Page 158 of Silent Target

“The containment system is tied into that console.”

Cobra looks through the smoke. “I can reach it.”

“There are twelve guards between you and the controls,” Shark says.

“Eleven.”

A rifle fires inside the smoke.

One of the armored men falls.

Falcon lowers his weapon with his uninjured hand.

“Now there are eleven.”

Rook studies the room.

“Shark and Falcon hold the threshold. Caleb and I draw them left. Cobra takes the console.”

“I’m going with Cobra,” Fathom says.

“You’re staying with me,” Mac tells him.

Fathom looks surprised.

“If they reach you, the drives disappear,” Mac explains. “I know their tactics.”

Rook nods. “Evie stays with Fathom.”

I open my mouth.

Caleb turns toward me.

His eyes hold mine.

Not an order.

A plea.

I nod once.

“I’ll protect the evidence.”

Relief passes across his face.

Then he moves into the smoke.

Rook goes with him.

Their rifles fire from the left side of the chamber.

The First Circle responds immediately, turning toward the threat.

Cobra runs right.

He reaches the control panel as Fathom and I enter the vault behind him.

Mac covers our backs.