Chapter 45 · Cain said. Lila went still

He looked at the red badge. The insignia burned through his memory: a white circle split by three black lines. The same mark had been stamped on the restraints. The same mark had been painted above the glass in the old room.

The company had not died with the building.

It had followed him out.

"Silas," Cain said.

Lila went still. "You’re sure?"

"No."

"That sounded like a yes."

"It’s his access system."

"And he knows we’re here?"

"He knows someone opened the vault."

"That’s not better."

Cain stood, the tool in one hand and a dead hunter’s pistol in the other. He checked the magazine by touch.

Lila stared at the weapon. "You’re giving me that."

"No."

"I shoot better than you think."

"I know. You shoot when you’re angry."

"I shoot when people deserve it."

"You shoot when you panic."

She stepped into him and jabbed a finger against his chest. "Say that again."

The control key between them pulsed red.

Cain looked down at her finger, then at her face. Her breathing had turned fast. Not fear this time. Anger.