Lucas's jaw tightened. "They will."
I didn't respond to the subtle threat in his tone. We all had different approaches to crisis—Lucas's playfulness masked a ruthless efficiency that emerged in moments like these. My own analytical approach provided clarity where others might be overwhelmed by emotion. Gabriel led with authority, Dakota with raw protective instinct. Together, we balanced each other—a system I had long admired for its efficiency.
"The infiltration pattern suggests inside knowledge," I observed, scrolling through the security logs I'd managed to download before we evacuated. "The attackers knew exactly where the blind spots were, which sensors to disable first, and the precise timing of the patrol rotations."
Lucas leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the screen. "Someone gave them our playbook."
"Precisely." I adjusted my glasses, a habit that helped me focus when processing complex variables. "The statistical probability of random discovery is negligible. Someone with access to our security protocols provided detailed intelligence."
"Warren?" Lucas suggested, naming the lab technician we'd recently apprehended. "Could he have been working with someone else? Someone higher up the chain who has access to our security details?"
I shook my head, analyzing the probabilities. "Unlikely. Warren was under continuous surveillance since his arrest. His communications were monitored and restricted." I pulled up another data set on my screen. "Furthermore, the attack pattern suggests military or paramilitary training. The precision of the breaching technique, the coordinated communications disruption—these aren't consistent with Warren's profile or known associates."
Lucas stood, moving restlessly around the room. The contained energy in his movements betrayed the tension he was carefully controlling. "So we're looking at what? Private military contractors? Someone with serious resources and connections?"
"The evidence supports that conclusion," I confirmed, continuing to analyze the data. "The equipment recovered from the perimeter—military-grade communications jammers, thermal imaging countermeasures—these aren't available on civilian markets."
I cataloged the information methodically, running through potential sources of infiltration. "Gabriel suspects a breach within law enforcement or private security networks. Someone with access to our classified operations."
Lucas frowned, pacing the small space between the couch and the window. "That narrows it down to what? A few hundred people?"
"Approximately four hundred and thirty-seven individuals with various levels of access to our operational security protocols," I confirmed, continuing to scroll through the data. "However, only seventy-three would have knowledge of both the primary residence security systems and this safe house location."
Lucas paused by the window, carefully peering through the blinds before turning back to me. "That's still a lot of suspects to sort through."
"Gabriel is already implementing security level revocations. Anyone without direct operational necessity is being cut off from our systems." I adjusted my glasses again, analyzing the pattern of the breach more carefully. "Something doesn't add up though." I leaned closer to the screen, enhancing a segment of the security footage I'd managed to salvage.
"What is it?" Lucas moved to peer over my shoulder, his usual lighthearted demeanor completely absent.
"The timing." I tapped the timestamp on the footage. "The perimeter breach occurred exactly Thirty-Seven minutes after the alarm system's scheduled diagnostic sequence. That's not information included in standard security briefings."
Lucas's expression darkened. "That's maintenance-level intelligence. Internal."
"Precisely." I pulled up another window, fingers moving rapidly across the keyboard. "I'm cross-referencing personnel with maintenance access against recent unusual activities—financial transactions, travel patterns, communication anomalies."
My phone vibrated with an incoming message from Gabriel:One talking. Former military. Hired through third party. Payment routed through Cayman company. Waiting for shell company details.
"That confirms our theory," Lucas said, his voice tight. "Professional hit."
I nodded, continuing to type as I formulated response options. "The financial trail may provide useful intelligence. Shell companies leave patterns despite attempts at obfuscation."
Lucas checked his weapon with practiced efficiency, a habit he fell into during high-stress situations. "How long before Gabriel arrives?"
"Estimated arrival in forty-three minutes, assuming standard protocols are followed." I glanced at the hallway where Vivian slept. "Dakota will remain at the primary location to secure the scene and coordinate with trusted law enforcement contacts."
"She's exhausted," Lucas said, following my gaze. "The adrenaline crash hit her hard."
I processed this information, calculating the physiological impact of tonight's events. "Her body is responding normally to acute stress. Sleep is the optimal recovery mechanism." I considered her emotional state, analyzing probable responses upon waking. "She may experience disorientation or renewed anxiety when she wakes. Familiar presences will help mitigate that response."
Lucas nodded, his usual playfulness momentarily resurfacing. "Good thing she has both of us then. The analytical genius and the charming rogue."
Despite the gravity of our situation, I found myself appreciating his attempt at levity. "An effective combination for psychological stabilization," I acknowledged.
My phone vibrated again with another message from Gabriel: Second intruder identified. Former special forces. Ties to private security firm Meridian uses for high-value asset protection. Interrogation to start in five.
The connection clicked into place in my analytical framework. "Meridian," I said, turning the screen so Lucas could see. "The pharmaceutical company where Warren worked."
Lucas's expression hardened. "So it's all connected. Warren, the surveillance, the attack tonight—all roads lead back to Meridian."
