Chapter 26 · The Order That Could Clear My Name

"I know."

Lucas's bleeding hand hovered over the access scanner. Blood dripped between his fingers and spattered the metal floor.

"If it opens," he said, "it can broadcast the order that sent the strike team after us."

"The last order that can clear my name."

"If it exists."

I stared at him. "You said it did."

"I said I saw a reference to it."

"You dragged me across the city for a reference?"

"I dragged you out because the people who buried that order are ready to bury you with it."

My eyes dropped to his hand. The cut ran across his palm, deep enough to leave his skin slick and red.

"And you still expect me to trust you?"

"No."

That answer landed harder than a lie.

Lucas leaned closer, his knee pressing beside mine in the cramped junction. His shoulder blocked the red emergency light, leaving only the hard line of his jaw visible.

"I expect you to use me," he said.

I let out a sharp breath. "That's your plan?"

"You need my access seal. I need the evidence inside your chip. Neither of us gets out alone.