The Devil You Know
The pack house's main hall had been transformed into a makeshift command center, with federal equipment covering every available surface and agents moving with the efficient precision of people who had done this before. Lisa paused in the doorway, taking in the sight of her family's home invaded by government technology and personnel who clearly saw them as subjects to be studied rather than allies to be respected.
Director Walsh stood at the center of the operation, studying multiple screens displaying intelligence data while speaking quietly into a secure headset. When she noticed Lisa's arrival, she gestured toward a smaller conference room that had been set up with recording equipment and what looked suspiciously like interrogation furniture.
"Ms. Blackwood," Walsh said, her tone professionally neutral. "Thank you for joining us. I believe we have much to discuss."
"I'm sure we do," Lisa replied, making no move toward the conference room. "But before we go a
