The soldiers dragged Malia, thrashing her limbs, into Elea’s bedroom and shoved her onto a wooden chair. They wrapped zip-ties around her wrists and ankles as her chest heaved and her body dripped sweat.

Malia cursed herself for getting caught. She wondered if it had been worth it. She didn’t even know what was in Elea’s file or what difference it would make. Malia wished Charles were with her; he would bring comfort, if not clarity or resolution to the danger before her. ...