The Collection Read Online Free

with them personally on many occasions. He was on a first-name basis with all the older men. His eyes stopped when he saw the fifth judge.
    Without hesitation Grant lowered his head and dropped to one knee. It was the grand commander himself. Now Grant’s nerves kicked in. This was more serious than he had thought. Never in his life had Grant imagined being in the same room as the grand commander, let alone on the wrong side of the bench from him.
    â€œPlease rise,” the grand commander said.
    Grant stood up but didn’t raise his head. This man deserved every bit of respect he could muster, and Grant was going to honor that.
    â€œGrant Marsden,” the grand commander said. “Your wife fled the country. According to this Recovery of Abducted Girls agent you had multiple opportunities to stop her and chose to ignore your options.”
    Fire rose through Grant. How dare Leonard try to pin this on him? Grant thought about moving the blame back to where it was most deserved but didn’t think the grand commander wanted a game of he-said.
    â€œPlease respond to these allegations.”
    â€œAmelia Morrissey did not flee,” Grant said. “She was abducted by a deranged truck driver and tragically lost her life in the rescue attempt.”
    Grant thought about the trucker who had died by Andrew’s hand. He made the perfect scapegoat, giving Grant the chance to blame Mia’s disappearance on someone. The room was quiet. Grant raised his head and looked at the judges. He was certain they knew he was lying, but this story would be easier for them to spin than one involving Mia’s escape over the border. Grant felt a rush of boldness and decided to speak further, making sure the group was aware of his true plans.
    â€œWith your permission I would like to recover her body.”
    There was some discussion among the judges at this point. Their chairs were on a platform several feet high. The only light in the room illuminated their faces, giving them a commanding presence.
    â€œIt is true,” the grand commander said. “Amelia did lose her life in a rescue attempt. It is wise of you to realize this.”
    The man looked down at Grant with raised eyebrows, indicating he knew this was a charade as well. The grand commander gave a wave of his hand. Leonard let out a small groan before slumping over the bench. His body continued to fall and then hit the ground. Grant’s eyes went back toward the door. The man in the suit was putting his gun away.
    â€œThat, Mr. Marsden, is one of my favorite toys,” the grand commander said. “The silent bullet. Before there was the silencer, but it still had that small whizzing noise. Now there’s no sound at all, making it impossible for the victim to have even one second’s notice of his fate. How did you create that?”
    Grant felt his lips curve into a smile. The grand commander knew of his inventions.
    â€œI’ll have to take some with me to help bring my wife’s body back,” Grant said.
    â€œNo,” the grand commander said. “Her body was destroyed in the rescue attempt.”
    Confusion started to work its way into Grant’s brain. He didn’t appreciate the lack of understanding; it wasn’t something he was familiar with.
    â€œThere is no need to speak in codes any longer,” the grand commander said. “You were partly at fault in this situation and you will receive a fitting punishment.
    â€œTaking into consideration the advancements you have made for your brothers and country, along with the failure of the RAG bureau, a decision has been made. You are forbidden to leave the country. All travel is suspended.”
    Grant braced himself for the rest. But no other sound was made. If this was all he was facing, Grant was getting off light. He didn’t appreciate that though. Knowing that Mia was out there living after betraying him was infuriating. She needed to be punished