Chapter 39 · Leo's not authorized

He stopped.

"What?"

"The release is tied to the biometric lock. If you pull it, the exit will open only for the person whose signature is recognized."

"Leo's not authorized."

"Neither are you."

"Then who is?"

A second door unlocked behind Reid with a deep mechanical thunk.

He turned.

Mira stood in the doorway.

She wore a dark tactical jacket instead of the bright corporate armor from her broadcasts. One side of her face was marked with a thin cut. Her pistol was raised, but the barrel pointed past him toward the retrieval team.

The door behind her slammed shut.

Every lock in the chamber engaged at once.

Leo backed into Reid's side. "She came alone."

"No," Reid said. "She came first."

Mira's eyes met his.

She was close enough now for him to see the tiny tremor in her trigger finger. Close enough to feel the heat of her presence across the few feet between them.

"You look terrible," she said.

"You look armed."

"I am armed."

"Good. I was worried you'd come unprepared."

"You always this charming when people are trying to kill you?"

"Only when you're watching.