The pair headed off for a quick head-clearing walk, and maybe a coffee and donut if they could find one. Once out in the fresh air, Matt felt better immediately.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it free, frowning down at the small screen.

“Trouble?” Andy asked.

“Nah, but more a bolt from the blue – it’s from my ex, Megan– haven’t heard from her in a year or so.” He read the message.

“What’s it say?” Andy tried to see over his shoulder.

Matt blocked him. “Urgent news. She wants me to come to the front gate; they won’t let her in.” He raised his eyebrows. “What’s that about? And how did she find me? Jesus.”

Andy snorted. “I miss you, honey…and it’s time for you to say hello to Matt Kearns Junior.”

“Oh piss off. It’s been ages…Still.” Matt grimaced at the thought Andy had planted in his head. “Nah, impossible. Something’s not right.” He looked around, seeing where he was in relation to the front gates – only about ten minutes. They only had thirty minutes, but his curiosity was overwhelming his good sense.

“Want me to come?” Andy asked with a lopsided grin.

“No way, it’s –”

“Forget it, buddy, I’m coming. Any chick who’d put up with you for more than five minutes is worth seeing.” He slapped Matt on the shoulder and pointed. “This way.”

It took them twenty minutes to pass the front gate, explain they were going for a walk, and then another ten to find the small car parked by the roadside. When they approached a hand came out and waved. Matt slowed, Andy at his side.

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” Andy said and snorted. “Do all your women friends look the same?”

“So, Megan?” Matt folded his arms at the car window.

Adira lowered her sunglasses. “Matt, Andy; sorry for the subterfuge, but I needed to talk…and yes, it is urgent.”

“I thought you were confined to the airport?” Matt asked, scoffing.

“I convinced them I can be of more assistance in the field. So…” She shrugged, and then looked at the military facility. “So, how’s it going in there? Have they ordered a nuclear strike yet?” She smiled. “They will, you know.”

“On home soil?” Matt shook his head. “No way.”

“Professor, Matthew, when a man has a hammer, everything needs hammering. This is the military you’re dealing with – to them, everything has a military solution.”

Matt exhaled and looked around. He knew she was probably right. He could tell the way the mood in the room was shifting toward a conclusive response.

“There is another option,” Adira said, pushing her sunglasses back up on her nose. “Get in.” She motioned to the seat next to her. She looked up at Andy. “You don’t need to come, Mr Bennet.”

“Nice one, and I missed you too,” Andy said with one brow up. “But if my buddy is going, then I go too.”

Matt got in and Andy jumped in the back, and rested his elbows on the seat between them.