Despite blinding dust storms, lonely bus rides, long hours, and the attentions of a dangerous man, Alice Krepsky is determined to prove herself and fulfill her patriotic duty as a top-secret secretary at Hanford in the US government's covert race to end World War II. She's delighted when Paul, a local newspaper reporter, proposes marriage. But when she's exposed to the deadly substance at the heart of the operation, and Paul questions her about government secrets, Ally must choose between the man she loves, and the country she's vowed to serve.

Finalist in the 2023 Cascade Writing Awards.