Chapter 61 · The Name He Buried

"What do you mean?" Commander Vale snapped.

Lucas caught it—the tiny break in his father's control.

A pause. Barely there.

But real.

Evelyn stepped toward the console. "You heard me. You stole a name, burned a file, and buried a girl because she was inconvenient. Now you're scared because she came back with proof."

"Stop talking."

"Make me."

Vale slammed his palm against the control panel.

The tower screamed.

A pulse ripped through the floor. Red light strobed over the walls as the countdown appeared above the console.

PURGE WINDOW: 00:02:58

Lucas raised his pistol.

"Lucas, don't—"

He fired.

The bullet punched through the console beside Vale's hand. Glass burst across the floor. Sparks crawled up his father's sleeve.

Vale stumbled back and stared at the smoking hole.

"You shot at me."

"Next one goes through your hand."

"You stupid boy." Vale's voice shook with rage. "Do you have any idea what happens if this system fails?"

"People get a chance to live."

"No. The city fractures. Every sealed district opens. Every criminal, infected witness, and enemy agent pours into the streets. You think you can control that?"

"I don't need to control them.