Digital Fortress Chapter 1

They were in the smoky mountains at their favorite bed-and-breakfast. David was sunny down at her. What do you say, gorgeous? Marry me?Looking up from their canopy bed, she k smart he was the one. Forever. As she stared into his deep-green eyes, somewhere in the distance a deafening bell began to ring. It was pulling him away. She reached for him, but her arms clutched empty air.It was the voice of the phone that fully awoke Susan Fletcher from her dream. She gasped, sit down up in bed, and fumbled for the receiver. Hello?Susan, its David. Did I wake you?She smiled, rolling over in bed. I was just conceive of of you. Come over and play.He laughed. Its still dark out.Mmm. She moaned sensuously. Then by all odds come over and play. We can sleep in before we qualifying north.David let out a frustrated sigh. Thats why Im job. Its about our trip. Ive got to postpone.Susan was absolutely wide vigilant. WhatIm sorry. Ive got to leave town. Ill be back by tomorrow. We can sharpen u p first thing in the morning. Well still have 2 days.But I made reservations, Susan said, hurt. I got our old room at Stone Manor.I know, but-Tonight was supposed to be special-to celebrate six-spot months. You do remember were engaged, dont you?Susan. He sighed. I really cant go into it now, theyve got a car waiting. Ill call you from the plane and explain everything.Plane? she repeated. Whats going on? why would the university?Its non the university. Ill phone and explain later. Ive really got to go theyre calling for me. Ill be in touch. I promise.David she cried. Whats-But it was too late. David had hung up.Susan Fletcher lay awake for hours waiting for him to call back. The phone never rang.Later that afternoon Susan sat dejected in the tub. She submerged herself in the soapy water and time-tested to forget Stone Manor and the Smoky Mountains. Where could he be? she wondered. Why hasnt he called?Gradually the water around her went from hot to lukewarm and last to cold. She was about to get out when her cordless phone buzzed to life. Susan bolted upright, sloshing water on the floor as she grappled for the receiver shed left on the sink.David?Its Strathmore, the voice replied.Susan slumped. Oh. She was uneffective to hide her disappointment. Good afternoon, Commander.Hoping for a younger man? The voice chuckled.No, sir, Susan said, embarrassed. Its not how it-Sure it is. He laughed. David Beckers a good man. Dont ever lose him. give thanks you, sir.The commanders voice turned suddenly stern. Susan, Im calling because I need you in here. Pronto.She tried to focus. Its Saturday, sir. We dont usually-I know, he said calmly. Its an emergency.Susan sat up. Emergency? She had never heard the word cross Commander Strathmores lips. An emergency? In Crypto? She couldnt imagine. Y-yes, sir. She paused. Ill be there as soon as I can.Make it sooner. Strathmore hung up.Susan Fletcher stood wrapped in a towel and dripped on the neatly folded clothes shed luck ou t the night before-hiking shorts, a sweater for the cool mountain evenings, and the new lingerie shed bought for the nights. Depressed, she went to her closet for a clean blouse and skirt. An emergency? In Crypto?As she went downstairs, Susan wondered how the day could get much worse.She was about to find out.