see you in his office.”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.” She hung up. For Eugene to sound so strung out, Max had to be pissed off.

When she entered the lab building, Eugene was on his computer, but his hunched shoulders told her he wasn’t a happy camper.

A female soldier was standing to one side by several boxes, writing on a tablet.

Ali met Eugene’s gaze.

The private’s expression didn’t change.

“Is he in?” she asked.

“Yes, Sergeant.” The private swallowed hard, but nodded. “Go right in.”

“Thanks.” She gave him a nod, then opened the door and stepped inside Max’s office. The snick of the door closing sounded louder than usual.

“You asked for me, sir?” she asked from her spot just inside the door.

Max stared at her, then said, “I just got a call from General Stone.”

She didn’t reply, except to shrug.

“Then I got a call from the Judge Advocate General’s office.”

He watched her body go rigid.

“Do you know what they asked me?”

“Not specifically, sir.”

“They asked me if I wanted to press charges against you for insubordination. It seems they’d heard of our slight disagreement at lunch.”

She didn’t reply.

“I told them it was a private matter. They informed me that they were considering insubordination charges related to another incident with a different officer.”

She remained silent.

“So I explained our unique situation to them, how horrible my shooting and unarmed combat skills are, and how, when it comes to training, you’re in charge regardless of your student’s rank. I also told them that sometimes, officers who’ve been in a position of authority for a long time forget that they aren’t the expert at everything.”

She made eye contact with him then, surprise relaxing her face a tiny bit. “Thank you, sir.”

“No thanks needed. It’s the truth. It’s also the truth when I say going over my head to your father isn’t going to change anything. This is my team, and when we’re not training, I’m in charge. Are we clear on that, Sergeant?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, you’re dismissed.”

“Don’t forget our sparring session, sir.”

“I’m unlikely to forget,” he said wryly. “I’ve been offered condolences for my upcoming ass whooping.”

Her jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Ever since our conversation at lunch, people appear convinced that you’re going to pound me into the mats. I haven’t had anyone point and laugh at me yet, but it might be just a matter of time.”

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