of any other place I’d rather be.
Chapter Forty-Eight
CANDACE KIM
“Slash, I’m glad I caught you. Are you still in Brazil?”
There was a little static, but his voice came through the phone strong and clear. “Yes. We’ll be heading home soon. How’s everything?”
“Good. The situation has been resolved.”
“He came in?” he asked in surprise.
“He came in, with a lot of help from his daughter and her UTOP team.”
“Knowing Angel as I do, I’m not surprised at all to hear that. I presume no one was hurt?”
“No. Thankfully, everyone is fine, and the suspected perpetrator has been arrested.”
He clearly knew whom she was referring to. “You don’t say.”
“Oh, I say. And I have a very interesting story to tell you. It’s been quite the upheaval around here.”
“I bet it has. I’m looking forward to hearing that story.”
“You should know the director is beyond pleased with your UTOP candidates, Slash. Their actions made a big impression on him and many others in various agencies. They’re already a legend in the making, and it’s only their first month at UTOP. I have no idea what’s next for them.”
He chuckled. “I never doubted them. But, Candace, now that Ethan has come in, what will happen to him?”
She fell quiet for a moment. “I got him the deal with the Justice Department after all. He’ll be free to go, no charges.”
“And the back door?”
“He’s agreed to open the door again for our intelligence agencies to use, as long as it’s not used against our own citizens and we provide proper administrative and legal oversight.”
“Then it is, indeed, excellent news.”
“Yes, it is. But I want you to know, Slash, I intend to rehire him. He’s lost fourteen years of his life due to no fault of his own.”
There was a pause, and then he asked, “Do you think he’ll agree to come back?”
“It’s too early to say.” Candace looked out the window of her office at the sprawl of buildings at the NSA campus. “I hope so, but, understandably, he needs some time. I intend to give him all he needs.”
“Will the brass be okay with that?”
A smile crossed her face. “Well, there’s something else I need to tell you. I’ve been nominated for the directorship. So, if all goes as expected, the answer to your question is, the brass is okay with that.”
“Well, congratulations, Madam Director.” She heard genuine happiness in his voice. His approval meant a lot to her. “I can’t think of a better candidate for the job. You have my full support.”
“Thank you, Slash. I won’t forget what you did for me. What you’ve done for this organization and our nation.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
“Well, you have. And in the meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye on one exceptionally talented, redheaded teenager and her impressive band of operatives.”
“I bet you will.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “You’re going to have your hands full at UTOP.”
“We already do.” She laughed softly. “Slash, be sure to stop by my office when you’re back. We have a lot to talk about in terms of the direction of the agency. I highly value your input.”
“Of course. The first stop upon my return to the NSA will be your office.”
“Good. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“Likewise.” He fell quiet for a moment. “You’ll be good for the agency, Candace. We both know the winds of change are blowing at the NSA and, in fact, have been blowing for some time. It all starts with a new generation and a new direction. At this point, it’s more like we’re going along for the ride.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Candace agreed. “If we’re successful, the future of this agency will be in good hands for generations to come.”
“We’ll be successful,” he said assuredly. “We can’t always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
She thought for a moment. “Franklin Delano Roosevelt, right?”
“Right.”
She leaned back in her chair, her grin widening. Her mind, and instincts, were still as sharp as ever. “See you soon, Slash. Safe travels.”
She hung up, FDR’s words still ringing in her ears. Tomorrow was another day, but for now, the world was safe thanks to the courage and perseverance of youth.
In her world, that was a solid win.
Chapter Forty-Nine
ANGEL SINCLAIR
“Hands positioned at ten o’clock and two o’clock on the steering wheel. Check. Seat and mirrors correctly adjusted. Check. Safety helmet on and chinstrap tightened. Check.”
I took a deep breath and pushed my nervousness aside. “Okay, Dad, I think I’m