Chapter 16 · The Truth on Every Screen

"I can't promise I'll get her out alive." Lucas's fist tightened in Marek's collar. "I can't promise this tower won't turn the whole city against us. Hell, I can't even promise I'll still be standing five minutes from now."

He looked back at me.

"But I can promise I won't hand her over."

My throat closed for one stupid second.

"That's not enough."

"It's what I've got."

"Then give me the network."

Marek barked out a laugh. "Don't listen to her! She's trying to get you killed!"

I pointed at the command console. "Put your hand on the override. Seize every weapons feed. Put yourself on every camera and tell the city your death order was forged."

Lucas didn't move.

I stepped closer. "If you do that, there's no going back to your family. No rank. No clean trial. No pretending you were following orders."

"I know."

"They'll mark you a traitor."

"I know."

"And if I can't open the tower, you lose everything for a dead witness."

His jaw locked. "You're not dead yet."

"That wasn't an answer."

He released Marek with one hand and came toward me.

Too close.

His chest brushed mine.