Page 80 of Fighting for Brielle
“Not yet. I don’t want to interrupt her training.”
At least he didn’t flat out refuse her request. “You mean her re-education.”
“Yes. Faith Stoker is one of my valuable assets.”
“Is that what I am?”
Anderson’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward. “Themostvaluable. Provided you cooperate.”
“And if I don’t?”
“I’ll toss your cold carcass to the wolves.”
Brielle forced herself to grin. “I like your directness. Will you answer another question?”
“Go ahead.”
“Where are we?”
“Deep underground in Oregon.”
“That’s what we thought. How long did it take you to complete your lair?”
Anderson quirked an eyebrow. “An odd choice of a word, but to answer your question, it took five years.”
“Just out of curiosity, how do Mayor Gage and former police chief Linda Ferguson fit into this?”
“You tell me, Miss McAdams.”
She noticed he didn’t address her as “sergeant.” A telling point. “Well, I know you’re using the mayor’s yacht to transport arms, but honestly, I can think of more expedient methods. I don’t understand Ferguson’s involvement. Care to enlighten me?”
“Filial bonds are a powerful motivator, Miss McAdams.” Anderson rose to his feet. “Our interview is over.”
Pondering what he meant byfilial bonds, Brielle followed his lead. “What’s next?”
“You begin your re-education.”
“I won’t betray my country or my conscience.”
“Oh, but you will, Miss McAdams. I promise in the end you’ll betray both.”
The steel doors opened and Anderson addressed Carson. “Take Miss McAdams back to her quarters and bring her a decent meal.” To Brielle, he added, “You’ll have to earn your next one.”
“And how do I do that?”
“Do as you’re told. Cooperate.” He grinned. “I’m going to enjoy scrambling your brain, Miss McAdams. You’ll be my greatest challenge to date. I’ve decided you’ll be the face of my revolution. That will be my revenge for killing three of my allies. And that poor lackey Dewitt.”
“You mean the bank robbers? I knew it,” she cooed, her eyes glowing with triumph. “But Artie Dewitt? I don’t even want to know how he managed to hook up with you. That was a stupid mistake on your part.”
Anderson glowered at her. “Enjoy your victory, Miss McAdams. The next one will be mine. Good night.”
As Carson escorted her back to her cell, without a gun pointed at her this time, she asked questions about the layout of the compound, but he ignored her.
“Can you at least tell me what time it is, Carson?” she demanded, exasperated.
“It’s a little past seven PM.”
“How long was I unconscious?”
