The Naturals, #2
Killer Instinct
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
Three Weeks Later...
Overview
Agent Sterling returns to the house, signaling a shift in commitment. She reveals she alerted the director of National Intelligence, prompting formal oversight. Judd becomes the program’s advocate, with Sterling and Briggs supervising. The Naturals are officially cleared to consult on active cases, but must remain behind the scenes until eighteen.
Summary
After taking the GED, Cassie and the team find Agent Sterling moving back into the house as Briggs’s belongings are removed, signaling a personal and professional resolve. Cassie reflects on resilience and belonging while Sloane notes Sterling’s unlikely return. Sterling declares she’s done running and places a childhood photo of Scarlett, reaffirming her commitment.
The doorbell announces high-level visitors: Briggs, Director Sterling, and the director of National Intelligence. Sterling has reported the off-book program, forcing a reckoning over its strengths and serious weaknesses, especially the failure to protect the Naturals’ well-being.
The intelligence director accepts Sterling’s recommendation to restructure: Major Judd Hawkins becomes the team’s advocate with final say over any deviation from protocol; Sterling and Briggs will supervise; and the Naturals must stay behind the scenes until they turn eighteen. Director Sterling agrees to these constraints and to ending off-the-books operations.
Sterling then confirms the upside: starting tomorrow, the five teens are cleared to consult on active cases under the new rules. Cassie recognizes that the rules have changed, but their work now has sanctioned purpose and protection.
Who Appears
- Cassie HobbesNarrator; gauges Sterling’s return, craves purpose, and accepts new rules allowing sanctioned case consulting.
- Agent Veronica SterlingReturns committed; reports program to DNI; champions oversight; secures consulting clearance under strict protocols.
- Major Judd HawkinsDesignated advocate with final authority on deviations and participation; anchors new oversight structure.
- MichaelReads Sterling’s anticipation; questions the meeting; reacts with relief to sanctioned consulting.
- Dean ReddingObserves Sterling’s change; shares unspoken understanding with Cassie about the program’s new direction.
- SloaneNotes low probability of Sterling’s return; recites DNI role; confirms countdown to turning eighteen.
- LiaFollows Sterling to probe; offers wry asides during tense announcements.
- Agent BriggsArrives with leadership; will supervise Naturals under new rules; his items are removed from the house.
- Director SterlingFBI director and Sterling’s father; accepts external oversight and Judd’s authority over the program.
- Director of National IntelligenceNewly apprised of the program; imposes restructuring, oversight, and behind-the-scenes constraints.