Page 8 of Silent Target

“Not stolen,” I say. “Borrowed.”

Cobra snorts. “You two can debate the legal definition after we keep her from getting murdered.”

Fathom highlights several locations. “Hart lived in Alexandria eight years ago while she worked field collection. Graves will know that.”

“So will she.” I study the map. “She’ll use it because it’s predictable.”

Rook’s eyes narrow. “Why would she do that?”

“To make Graves commit his people.”

Understanding settles across his face.

“She wants to see who’s following her,” he says.

I nod.

Evelyn Hart isn’t simply running.

She’s collecting information.

That makes her useful.

It also makes her more likely to get killed.

I lock my rifle case and reach for my jacket.

Rook steps closer. “Sniper.”

I look up.

“If this is a trap⁠—”

“It is.”

Cobra straightens away from the counter.

I continue. “Everything Graves does is a trap. The question is whether he expects us to recognize it.”

“That’s why you’re going,” Cobra says.

There’s no humor in his voice now.

Only trust.

We paid for that trust in blood.

I check my sidearm, extra magazines, two flash-bangs, and the knife secured beneath my jacket. Then I take the keys to one of the vehicles Fathom has kept outside every official database.

Rook stops me before I reach the door.

“Bring her back alive.”

My hand closes around the doorknob.

“I will.”

The answer comes easily.