"This way," she said and led him to an armored limo. She opened the back door and gestured for Ben to enter with a stiff expression. He cautiously bent and stepped into the vehicle. She closed the door behind him, remaining outside.

Seated on the back seat was a broad-chested man with many bars of ribbons on his chest. Ben sat on the seat facing him.

"Mr. Shepherd, hello. I'm General Davis. Sergeant Killcade is my niece, and I've asked her to keep an eye on you," the man explained.

"She's been spying on me?" Ben exclaimed in surprise.

The man shook his head. "No, not at all. I merely...