Page 157 of Brutal Collateral

Miller takes out a binder. A fat one.

“First of all, it’s Captain Miller of the United States Navy.” He gives me a look of hatred likeIstopped him from advancing to Jump School.

It’s odd that he’s not wearing the uniform, though.

“I apologize, Captain Miller,” Donly says, adjusting his tie. “Your question?”

“I’d like to go over the costs, one by one.”

Donly gets to his feet. “Mr. Miller, we’ve done that. Read the independent study for a summary. If you didn’t have time to review—”

Miller shoots him a scathing look that shuts Donly up. “I found some irregularities, and I deserve an explanation.”

I shake my head at this blatant conflict of interest since his dad is on the budget committee. And he assaulted my wife. And I hit him with my gun. But I can’t admit to the latter two.

“I have another meeting in ten minutes,” Member 2 says.

“Same,” Member 4 adds.

“Then reschedule,” Miller barks.

The next hour is filled with mind-numbing, tedious, circular, and accusatory questions that are difficult, if not impossible to answer. A bead of sweat breaks out on Kai’s forehead while he takes notes and gives the same answer over and over.

We’ll get back to you on that.

The team members hiss at some of the ridiculous questions that often start with a five-minute monologue.

Finally, Donly grows a set and stands up. “That’s enough.”

I’m fucking furious he let it go on this long.

“Donotlet Donly leave after this,” I whisper to Kai, who nods. “I have a lot to say. This is bullshit.”

Knowing we’re pissed at him, Donly manages to scurry away, claiming the mayor needs him. I can’t exactly hold him down. Miller rolls away in a wheelchair with squeaky wheels.

In the corridor, Kai says, “I’ll go stalk Donly and talk to him after this so-called meeting with the mayor.”

You do that.

I pull up my phone to text Ares with an update when that squeak rattles behind me. Turning around slowly, I put the phone away.

Rand Miller sits there with a stone-cold look on his face, masking fury behind his eyes.

Before I say anything, he blurts, “You remember me?”

“I remember you attacking a woman during SEAL training.”

“I left training in an ambulance. I was on life support.” A smile splits his lips. “Yourwifedid this to me. Obvious retribution for that fall we took on the platform.”

“Fall? You jumped her,” I say through strained teeth without thinking. “I saw you try to stick your hand down her pants.”

“So, you admit your wife, Ava Zervas, is the missing Lieutenant Hadleigh Castille?”

Fuck.

“Yeah, and I stopped you from assaultingmy wifeafter you threatened to rape her.” I try to recover. “I also saw you get up and walk away.”

“I did.”

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