Chapter 1

Julia Fenner sat frozen before the counter, her head buzzing as if a knot of wire were rolling around inside it, tightening with every turn.

Lydia Warden? Wasn't she supposed to be the widow of one of Everett's men? Why was she listed as his wife?

Julia read the record the clerk had turned toward her one more time.

Wife: Lydia Warden. Son: Peter Warden.

Julia's name did not appear anywhere on Everett's dependent record with the Army.

She left the housing office in a daze and went to the address the clerk had given her, the residence listed on Everett's dependent record.

She could not make herself approach the door. From outside the yard, she heard warm laughter filling the house.

Everett handed the boy a large bag of candy. "Look what Dad brought you."

Peter jumped up and wrapped his arms around Everett's neck. "I love you, Dad."

Lydia emerged from the kitchen smiling. "Wash your hands. Dinner is ready."

The scene inside was warm and complete, while Julia felt frozen to the bone. Unable to bear another second, she fled.

The sun had been down for hours by the time she returned home. Nora Dawson, the housekeeper, hurried to meet her.

"Ms. Fenner, thank goodness you're back. Colonel Warden has called several times. He was frantic when no one knew where you were. Please call him before he worries himself sick."

Julia lifted her head blankly. The telephone rang before she responded, and Mrs. Dawson answered. It was Everett.

"Colonel, Ms. Fenner just came in. Yes, I'll put her on."

The instant Everett's voice reached her through the receiver, Julia could no longer hold back her tears.

He noticed immediately. "What's wrong, Jules? Did you miss me? I'll ask the general for leave tomorrow and come home."

Before that day, the promise would have delighted her. She would have admitted that she missed him with her whole heart.

They had been married seven years, yet Everett came home only on summer and winter leave. Whenever Julia asked to live near Fort Ashcombe, he insisted the conditions were too harsh.

She had never imagined he was legally married elsewhere, or that the marriage certificate and household papers he gave her were forged.

"Life near the base is hard, Jules. I couldn't stand watching you suffer there. Wait until I earn my transfer, and then we'll never have to live apart again."

Julia had never doubted him or asked a single question.

Now she said, "Don't request leave. I want to apply for family housing near your unit."

"I already told you, I don't want you living under those conditions. Did something happen? I'll come back tomorrow."

His concern did not sound false, yet hearing the answer she had expected made Julia suddenly calm.

She wiped her tears. "Nothing happened. I think I'm coming down with a cold."

"Take care of yourself. Ask Mrs. Dawson to make soup. Your students matter, but your health matters more. Take your medicine and don't make me worry. I'll visit as soon as I can."

He sounded as tender as ever. Julia's tears kept falling, and just before the call ended, she heard the boy in the background.

"Dad, hurry. Mom cut her hand."

Everett rushed away without hanging up properly. Julia listened to the open line for a full minute.

Then she ended the call and dialed another number.

"Professor Amos Bell, I accept the position at Briar Ridge Research Station."

Professor Bell's voice became grave. "Have you thought this through, Ms. Fenner? Project 403 is a classified appointment. Your public identity will be sealed, and you may have to work under another name for the rest of your life."

Julia had never been more certain.

"The work is urgent," he said at last. "You have two weeks to settle your affairs. A secured transport team will collect you when the time comes."