Chapter 6 - The Washington Trap
The next morning at 9:00 AM.
The classified briefing room at the Pentagon was filled with senior military commanders, intelligence directors, and Department of Defense officials.
Sitting at the head of the curved conference table was Undersecretary Arthur Sterling, dressed in a sharp three-piece suit, shuffling official papers with an air of complete arrogance.
"Gentlemen," Sterling announced into his microphone. "We are here to finalize the transfer of the Caldwell Defense Trust assets to federal oversight following the unfortunate family dispute in Tennessee yesterday."
The double oak doors at the back of the room swung open.
I stepped into the briefing room wearing my full Navy Commander dress whites, my chest decorated with rows of service ribbons and the gold Command Insignia.
Behind me marched four armed Military Police officers.
Sterling’s pen froze in his hand. His face turned pale as he stared at me.
"Commander Caldwell?" Sterling stammered, trying to maintain his composure. "This is a closed executive session. You do not have security clearance to—"
"I have Level-5 Top Secret Clearance, Undersecretary Sterling," I interrupted, walking straight down the center aisle. "Granted directly by the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
May you like
I tossed a thick folder of encrypted digital printouts onto the center of the mahogany table.
"And I am here to present evidence of treason against you."
