Novels by Steph Avery

The building stood tall against the darkening sky like a monument to everything he had lost five years ago. Elena stared up at the glass and steel structure from the passenger seat and felt a strange mix of emotions knowing this place represented both Marcus's greatest achievement and his most painful betrayal."Your father started this company?" she asked quietly while they circled the block looking for the best entry point that would avoid security cameras and guards."He founded it as a small operation while working his other job," Marcus replied and his voice carried a mixture of pride and sadness. "When he died I inherited a struggling business with three employees working out of a tiny office. I promised myself I would honor his vision by making it into something great. Within five years we had two hundred employees and contracts with major corporations around the world. This building was supposed to be my father's legacy and mine and instead it became a symbol of everything the

Marcus stared at the photo on his phone screen feeling the weight of betrayal settle over him like a heavy blanket that made it hard to breathe. Someone on his team had switched the real evidence with fake hard drives and that someone had just sent him a message to let him know they had succeeded in destroying everything he had worked for."What is wrong?" Elena asked seeing the expression on his face change from determination to shock. "Marcus what happened?"He showed her the phone and watched her face go pale as she understood what the image meant. All their risks and all their sacrifices and all their narrow escapes had been for nothing because the evidence they brought to the courthouse was worthless.David appeared beside them looking concerned. "Sir is something wrong? You look like you just received terrible news."Marcus handed him the phone without saying anything and watched David's expression mirror the same shock and disbelief he himself felt. The younger man looked at th

Marcus watched Torres carefully as her weapon stayed lowered and her eyes moved between him and the crying child in Elena's arms. The room held its breath waiting to see what would happen next in this standoff that could end in violence or surrender."Agent Torres you do not want to do this," Marcus said quietly using the calm voice he had perfected during years of negotiating with enemy forces. "Deep down you know arresting us for trying to expose the truth is wrong. You became an FBI agent to protect people, not to help criminals silence witnesses.""You do not know anything about why I became an agent," Torres shot back but her voice lacked conviction and Marcus could hear the doubt creeping in around the edges of her words."Then tell me. Tell everyone in this room why you are willing to arrest a man and woman and child who only want to reveal the truth about corruption and murder."Torres opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by a new voice coming from the doorway behin

The courthouse stood like a gray monument in the center of downtown Grandview casting long shadows across the street as the afternoon sun began its descent toward the horizon. Marcus watched it through the van window while his mind calculated possibilities and risks with the precision of a general planning a military operation.Elena sat beside him with Leo sleeping peacefully in her lap finally exhausted from all the fear and confusion of the past hours. She looked at Marcus with worry clear in her eyes even though she was trying to appear brave and confident."Are you sure about this?" she asked quietly so she would not wake Leo. "Walking straight into a building that might be full of Covenant people seems like suicide to me."Marcus understood her fear because he felt it too deep in his gut where instinct lived and warned him when something was wrong. But they had run out of options and places to hide and this was their best chance to end things before the Covenant found them again

Marcus moved through the base corridors with his weapon raised and his team following in tight formation behind him. They had maybe five minutes before General Stone realized they were mobilizing and sent troops to stop them and every second counted."Team Alpha secure Elena from the barracks," Marcus ordered into his radio. "Team Bravo with me to the secure facility where they are holding Leo. Team Charlie guards the evidence and prepares our exit vehicles."The base alarm started blaring with a harsh mechanical sound that echoed off the concrete walls. Red warning lights flashed in the hallways making everything look like a scene from a nightmare."All security personnel report to the command center immediately," Stone's voice came over the speakers again. "We have a security breach. Detain Marcus Chen and his associates on sight. Use of force is authorized."Marcus cursed under his breath. Stone was not even pretending anymore. He had dropped the friendly mentor act and revealed hi

The military base appeared through the morning fog like a fortress emerging from ancient mist. Massive concrete walls topped with razor wire surrounded the facility and guard towers stood at each corner manned by soldiers carrying automatic weapons. The entrance gate was made of reinforced steel that could withstand a charging truck.Marcus felt a sense of relief wash over him as the vans approached the checkpoint. After the chaos of the past twenty-four hours, the sight of military security felt like coming home. This was a world he understood, a world where rules mattered and loyalty meant something.General Stone stood waiting at the gate in his dress uniform despite the early hour. His weathered face broke into a slight smile when he saw Marcus emerge from the lead van."You look like hell son," Stone said gripping Marcus's hand firmly. "When was the last time you slept?""Two days ago maybe. I lost track.""Well, you are safe now. I have prepared quarters for your team and medica