Chapter 10 · The Name in the Ledger

"Put the knife down, Tessa."

Niko had one hand on the clinic's deadbolt and a stolen pulse pistol in the other. Blue charge crawled over the muzzle, close enough to scorch the metal.

Tessa kept her blade tucked under his ribs.

"You first."

"Mine can kill you from six feet away. Yours needs skin. Think carefully."

"I am thinking. I'm thinking you talk too much for a man who just sold our location."

Cael stood behind her, one shoulder against the wall. His face had gone pale, but his eyes stayed on Niko.

Gold light pulsed beneath his skin.

The clinic windows rattled.

Tessa felt the impact in her own chest.

Cael's fingers caught the back of her coat. "Don't stab him yet."

"That's your strategy?"

"No. My strategy is not dying in a locked clinic while you two argue over who gets to kill the driver."

Niko's mouth tightened. "The wardens are six blocks out. The syndicate is closer. If you want the proof, we leave now."

"You said this place was clean."

"It was clean when I brought you in."

"Then explain the red marks.