y Stepdad Mocked Me and Said “Get a Real Job” Before Snatching My Phone and Accidentally Answering a Critical Security Call. Minutes Later, a Tactical Team Smashed Through Our Windows—and He Finally Learned What I Really Do for the Pentagon Every Night…

Then again.

A precise, urgent rhythm.

My stomach dropped instantly.

Defcon 3.

Without drawing attention, I slipped one hand beneath the tablecloth and activated the biometric scanner built into the device.

The heavily encrypted screen illuminated with a deep crimson glow.

UNIDENTIFIED NUCLEAR SUBMARINE DETECTED IN UNITED STATES TERRITORIAL WATERS OFF THE COAST OF ALASKA.

AWAITING COMMAND DIRECTIVE.

My pulse slammed against my ribs.

There was no time to waste.