Not everything,Chen said gently.If your father cared about you, that was genuine.
Maybe.
They spent the next hour examining the site.Chen’s scanners revealed multiple electromagnetic signatures—several people with neural interfaces had been present during Gregory’s final hours.
A meeting, not just a murder.
I have a theory,Conall said.Gregory was called here for a final briefing.His handlers wanted to debrief him, maybe assign new targets.
But something went wrong,Nadine added, nodding.He resisted somehow, or they decided he was no longer useful.
So they eliminated him and planted evidence pointing toward Sunburst.
There’s something else,Chen said, following his equipment’s readout as it led him across the site toward the mineshaft.Some of these interface signatures are too fresh.Someone’s been back recently.Within the last few days.
The scientist spun around, frowning as he checked the readout again.
We need to leave,Nadine said, her instincts suddenly screaming they were in danger.Now.
The first shot rang out as they loaded the last equipment.
The bullet sparked off a stone inches from Nadine’s head.She rolled behind the nearest boulder, drawing her sidearm as Conall moved to cover.
Three shooters,he called.Elevated positions, professional spacing.
These guys aren’t trying to capture us,Nadine pointed out.
I definitely got that impression,Conall called out.
Aren’t we supposed to have backup?Dr.Chen asked.
They’re not responding.Stress threaded through Conall’s voice—and Nadine wasn’t surprised.The situation was deteriorating rapidly.
Three attackers with elevated positions, minimal cover, no support.
Movement,Nadine reported.They’re trying to flank us.
Their current position was untenable—and Conall’s recognition of that fact echoed through their bond.
They needed to move, but any attempt would expose them to crossfire.
Can you reach that outcropping?he asked, indicating a position that would give her an angle on the shooter positions.
If you can keep them busy.
Chen?
I think so.
Count of three.
She met his gaze, seeing her own determination reflected there.
Partnership, her inner wolf murmured.Trust.
One,Conall called.
Nadine inhaled.
