Chapter 14 · Neural Backlash

"Move, Nolan!" Evelyn slammed both hands into his chest as another red security beam cut across the tunnel.

He hit the wall hard enough to rattle the pipes. His knees folded.

"I am moving," he said through clenched teeth.

"You’re standing still. That’s not the same thing."

A shot cracked behind them. The round punched into the metal beside Evelyn’s head, spraying hot sparks across her cheek.

Nolan grabbed her wrist and dragged her around the next bend. His fingers locked tight enough to hurt.

"Don’t pull me."

"Then keep up."

"You’re the one having a seizure."

His grip jerked. Every muscle in his arm snapped hard, then released. He nearly dropped again.

Evelyn caught him under the ribs. His body was hot through his jacket, but his skin felt cold where sweat had soaked the collar of his shirt.

The tunnel was barely wide enough for one person. Pipes crowded the ceiling. Old cable trays scraped their shoulders as they staggered through the red emergency lights.

Behind them, boots hammered against the floor.

"Hart! Vale! Stop where you are!" a man shouted. "You are under Authority capture order!"

Evelyn looked at Nolan. "They sound very confident."

"They have rifles.