Chapter 11 · Blackout Run

The relay chip in Kade's neck went hot.

Mara felt it before she saw it. His whole body locked up mid-step, shoulders pulling back like someone yanked a chain. They were halfway across the clinic's loading bay, almost to the rusted freight door that Juno swore led to a service tunnel. Now Kade just stopped.

"Kade."

He didn't turn. His hand was still on her wrist from when he'd pulled her past the exam table, but his grip went slack. Not letting go. Just not holding on either.

"Kade, talk to me."

His head tilted. Real slow. Like he was listening to something she couldn't hear.

Juno slammed the last supply crate shut and looked over. "We gotta move. Crowe's got drones in the air and I'm not dying in my own—"

"He's getting a command," Mara said.

Juno froze. "Now?"

"Right now."

Kade's free hand came up to his temple. Pressed hard. His jaw worked like he was trying to talk but couldn't get the words past something stuck in his throat.

Mara stepped in front of him. Close enough that he had to look at her instead of whatever he was seeing behind his eyes. "What's it saying?"