Chapter 10 · Untitled Chapter

"Iris Chen. Step out with your hands where I can see them." Sara Okoro's voice cut through the smoke. "Now."

The door had vanished. The blasted frame was the only cover left, and Iris's arm was already lifting as black plating slid over her skin.

Vera dropped behind the couch. "She's not going anywhere."

Her voice cracked.

Sara. Vera's boss. The woman who'd bought Vera lunch last week. Now she stood in the hallway with a dozen soldiers behind her.

"Doctor Chen," Sara called. "You're harboring a national-security asset. Step aside."

Alpha ran the numbers across Iris's vision.

Twelve soldiers. Front entrance compromised. Fire escape blocked. Window drop: four stories. Sixty percent chance of injury without full deployment.

*Full deployment means they see everything.*

*Correct.*

Vera looked at Iris. Not like she was a problem to solve. Not even like she was afraid of her.

Like she was choosing.

Vera snatched up her tablet. "Captain, I need two minutes to stabilize the subject."

Sara didn't answer.

Vera raised her voice. "Her heart rate's spiking. If you rush in, she could go into shock. You lose the asset."

"Ninety seconds."

"I need two minutes."

"You get ninety.