Operation Sea Mink Read Online Free PDF Page B

offense. He clenched his jaw. “Yeah. So, I checked the records? What of it?”
    “We want to know why. What were you looking for?”
    “Who is we? Is Lewis asking why I accessed the refugee paperwork? Is Gray? I have a feeling if either one of them knew you were asking me this, they’d rap your knuckles like a Catholic nun.”
    Kimball’s eyebrow twitched. He wasn’t taking the bait, yet, but Miller’d struck a nerve. “Why did you access confidential files?” Kimball asked. “For what purpose?”
    Miller tipped back his chair. Stretching like a cat, he forced a yawn. Then, with a slam, he tipped the chair forward and let the crash echo throughout the cement cell. “I’m the fucking leader of the Cobalt security squad, Kimball. That’s why. A bomb had just been detonated in my face. I had concussion, for Christ’s sake. And who the hell are you to demand answers from me? Do you even know what’s in those files? Do you have security clearance to access them? And since when do I not? When did you outrank me, Kimball? I must have missed that memo.”
    “Who is Samantha Hernandez?” Kimball asked sternly. His face had turned red and he looked about ready to bash Miller’s face in. “Why were you searching for her records?”
    “I’m not sure you have security clearance to know the answer to that question. Maybe you should get your superior officer. Oh, wait. I’m sitting right here.”
    “If I didn’t have clearance, I wouldn’t be asking. Quit dodging the question.”
    “Which question? You’ve asked three, and I can’t remember which one was first.”
    Kimball’s left eyelid twitched. Miller suppressed a smirk.
    “You think this is funny?” Kimball asked, his eyes bugging slightly.
    “Not at all. Funny would be if you were wearing a clown costume instead of your uniform. Of course, the way yours fits...”
    Kimball stood abruptly. “You son of a—”
    Miller grinned as Kimball reached forward and snatched his uniform collar with his fist. His first instinct was to head-butt the asshole, but over his shoulder, the door opened and in walked Harris.
    Kimball whipped around, Miller’s collar in one hand, the other hovering in the air.
    “Put him down, Kimball,” Harris said, looking only mildly concerned.
    Kimball dropped Miller back into his seat. The veins in his massive arms were visibly pulsing.
    Harris pointed his finger in Kimball’s face. “Do you have any idea who he is?”
    A flash of confusion flickered across Kimball’s brow, but he said nothing.
    “How dare you speak to him in this manner? Or lay hands on him? You’re dismissed.”
    With an angry flash, Kimball stalked out of the cell, leaving Harris and Miller alone.
    Harris turned and faced Miller, his face a façade of concern. It was so artificial that Miller almost smiled.
    “Are you all right? Did Kimball hurt you in any way?”
    Reaching up, Miller adjusted his uniform. “I think my collar may need ironing.”
    “What happened? Why was Kimball so angry?”
    “Like you don’t know.”
    Harris’s demeanor shifted slightly. His concern morphed into an expression of concern and friendship.
    Miller sighed. Did he truly think he was this stupid?
    “I apologize on Kimball’s behalf,” Harris said. “As I’m sure you understand, our security forces are under a tremendous amount of pressure. I want you to know that if any of the men give you any further problems, you can come see me straight away. After all, you and I—we want the same thing, don’t we? We’re in this together.”
    Miller pursed his lips.
    Harris blinked in orchestrated confusion. “Miller?”
    Standing from his chair, Miller walked toward the door. “Mr. Harris,” he said, as if saying good-bye. He twisted the handle, which was unlocked.
    “Miller? I hope you see how sincere I am,” Harris said, stopping him in his tracks. “I think you and I could work well together, and I would hate for something as silly as an unauthorized search of