One of the male CA instructors took the lead from the front of our group as we all congregated on the sloping hills of grass. “Listen up. We’re touring King Corporation today.”
Cheers erupted from my peers.
No. No. No. No.
This couldn’t be happening.
My chest constricted as my pulse raced. I did not want to go in there wherehemight be. That was the last confrontation I wanted right now in front of the instructors who would decide if I ‘passed’ their tests. I kept my gaze on the entrance of the building and shoved my hands into my pockets to hide their shaking.
Worst. Day. Ever.
The instructor patted the air to quiet the excited candidates. The clamor finally died down, and he continued, “All female recruits will be with our female lead, Major Anne Wilcox. For the males, we’ll be calling off your names, and which of us will be giving you the tour. Everyone will all see the same things today but merely at different times. You will be free to eat lunch wherever you wish, but we want you back in this same spot by two o’clock. Do you understand?”
I muttered, “Yes, sir.”
The rest yelled it.
“Female recruits, go with Major Wilcox.”
The girls started moving through the crowd, myself included. I should have watched where I was walking.
“Shit,” I grumbled as I stumbled into the guy’s back in front of me. I quickly righted myself and pulled my hands out of my pockets, holding them up in the air when he glared. “I’m sorry. Little distracted.”
He sneered. “Watch yourself, Carvene.”
“Gotcha.” I nodded quickly.
I paid attention this time as I maneuvered through the group, a few elbows jutting out and jarring my body just as I stepped by.
The foul play was starting.
Major Wilcox waited at the front of the building until all ten women lined up side-by-side. “Don’t touch anything that you’re not supposed to. Don’t speak to anyone you’re not supposed to. And do not wander off while we’re in here. You follow me, not the other way around. There are cameras everywhere that will be watching your every move.” Her dark eyes peered at each one of us in turn. “Do you have any questions?”
The girl next to me stood with her hands behind her back in full soldier stance. “Yes, ma’am. I have a question.”
Major Wilcox waited, one of her eyebrows lifting.
“Will…um.” The girl rocked back on her heels, then steeled her courage. “Will we get to meet Mr. King today?”
Fuck, I hoped not.
I scratched at my forehead.
Dropped my hand when I realized I was fidgeting.
Major Wilcox stated, “He is in the office today, but he doesn’t speak with recruits, only his top senior staff. He’s an incredibly busy man, and his time is always taken with meetings. Any other questions?”
I nibbled on my bottom lip.
The acid in my stomach was rising.
I prayed I didn’t see him.
No one else spoke up.
She turned and muttered under her breath, “That’s always the only damn question.” Her voice rose so everyone could hear her. “Let’s go, ladies.”
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
