Chapter 17: New boss in town
The caller ID burned into Gwen’s vision: Colonel Steele. A man who had never called her during leave unless something had gone sideways.
She stared at the phone, watching the seconds tick by.
Six minutes until Kaine was scheduled to arrive.
’Answer it and risk losing my only chance to reconnect with someone who actually mattered. Ignore it and risk consequences that could end my career.’
Her finger moved to accept before she could think twice.
"Major Gwen."
"You’re needed at headquarters immediately. Colonel Jax and Colonel Silas have arrived for an inspection. They’ve specifically requested you."
Gwen’s stomach dropped. Jax and Silas were heavy hitters—the kind who could make or break careers with a word.
"Sir, I’m on authorized leave—"
"Not anymore. Report now. This is not a request."
The line went dead.