Page 159 of Silent Target

The room is larger than it appeared from outside. Three levels rise around the circular center, each holding shelves, sealed cases, and old communications equipment.

This isn’t merely a vault.

It’s a command chamber.

Names appear on illuminated panels along the walls.

Some correspond to the Second Circle ledger.

Others are designated only by numbers.

Fathom sees them.

“The First Circle membership.”

“How many?”

“Seven active seats.”

“Names?”

“Encrypted.”

A guard emerges from the smoke.

Mac fires, forcing him behind a pillar.

I move toward the console with Fathom.

Cobra tears off the access cover.

“Tell me which wire prevents the bunker from collapsing.”

Fathom scans the controls. “That isn’t how this works.”

“It would be easier if it were.”

The timer reaches twenty-three minutes.

Then every screen changes.

A live camera feed fills the largest display.

A private railcar moves through a tunnel.

An older man sits inside it with the seventh drive resting on the table before him.

His face remains hidden in shadow.

Walter Graves enters the railcar.

The door closes behind him.

“The Chairman,” I whisper.

Fathom connects his tablet.

“Can you stop the train?” Mac asks.