Chapter 53 · That's an order

"That's an order."

"Then give me a better one."

She reached me, seized my armor, and pulled me backward. I resisted. Rook's grip stayed locked around my sleeve.

His eyes found mine again.

"The traitor list," he whispered. "Victor didn't write it. He copied it from—"

The red light turned white.

Selena fired at the harness.

The shot sparked across Rook's collar. His hand went slack.

I caught him before his head struck the floor.

"Rook!"

His breath came out thin. His gaze stayed fixed on me.

"You were never the target," he whispered. "You were the key."

Then his body went still.

Selena stood over us with smoke curling from her pistol. "Put him down."

I lowered Rook carefully.

"He was my friend."

"He was carrying a live control rig."

"He was still my friend."

"That distinction almost got me killed."

"You knew what he was?"

"I knew he was dangerous."

"You knew he might be alive."

Her mouth tightened. "I knew the blackout would flush him out."

I stood. My injured arm throbbed. Blood warmed my sleeve.

Selena stepped close and caught my wrist before I could wipe it away.