Page 204 of Silent Target

“Less than two percent.”

Enough for some First Circle members to disappear.

Not enough for the organization to survive untouched.

The floor shifts again.

A server rack tips into the chasm.

Its lights vanish beneath us.

Mac points toward a section of concrete exposed by the collapse.

“Emergency construction shaft.”

Cold air rushes through the opening.

The scent reaches me.

Rain.

Pine.

Outside.

“Does it lead to the surface?” Rook asks.

“It was supposed to.”

“That isn’t an answer,” Cobra says.

“It’s the only route we have.”

The demolition timer reaches thirty seconds.

Rook presses one hand against his bleeding shoulder.

“Move!”

Maverick, Rogue, and Reef take the lead.

Falcon and Shark protect the evidence case with Fathom.

Cobra follows.

Mac starts toward the tunnel but stops when he sees Victor watching through the smoke.

Victor’s gaze rests on him.

“You belong to the Circle.”

Mac shakes his head.

“No.”

“You are the Executive Successor.”

“I resign.”