Page 202 of Silent Target

Some First Circle operatives escaped into the world with new identities, money, and orders.

But they no longer have their entire network.

The demolition timer reaches one minute.

Mac looks toward a secondary exit on the far side of the command room.

“That connects to the Chairman’s tunnel.”

Rook points. “Move!”

We fall back while Victor’s guards cover him.

Evie reaches the exit first.

The floor beneath her splits.

She falls.

I catch her wrist before she disappears into the darkness.

Her body slams against the broken edge.

“Caleb!”

The timer reaches forty-five seconds.

Victor raises his rifle behind me.

I have one hand around Evie’s wrist.

No weapon.

No cover.

And Victor Kane has a clear shot at my back.

46

EVIE

Caleb’s hand is locked around my wrist.

The broken floor crumbles beneath his chest.

Below me, darkness swallows pieces of concrete without returning a sound.

Victor raises his rifle behind Caleb.

“Let her go.”

Caleb doesn’t look back.

His fingers tighten around mine.

“No.”

Victor’s weapon settles against his shoulder.