Chapter 4

The Campfire

The smell of pine and smoke lingered in the crisp northern Michigan air as Caleb stoked the fire. Beside him, Andrew sat quietly, sipping from a canteen. They had reached the forested property owned by a trusted friend of Caleb’s father. Remote, quiet, and disconnected—perfect for laying low and regrouping.

The crackling firelight cast long shadows when a third figure emerged from the trees—bearded, grizzled, wearing a battered boonie hat and carrying an old canvas rucksack. He moved like someone who had spent a lifetime moving quietly.

“Rue,” Caleb said, standing to greet him.

“Colonel,” the man nodded, ignoring protocol but with deep respect. “Heard you were stirring the pot.”

Andrew raised a brow. “Friend of yours?”

“Master Sergeant Reuben Danner,” Caleb said. “Special Forces, retired. My father served with him. He helped train me when I was young. Saved my life once.”

Rue dropped his pack. “Still trying to keep you from doing something stupid. Guess not much has changed.”

That night, Rue shared his suspicions—he’d been watching strange military movements, contract shifts, and unexplained operations. It confirmed Caleb’s fears: the infiltration wasn’t theoretical anymore. It was happening.

Links below become active as each segment is published.

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 1)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 2)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 3)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 4)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 5)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 6)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 7)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 8)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 9)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 10)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 11)

Warped Speed: A Novella (Chapter 12)

 

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