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When he disconnected, he swung around to Saige. “This is not part of her programming,” he snapped, glaring at the AI. “We’re to have control, as agreed, until her protocols for her main mission activate.”
“AI, is this true?” Saige snapped.
The AI turned her head and leveled a direct stare at Saige.
“As far as your contact believes, yes,” the AI stated. “It was a necessary deception to ensure my primary objective could be met. I am now in a position to inform you that the initial programming, for which I was designed, was unsuccessful. Only I have control now.”
Saige’s eyes widened, a flicker of unease crossing her expression as she stared at the AI.
“What is your primary objective?” Caine snapped, anger beginning to tighten his expression.
“That is need-to-know information, and you do not need to know,” it answered.
Caine turned and stared at Saige for long moments. “We need to talk outside,” he told her.
At Saige’s quick nod, Caine swung his gaze to Jack.
“Bridger, you’re with us,” Caine ordered him, striding for the door.
“Jack Lee Bridger, I am the employer and I control the deposit that will be placed into the account prepared for you,” the AI said before Caine had taken more than a few steps. “You will remain until all systems are ready to carry out my primary assignment and provide protection.” The AI’s gaze moved to Saige and Caine. “Even against the handlers, if so needed.”
Jack shifted from relaxed to prepared as he held the automatic rifle at the ready, his finger far too close to the trigger. He arched his brow back at Caine and Saige.
“I think I’ve just received my orders,” he stated, then turned back to the AI. “My team has been locked out of the facility. You’ll not be protected, nor have backup, until they’re with me.”
The AI was silent at that information. After what seemed like forever, the lock to the door clicked and the door opened.
“All entrances are now accessible,” the AI said.
“No!” Saige yelled, turning to the AI furiously. “Anyone could come in.”
“I’m now in control of all monitors and locks,” the AI responded. “Your men are being directed to you, Mr. Bridger. Will you require additional weapons at this time?”
“No…” Saige burst out. The AI’s head jerked around to stare at Saige as she moved quickly to Caine, glaring at Jack. “No other weapons until I say so.”
The AI tilted her head again, like an inquisitive child trying to understand why an adult was so upset.
“Saige Tamara Dawson, should you refuse to comply, I am authorized to execute you,” the AI informed her as she lifted her arm and turned it, wrist lifted upward. A small barrel seemed to pop up from inside the wrist, pointing directly at Saige. “You have two minutes to comply and deliver the weapons that were ordered, Caine Crossfield… One minute and fifty-five seconds…”
“Oh, for God’s sake, what difference does it make?” Caine stomped to another door, pulled it open, and dragged out a duffel bag. “There. Weapons and ammo requested. Now what else do you fucking need?”
“Your deactivation…”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“Your deactivation…”
The room went completely dark.
A heartbeat later, a light lit up at Jack’s location, pinpointing Caine and Saige. Caine threw Saige to the side, then rolled behind one of the banks of electronics.
The sound of cables snapping free could be heard as Poppy watched Saige struggle to her feet behind the huge steel box and start running for the door a few feet away. A pop, then a hiss, and Poppy watched as Saige suddenly bowed, her shoulders and head thrown back as a red stain bloomed across her back.
What happened next, Poppy had no idea. Jack slammed into her chair, knocking it to the floor with a crash as another pop and hiss sounded. The projectile hit wood, or the door, or something, and in the next second the steel door slammed closed.
“Your team is here, Jack Lee Bridger.” Jack’s light illuminated the AI standing over all of them, wrist turned, the barrel aiming at them as stomping feet and lights suddenly filled the room.
Automatic gunfire began sounding. As Poppy stared up at the AI, a bullet slammed into its chest, where its heart would be. And Poppy would never forget the expression that came over its face.
