Page 118 of Silent Target

Caleb looks toward Mac. “Other route?”

“Maintenance ducts connect the compartments, but they’re too narrow.”

“For all of us,” I say.

Everyone turns toward me.

Fathom studies the ceiling. “She’s right. One person could reach the next control room and release the doors.”

“No,” Caleb says.

I haven’t volunteered yet.

He already knows.

“I’m the smallest.”

“No.”

“I know intelligence control systems.”

“No.”

“Caleb.”

His eyes meet mine. “Find another way.”

A burst of gunfire strikes the opposite side of the sealed door.

The Inner Guard is already there.

We don’t have time.

I move closer and lower my voice.

“You came for me because I asked for help. Now I need you to trust me.”

“I trust you.”

“Then let me do this.”

His jaw tightens.

I see every terrible memory he carries—every person he couldn’t save and every body he brought home.

He doesn’t fear that I’ll fail.

He fears that he won’t be close enough if I do.

“I’ll be on the radio,” I tell him.

“That won’t stop a bullet.”

“No. But neither will keeping me behind you forever.”

Something shifts in his expression.

Pain.