“Sounds like we’re going to a holodeck.”
She snorted. “You have geek in you?”
His eyebrows furrowed. “Gotta ask? Used to work for the FBI, remember?”
There was a rush of air as the door slid open. They were the last ones to enter the clinical-looking room. Everyone else stood around looking anxious. Or that might just be her suddenly jumping nerves. Yes, the procedure was much safer than in the past, but… She let her thoughts trail off. Dusty had made the choice. He said he wanted his memories. Every one.
Dusty skirted the chair in the middle of the room, kissed Momma on her silk-lined cheek. She told him, “It will be quick and painless. I promise.”
That did a lot to calm Gracie’s nerves. She said hi to everyone—Justice, Sandesh, and Victor. Momma had said she needed as many of the people who’d been there that day as possible.
Leland was here for support, though he’d been instructed to stay silent during the procedure.
Momma pointed to the chair. “Would you mind sitting down?”
Dusty eyed the chair in the middle of the room with obvious unease. She couldn’t blame him. It was a cross between a mad scientist’s and a dentist’s chair. A large arm connected to a helmet with wires and submerged sensors projected from the top of the seat. It was those sensors, that direct brain interface, that would, hopefully, awaken the hidden physiological data, helping restore Dusty’s memory of what had happened with Tony.
Dusty nodded but didn’t say a word. Not a good sign.
“It’s going to be fine,” she said as he reluctantly took his seat. She had to fight herself not to stop the whole thing when Leland began to strap him into the seat. She had to remind herself that he needed to be drugged and hooked up to the specialized equipment for this to work.
Instead of concentrating on the leather straps being tightened, she readied herself to take part in the drama. A replay of the last minutes in Mexico—with each of the people here playing a part, recalling what they could from that day. Momma even had sound effects set up. It was being run by one of Leland’s staff in internal security, who’d also be recording this session.
She dreaded reliving that day. This, in conjunction with the sensitive neuronal interface technology, should help unlock his memories.
If it worked, Dusty would be able to remember what had happened with Tony. If it worked, he’d be whole. If it worked, they’d hopefully be able to use that information to find Tony. And bring him home.
Order Diana Muñoz Stewart’s next book
in the Black Ops Confidential series
The Cost of Honor
On sale November 2019!
Order Diana Muñoz Stewart’s next book
in the Black Ops Confidential series
The Cost of Honor
On sale November 2019!
Acknowledgments
Before I’d gone through the extensive and exhilarating work of readying my novel for publication, I was unaware of how many talented and dedicated people would add to the shape and texture of my novel. I am so very grateful to all of them.
As always, a huge thank-you goes to my agent, Michelle Grajkowski, for cheerleading my work and being there every step of the way on this wonderful journey. A huge thanks to Ann Leslie Tuttle for her invaluable help with her developmental read for The Price of Grace. And to my wonderful editor, Cat Clyne, who gave me the time and encouragement I needed to make this novel its very best—thank you. A sincere, heartfelt bow to my publisher and Sourcebooks founder, Dominique Raccah, for taking a chance on her own dream and thereby allowing me to live mine. And for all the wonderful people at Sourcebooks and on my publishing team—with a special shout-out to my wonderful cover designer, Dawn Adams, and my intrepid publicist, Stephany Daniel—thank you for all that you do and continue to do to make books that really do change lives! I count myself beyond lucky to have had the benefit of your hard work, creativity, and guidance.
A big, sloppy virtual kiss and hug to my senior production editor, Rachel Gilmer, for your priceless insight and endless patience. Thank you, Rachel! And thank you to Gail Foreman for being a second set of eyes and asking the questions I never would’ve asked myself.
I also want to express my gratitude to Patricia Gussin, who not only read my work but championed me and my novel!
A sincere thank-you to all of the librarians and bookstore owners, big and small, who have taken a chance on this series and stocked it on their real and virtual shelves. And finally, my undying gratitude to all the avid readers who have picked up the Band of Sisters series and who continue to enthusiastically support the adventures of the League of Warrior Women. I consider it a privilege to be able to make this connection with each and every one of you.
About the Author
Diana Muñoz Stewart is the award-winning romantic suspense author of the Black Ops Confidential series, which includes I Am Justice and The Price of Grace (Sourcebooks). She lives in eastern Pennsylvania in an often chaotic and always welcoming home that—depending on the day—can include a husband, kids, extended family, friends, and a canine or two.
When not writing, Diana can be found kayaking, doing sprints up her long driveway—harder than it sounds—practicing yoga on her deck, or hiking with the man who’s had her heart since they were teens.
Learn more or connect with Diana at:
dianamunozstewart.com
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The Price of Grace Page 28