The Naturals, #2
Killer Instinct
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Cassie wakes to find Veronica Sterling firmly asserting control, mandating GED studies and staying in the house. Judd and Briggs’s familiarity with Sterling surfaces, and Briggs returns, touting the program as Sterling challenges its risks. The chapter culminates in Dean revealing Sterling was Briggs’s former partner and wife, reshaping house dynamics.
Summary
Cassie wakes late, exhausted and on edge, and meets Judd in the kitchen, where he’s unfazed by Agent Veronica Sterling’s presence. Sterling has spent the night on the study’s pullout sofa, and Judd treats her with unusual familiarity, making sandwiches for both Cassie and Sterling despite her protests.
Sterling immediately asserts authority, noting the time and announcing that the teens will take practice GED tests, with tutoring if needed. She underscores that schooling—promised to families—will no longer be ignored. Cassie bristles but leaves as Judd calls Sterling “Ronnie,” signaling long-standing ties.
Agent Briggs arrives, clearly familiar with Sterling, and reports Mackenzie’s safe return while emphasizing the Naturals program’s recent success. Sterling counters by citing the dangers to “children,” referencing Michael and Dean’s injuries. Briggs redirects Cassie to the others, sidestepping the conflict.
In the living room, Dean is diligently testing while Lia jokes and Sloane builds a pencil catapult. Cassie reports Briggs’s return and the “Ronnie” nickname. Pressed for answers, Dean confirms the deeper connection: Sterling wasn’t just Briggs’s partner on the case against Dean’s father—she was also Briggs’s wife.
Who Appears
- CassieNarrator; unsettled by Sterling, observes power shifts, and relays discoveries to the team.
- Agent Veronica SterlingNew supervisor; moves in, mandates GED testing, clashes with Briggs; revealed as his former partner and wife.
- Judd HawkinsHouse guardian; calm, familiar with Sterling (“Ronnie”), insists on feeding them, offered his room.
- Agent BriggsProgram lead; returns touting a closed case, spars with Sterling over risks; past partner and ex-husband.
- DeanFocused on the GED; confirms Sterling’s history with Briggs as partner and wife.
- LiaMocks Sterling with cheerful sarcasm, prompts Dean to share what he knows.
- SloaneUnconcerned by testing; builds a pencil catapult during the GED session.