The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 750

Trevor stepped forward politely. "Ms. Floyd, please go in."

Nicole and Zeph didn't get a chance to speak, but when their eyes met, Zeph gave her a reassuring look.

The office was spacious but plain. Aside from several stacks of files on the desk, everything was neat and orderly.

Arthur was on the phone, discussing official business.

"Give me a moment. I'll be right there."

After hanging up, he looked at her. "Nicole Floyd?"

Nicole was a little surprised. She didn't expect to see the same important-looking man whose car broke down on the road that day.

He seemed less intimidating than before, and there was even a faint smile in his eyes. For some reason, Nicole relaxed a little.

Then she caught herself. Someone in his position wasn't a person to underestimate.

She kept a polite smile on her face. "Hello, sir."

Arthur studied her face for a moment, then gestured to the chair. "Have a seat."

Every alarm bell in Nicole's head was going off, but she sat across from him and acted perfectly calm.

Arthur studied her for a moment. "You're from Westbridge?"

"Yeah."

"I'm from Grayport, right next door. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in Westbridge. Had quite a few friends there..."

Nicole's suspicion only grew. The commander of an entire military district had called her in just to make small talk.

Something was definitely off.

Still, there was nothing she could do except play along.

"I read your file. You grew up in an orphanage?"

He already read her file, so he knew the answer. The background check had dug into practically every detail of her life.

Arthur looked like he was about to say something else when the phone rang again. He stood and held out his hand.

"Thank you, both you and Zeph, for what you've done for the base. If you ever run into trouble, come to me."

Nicole shook his hand. "There's really no need. We got the points we were owed."

His hand was broad and callused, but surprisingly warm.

Arthur suddenly asked, "Ever thought about joining the military?"

"No. I have family to take care of."

He looked down, wrote something on a piece of paper, tore it off, and handed it to her.

"This is my encrypted channel. If you ever need anything, contact me."

Nicole hesitated, unsure what to make of it, but took the note anyway. She was already at the door when she stopped and glanced back.

"Your health doesn't seem great. You should probably get checked out when you have time."