Page 54 of The Rough Ride

The major leaned forward on the desk. “Look, Liz, I know this is a real bite in the ass. Your work is phenomenal in every sense of the word. Your world-building craft outshines people who’ve been here for ten years because you’re smart and talented and you insist on doing things right. I wish I had a dozen of you. And your leadership in that bullpen is invaluable. The brass sent some stuffed shirt down yesterday to fill in for you.” She shook her head and smiled. “And your bullpen looked like a team of prize dogs without a musher, all mopey and noses to the ground.”

Liz chuckled. “You’re comparing my infamous bullpen to a pack of dogs?”

The major laughed. “You know me, Liz. I love my dogs. Hell, the dark web guys have anEager Beaglessign on the wall in their den that they made themselves. Any comparison is a well-deserved compliment. Just don’t rat me out. Last thing I need today is some tight-ass giving me a lesson on politicalcorrectness. I know that each one of our people is invaluable and brilliant.”

Liz stood and grabbed her coffee. “Your secret is safe with me.”

The major nodded. “You look revitalized today. You had a good day off?”

“Best day on or off I’ve had in a long time.” Liz smiled. “And you? Take any time?”

“No. I was here early again. I might take some extra days away in a week or two.”

Liz unlocked the office door and opened it a few inches. “Major?”

She looked up. “Yes?”

“Are you sure I’m not in any danger from this person? Those flowers creeped me out, and I’ve got a family to think about.”

The major stood, giving Liz a confident smile. “I suppose our imaginations could run a bit, but there’s no evidence to suggest any danger. It’s not part of the MO for these professional hackers. They leech onto an information highway and ride as long as they can. When Illusia discovers the intelligence has stopped, she’ll go away. If DHS finds anything to suggest otherwise, you’ll be the first to know.”

Liz rolled her shoulders. “Okay. I’ll relax once I get busy in the bullpen. See you later.”

She wasn’t halfway down the hallway when Erin fell in stride beside her.

“Ireallyneed to talk to you in private, Liz. It’ll only take a minute or two. Are you going to your office?”

Inwardly, Liz sighed. It would have been nice to have a moment to breathe and relax. But if she avoided Erin now, lunch would be mandatory and judging by the time on thehallway clock, her lunch break would most likely take place at her desk.

“Sure, Erin. I’ll meet you there in a minute. Let me nuke my coffee.”

“I’ll walk with you. Thanks for covering with the major. She’s in a rare mood today.”

“Perhaps Major Chan is dealing with a lot. She worked during the holiday weekend.”

Erin rolled her eyes. “That’s for sure. I came in yesterday morning and she’d stacked a week’s worth of work on my desk while I was off. I don’t know how she does it.”

Liz slid her mug into the microwave. She focused on Erin. Something was unusual about her. “You look different today. Did you change something over the weekend?”

Erin smiled. “You noticed. No goth makeup. You like it?”

Ohh.“Well, the black eyeliner and lipstick worked for you, but this is definitely more professional looking.”

“I’m so glad you noticed. My boyfriend asked me to get rid of the black for a week and see if I liked it. It’s day five, and I’m kinda loving it.”

Liz pulled her mug from the microwave and headed for the hallway. “I’m glad for you. It’s important that you like the change, too.” She unlocked her office door and waved Erin in. “We only have a few minutes.”

“Right.” Erin looked at the floor. “The major told me something last Friday, and I owe you an apology.”

“For what?” Liz set her mug down.

“I was really nasty to you a couple weeks ago about your shoes. It’s just that you’re so pretty, and I couldn’t figure out why you wore such plain shoes. I mentioned it to the major in passing, and she informed me that you’re a decorated veteran and you’d lost a foot in Iraq. I had no idea. It isn’t obvious.”

Liz nodded. “I’ve worked hard to find my new normal, and when I wear a skirt, I wear tights so you can’t tell.”

A soft mewl escaped Erin’s throat. “I’m so sorry. I really didn’t know and have the utmost respect for veterans, especially those who give more than they should have to. Please forgive me. It was insensitive.”

Well, what a surprise.“It’s okay. Thank you for the apology. I appreciate it.”

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