The First Lie - A Story from The Quiet War
She’s desperate to serve her country. But the cost of her first mission might be her own soul.
Buried under an endless pile of reports, newly minted intelligence officer Emily Foster dreams of escaping the monotony of desk duty for the adrenaline of field operations.
Her opportunity arrives with shattering stakes. A senior military officer is suspected of treason. His erratic behavior and unauthorized access to classified files suggest an insider threat that could cost the lives of Canadian soldiers.
This is no routine CSIS investigation. Emily’s supervising officer thrusts her into the lead of “Operation Riposte”—an off-the-books mission so sensitive it could end both their careers. To get close to threat, Emily must become someone else and develop a deep cover that couldn’t be more at odds with her true self.
But the closer she gets to the target, the more she realizes things aren’t always as they seem. As the evidence mounts, Emily fears they are pawns in a much darker game. Thrust into the shadowy world of espionage where one lie demands another, Emily must unravel the truth before the trap snaps shut, and lives are lost.
This explosive short story is part of Michael J. Lalonde’s new The Quiet War series, a sprawling geopolitical, military and espionage series that puts Canada at the centre of the action.
Beyond the Frontlines: Stories from The Quiet War
The world of The Quiet War extends far beyond the main series. These companion stories dive deeper into the lives of key characters, explore untold missions, and reveal the moments that shaped the conflict. From short stories and prequels to full-length novels that stand on their own, each offers a new perspective on the war unfolding in the shadows.
The Quiet War - Book II: Ready, Aye, Ready
A covert alliance of global adversaries challenges Canada’s sovereignty, igniting the most intense naval standoff since the Cuban Missile Crisis. As political tensions surge and war looms, old allies must come together to defy the odds and prevent a conflict that could reshape the world order.
The First Lie: A story from The Quiet War
Emily Foster, a newly minted CSIS intelligence officer, is thrust into a high-stakes investigation that will test her skills, instincts, and resilience. As she navigates the shadowy world of espionage, she uncovers a mystery with devastating implications for Canada’s national security.
About Michael J. Lalonde, Author
Michael J. Lalonde is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served for 23 years, spending the latter half of his career as an intelligence officer with the rank of captain. Following his military service, he transitioned into politics before attending law school at Osgoode Hall.
He holds an MA in History from the University of Waterloo and an MA in International Affairs from Carleton University, which complement his firsthand experience in military strategy and global affairs. A lifelong storyteller, his passion for writing was ignited by Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising, inspiring him to craft thrillers that blend authenticity with razor-sharp attention to detail.
Beyond writing, Michael is an avid scuba diver and a dedicated steak connoisseur, always in pursuit of the perfect cut. His commitment to precision—whether in storytelling, strategy, or a well-seared cow flank—defines both his fiction and his life.
His debut novel, The Quiet War: Canadian Front, is available for pre-order now.
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