Chapter 40 · Hard Reset

"Get in, Reid." Mira kept the pistol against my ribs. "Now, before the drones turn this block into a kill zone."

Leo froze beside the busted loading door, one hand clamped over the cut above his eyebrow. "You said we were leaving the city."

"Plans changed," Mira said.

"Your plans always change when a gun shows up," I said.

Her eyes cut to me. Gray. Sharp. Tired enough to make the edge worse. "You can argue in the car, or you can bleed on the pavement. Pick one."

The pistol pressed harder.

I caught her wrist.

Not fast. Not enough to start a fight. Just enough to remind her that a weapon did not make her untouchable.

Her breath stopped for half a beat. Heat slipped through the thin fabric of her glove and into my palm. Then the pistol came up under my jaw.

"Let go," she whispered.

"Take the gun away."

"You first."

Leo looked between us. "Seriously? Right now?"

A blue-white search beam swept over the roof behind us. The metal door flashed bright. Somewhere above, a corporate patrol drone announced, "Unauthorized enhanced activity detected. Remain visible for processing."

Mira's mouth tightened. "Last chance.