Page 214 of Silent Target

One operator falls.

Another surrenders after Shark destroys his weapon.

A third keeps shooting until Rogue puts him down.

The Inner Guard fought like a machine inside the bunker.

Out here, separated from the walls and systems they knew, they’re simply trained men facing a team that knows one another better.

Evie crouches beside me.

“Our first date is going to have a terrible story attached to it.”

I laugh despite the gunfire.

“It will be quieter.”

“It had better be.”

She removes the Chairman’s journal from her jacket and holds it toward me.

“If something happens⁠—”

I push it back.

“Nothing is happening to you.”

Her eyes hold mine.

“No.”

Complete certainty fills the word.

“Nothing is happening to either of us.”

For the first time, I believe her.

Across the clearing, Mac drops his empty rifle.

Victor draws his knife.

“You cannot escape what you are,” Victor says.

Mac takes the field knife Rook offers him.

“I already have.”

“You belong to the First Circle.”

“I belonged to fear.”

Mac steps away from the fallen tree.

“Not anymore.”

Victor advances.

Rook catches Mac’s arm. “You don’t have to do this alone.”