Chapter 264 The Lieutenant Mayor

The military stronghold, Fort Cromwell, loomed over Springfield like a steel monolith. Its gray, impenetrable walls blended into the smoky sky of the industrial city. It looked like a monstrous building in a dystopian future. Amelia Briar’s car was finally allowed inside after scrutiny of her visiting papers. Apparently, Springfield’s Mayor did not allow non-citizens to enter the city without permission. After all, it was the country’s largest supplier of firearms. Inside the stronghold, the air was sharp with the tang of metal. Amelia kept reminding herself that this was a place built for war, not comfort. She stood in a sterile chamber, her arms crossed as two lady soldiers faced her. Their uniforms were crisp, and their expressions blank. “Strip,” one of them barked. “Down to nothing. We need to check for weapons.” Amelia’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t argue. She’d never get access to the Mayor without going through the security checks. The young woman shrugged off