Chapter 10 · The Safehouse Burns First

"Move." Mara's hand hit my chest before I heard the explosion.

The floor dropped six inches. Then the wall behind us cracked open like a broken tooth, spitting smoke and hot air.

"What the hell—"

"They found us." She was already pulling me toward the window, her grip tight enough to bruise. "Roof. Now."

I yanked back. "The shard's still in the—"

"Leave it."

"Like hell." I shoved past her and ran for the table where we'd stashed the fake data chip. The one we were supposed to hand off tonight. The one that was supposed to buy us time.

Another boom. This one closer. The lights went out and the emergency strips kicked on, bathing everything in red.

Mara grabbed my arm and spun me around. Her face was inches from mine, all sharp angles and fury. "You want to die for a decoy?"

"I want to not get burned twice in one week." I held up the chip. "And I want to know who's paying for the pyrotechnics."

She stared at me. Then at the chip. Then she swore and shoved me toward the stairs.

We hit the stairwell running.