Apparently Justin is still appearing to try to catch Boyd as in prior books. Should be a short story this time: Boyd isolates himself with a single hostage and no other leverage. Justin’s MPs keep Boyd surrounded and wear him down with negotiations just like every other kidnapping we’ve ever heard of. But no!! Justin has a different plan: he avoids surrounding Boyd, gives him 2 more hostages and an easy escape route while doing nothing to incapacitate or apprehend.
We learn once more that Justin will find a way to fail no matter how many chances he gets or how much collateral damage is risked.
Then Justin reiterates how devoted he is to protecting everyone and capturing Boyd. Wile E Coyote has a better chance.
So why is the base commander letting this go on? Soldiers are getting killed and morale is affected while all kinds of technology and resources are available to find anyone within a few hours. Yet the stupidest two captains muddle on hoping doGs and God will overcome their self defeating actions.
Inconsequential and contradictory emotional exposition is inserted periodically. It is revealed in several ways that Justin keeps failing because he fears Gretchen will move on once the mission is completed. How can this be resolved?