Point of No Return Read Online Free PDF Page A

assignment.”
    “Selling arms technology.” The words rode out on a long sigh.
    Flaming fish balls . Honey sat.
    “You understand this same assignment may have gotten Captain O’Brien killed.”
    “Yes.”
    “Based on what details I’ve given you, Major Thornton, I’m asking if you accept the job. Do you want this assignment?”
    She squared her shoulders and raised her chin. He couldn’t get her out of this with a direct hit from an RPG. “ Yes. Sir.”
    “When I say use everything you have, you understand I’m saying . . .”
    The fine hair on the back of her neck and arms stood up. She understood this would be the event that guaranteed her eventual promotion to general, open avenues to speak out and prevent companies like Global from operating. More important, it would help erase the images of an emaciated Kelly and tortured Jenna from her dreams. “You’re saying use any means necessary to enhance the possibility of success.”
    He tightened his fingers on the pen.
    “While reviewing Global Solutions I suspect no one will be unhappy if I push boundaries or use my X chromosome talents.” She paused, savoring the taunting. “Maybe climbing between the sheets . . .”
    The pen bent. “This isn’t a spy flick. No one expects y ou to go to bed with the man.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind, sir.”
    “Enough.” Anger sparked in his flint eyes. “Don’t pull any crap about being used because you’re a woman. Your . . .” He pointed the pen at her. “Your intuitions and ability to read a situation make you one of the best intelligence officers around. We all use what we have to get the job done. In this case, you’re what we have. You take this job, that’s how it is. Understood?”
    “Thank you for the compliment, sir. I believe you misunderstood. I am clear about using people to get a job done.” Honey tucked in her chin and gave him a searing look from beneath half-closed lids. “General, in that area I had a very good teacher.”
    The cheap plastic government pen snapped.

Chapter 3
     
     
    Honey went to the side table and refilled her cup as she went through Moore’s possible motives for offering her the assignment.
    A, and most obvious, was that he wanted her to take the risks, find the answers, and then he’d take the glory.
    B, the lust angle. He was using a high-value assignment to draw her into his bed. She’d heard a rumor he was ready to ditch his wife, a socialite who spread her legs for any powerful man in DC.
    C, and the most unlikely choice, he genuinely wanted to make amends.
    It sure as hell wasn’t getting justice for those girls or the O’Brien family. Whatever his reasons, she was in. She’d walk the line. Show him she was a team player. Be respectful but stand her ground and make it clear they wouldn’t be playing any bedroom games. Ever.
    He held out his cup. She ignored it and returned to her seat. He sighed, rose, and poured his own. She stayed quiet.
    “Let’s get to this,” he said, settling into the chair. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”
    “When do I start?”
    “The review begins Tuesday. You have two weeks. With the Memorial Day holiday, there’s some leeway to tack on a couple more days. Go through these personnel folders. You’ll have to do it here.” Moore pushed the stack to her. “They can’t leave the building.”
    Her clearance was as high as it went. She could easily sign out the folders or been given the files on a secure flash drive. It was highly unlikely they contained anything to threaten national security. She knew he was lying. He knew she knew and he didn’t give a damn. She stood and unbuttoned her jacket. The intercom buzzed, and keeping his gaze on her, he pressed a key on his desk phone. Geesus. He watched her shrug out of the jacket like she was on the pole.
    “Your order is here,” his aide’s voice said over the speaker.
    “Bring it in, Dan.”
    She folded her uniform, the marksman medals clanking as she placed