Voices (Whisper Trilogy Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

boundary. Give it a chance.”
    “You know, a lot of people in my office think this is a complete waste of time.”
    Kimmel snorted. “They always do until they see it for themselves. I’ve heard this a million times before.”
    “Are you trying to frighten me, General?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, all this paranormal talk. Ghosts. Entities in the woods. It doesn’t seem like something a military man like yourself would entertain.”
    Kimmel grunted as the Jeep passed under the trees, the road ahead masked with sun-spotted shadows. Fisher waited for a reply which didn’t come.
    “General?”
    “What?” Kimmel snapped.
    “You didn’t answer my question.”
    “What question?”
    “About scare tactics.”
    Kimmel gave Fisher a quick look and saw it all over his face. The half-smile, the raised eyebrows. He didn’t believe any of it.
    “Do you think the government would send you all the way out here if they didn’t have legitimate concerns about this?”
    “My understanding is it was you who requested someone be sent out here to assess the situation. I’m told you have some concerns for the safety of your men.”
    “Damn right I have.”
    “And the scientists; you refuse to let them conduct their work? I’m told you banned them from going about their duties.”
    “I did.”
    “Please, don’t take it so personally, General. I’m here to understand why. I’m led to believe you have an extensive military presence here which should be more than capable of handling this situation.”
    “I came here with thirty men. Good ones too. Fine soldiers, the kind who keep this country safe so people like us can keep polishing seats with our asses.”
    Fisher didn’t rise to Kimmel’s goading. Instead, he turned more toward the General, eyes devious and sharp. “So I’ll ask again. Why am I here?”
    “Because five of those men have been lost under my command and I won’t put the rest at risk any further.”
    “Some might say losing five men in a low threat mission such as this could be the fault of the man in charge.”
    “I hope you’re not trying to pin this on me, Fisher. I’d be very, very careful if you are.”
    “I’m not blaming anyone. As I said, I’m here in a completely impartial capacity. My job isn’t to take sides. The fact is, Washington has some doubts about the validity of your claims.”
    “You think I don’t know that? Trust me, Fisher. Before I came here, I’d have been right there with you. Do you think I don’t know how ridiculous it all sounds? Do you think I like reporting back to Washington and knowing how it must appear?”
    “Then help me understand. How have you been so helpless here?”
    “I don’t follow.”
    “Don’t you have weapons? Resources?”
    “Of course,” Kimmel snapped. “You have to understand, Fisher. This is something guns can’t handle. My men are afraid.”
    Fisher watched the General, waiting for him to elaborate, perhaps for a punchline for a joke which wasn’t coming. Instead, he stared at the road, brow furrowed, hands lightly touching the steering wheel.
    “And what about you? Are you afraid?”
    “You bet your ass I am,” Kimmel grunted, his candid response surprising Fisher.
    The Jeep slowed as it pulled onto Main Street, the storefronts all telling a similar story: Foreclosure , Closing down sale . Some had already bitten the bullet and were sagging, dilapidated, boarded-over husks, whereas others were just managing to stay open, although it was obvious at a glance that the battle was a losing one.
    “Jesus, this place is a dump,” Fisher grumbled.
    “It didn’t used to be. Believe it or not, this was a thriving little town until not too long ago.”
    “So where is everybody?”
    “Didn’t you read the report we sent you?” Kimmel said, more than a little irritated.
    “Skimmed it. I didn’t want the content to influence my decision.”
    Asshole.

    As tempting as it was, Kimmel didn’t say it. Instead he stared at the