Chapter 7 · We need to get off this level

We stare at each other. The hallway lights buzz. Somewhere behind us a door slams and someone screams. The clinic staff is running.

I let go first. I step back. The space between us feels cold now.

"We need to get off this level," I say. "They'll seal the exits."

"Already sealed," Jax says, tapping his wrist deck. The holo sputters. "I can spoof the service elevator for maybe ninety seconds. But we gotta move now. And you gotta trust me when I say don't use that arm thing again. Every time you do, your signal spikes."

"So I'm supposed to just not defend myself?"

"I'm saying pick your poison. Get shot or get tracked. Your call, assassin girl."

"Don't call me that."

"What should I call you then? You don't remember your own name half the time."

That lands. He sees it land and his face twists.

"Shit. I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

"Save it." I push past him toward the elevator shaft. "Just get the door open."

He grabs my elbow before I get two steps. Gently this time. Fingers barely there.

"Hey. Look at me," he says. "I'm not your enemy here.