The reason for their arrival was far more serious than anyone in that kitchen could have grasped.

During the night, intelligence command had received updated information about the overseas operation that had cost Tristan his life.

Certain sensitive materials once believed contained in the field were now considered compromised, which shifted the threat level for everyone connected to the mission.

Because of my active rank, my role in intelligence logistics, and the secure hardware stored in my home study, my personal safety status had been elevated to maximum priority.

That I was seven months pregnant with a fallen officer’s child added urgency to the protocol.