Page 94 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘Do you mind if I keep an eye on it?’

‘You want me shirtless?’

Kade’s cheeks burn traitorously warm.

‘No. I’m just curious about the specific time.’

‘You can do whatever you want.’

‘I asked if you mind.’

Lachlan’s head falls slightly to the side, and he has that soft, indulgent look about him that he gets sometimes with Kade.

‘I don’t mind.’

‘Good. I wanted to give you a radio and earpiece.’

‘I don’t need them.’

‘What if we get separated?’

‘I’ll find you.’

Three plain words that make Kade’s stupid heart go wild.

‘Heard. All right, let’s go.’

‘Lead the way.’

✴

The underground garage is one of the most secure parts of the Tower.

They reach it by a tight spiral staircase barely wide enough for one person at a time, sealed behind reinforced doors at both ends.

The tunnel provides the only vehicle access.

Lachlan slows as they approach the first of three reinforced gates, none of which can open while another is unsecured. He studies the space with open interest, sharp eyes moving over everything. The tunnel narrows well before the first gate, forcing incoming vehicles into single file.

‘Three-stage containment,’ he assesses. ‘Mechanical locks if the power fails.’ His attention shifts to the heavy pipework running high around the vehicle lock. ‘Those aren’t fire lines.’

Kade wishes he was less impressed. ‘Not exclusively.’

Lachlan follows the pipes with his eyes, taking in the sealed gates, elevated cameras and floor angled subtly back towards the tunnel.

‘Same lake feed as your Drowner, but higher volume. Gravity-assisted?’

‘With pumps to accelerate it.’

‘Clever. It’ll still flood without power.’ Lachlan studies the isolation valves. ‘That’s a lot of volume, though. Momentum in water is hard to kill.’

‘That’s what the drains are for.’

‘Assuming the tunnel stays clear,’ Lachlan mutters, uncaring that Kade’s entire team are openly staring at him. ‘Beautiful design. Anyone makes it this far... whoosh.’

‘It’ll never be needed.’

‘Pride goeth,’ Lachlan says with a little wink.