Page 8 of Viral Justice

His known body count now approached two thousand dead. In his last attempt, he’d tried to kidnap Dr. Perry and force her to modify his rabies virus, but she’d blown up her lab to prevent that from happening. Unfortunately Akbar had escaped with relatively minor injuries.

There was a brief knock at the door. Eugene opened it and said, “General Stone and Sergeant Stone to see you, sir.”

“Very good, Private.”

Eugene disappeared and the two Stones came in and closed the door.

General Stone glanced at the two chairs in front of Max’s desk and raised his eyebrows before grunting his appreciation.

Why such surprise?

Observing the two of them as they sat and looked at him made it clear. They were both astonished that an officer of Max’s rank would show a woman of her rank any deference.

“Sir, Sergeant.” Max greeted them both with a nod. “I expected the Sergeant a couple weeks ago.”

“I apologize for the length of time it took to get Sergeant Stone to you,” the general said. “I hadn’t anticipated the difficulty in arranging for replacements for her in the Special Operations training program. There was also some unanticipated red tape to getting her properly transferred.”

“No apology necessary, sir.” Max nodded at her. “I’d been warned by Demolitions Sergeant Smoke that it might be longer than initially thought. Sergeant Stone is highly respected.”

General Stone blinked in surprise.

“It’s good to know that boy can do more than grunt,” the general said.

“Have you had time to read Dr. Perry’s latest report?” Max asked, examining Ali’s expression. Something about her reactions was bothering him.

“Slippery bastard,” General Stone muttered. “No clue as to what disease he’s planning to use as his next weapon?”

“Not so far, no. I’m afraid that there are too many possibilities. He’s proven to be adept at manipulating very complex organisms, though he’s had no formal training in how to handle them. He’s taking a lot of risks, not the least of which is accidently releasing a biological weapon in a highly populated area.”

“How probable is that threat?” Sergeant Stone asked.

“If you’re looking for a number, I can’t give you one, but if it happens I won’t be surprised.”

“He’s insane,” she said almost to herself.

“Yes.” Max thought the same. “A very dangerous sort of insanity. He’s highly intelligent and without a conscience. It’s not a matter ofifhe’ll attack again, it’swhereandwhen.” He paused, then added, “I think it will be soon.”

“We’re starting to see small outbreaks of cholera in some of the refugee camps in various places in the Middle East. The CIA has intel saying these camps are prime targets for the same extremists we think are supporting Akbar,” General Stone said. “The problem is, we can’t send in troops. These are countries who haven’t asked for military assistance.”

“Unless they start dying by the hundreds.” Max was unable to hide the rough edge that eventuality put into his voice. “Then they’ll call us, but it will be too late.”

The general turned to his daughter. “Are you clear on your assignment?” There was a note of reprimand in the general’s voice.

What the hell was going on?

“Bodyguard and liaison for Colonel Maximillian with Special Forces,” she replied, her back as flexible as a steel rod.

“Yes, and see if you can get him to shoot straight. I’d hate to lose him because he can’t hit what he’s aiming at.”

“Why don’t you just shoot me?” Max suggested sarcastically.

“No,” General Stone said with an oddly flat expression. “I like you just the way you are. Alive.”

“Has there been a specific threat against me made?”

“Dead bodies with your name on them not enough?” The general stood. “The sergeant will fill you in on the latest. Keep in touch.” General Stone exited the office, closing the door behind him.

Max turned to her. “The latest?”

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