Chapter 26 · The record says you authorized Rift Two using my identity

"The record says you authorized Rift Two using my identity."

"I said it's fake."

"Why would the Crown fake your clearance?"

"To make you look guilty."

"They already have my brother. They don't need to work this hard to ruin me."

Kade reached past her and killed the video.

Evelyn spun on him. "Don't touch the file."

"You don't know what you're looking at."

"Then explain it."

"I can't."

"Try harder."

He planted one hand on the console beside her head. The other caught her waist when the relay shook. His fingers tightened through her jacket, keeping her from sliding into the open maintenance shaft behind them.

"The Crown used my clearance before," he said. "They can copy my voice, my face, my command code."

"Can they copy your memories?"

His expression changed.

Just a little. A pause. A hard blink.

Evelyn saw it and pushed two fingers into his chest. "There. That. What did you remember?"

"Nothing."

"Liar."

"Don't call me that."

"Then stop acting like one."

The relay pulsed again. Kade's knees dipped.

Evelyn grabbed his face with both hands. "Stay with me."

"I'm here."

"No, you're not.