Page 143 of Trapped Truth

“Regardless, I want to apologise on behalf of the Falcon Team. We knew Kyle was struggling after Josh’s death, but neither of us suspected him of subterfuge.”

“It’s not your fault. I’m sorry you’ve had to lose another team member.”

“He brought it on himself.” Oscar seems far more serious and battle-weary than the last time I saw him.

“I hope we can make it up to your whole team.” Archer slaps on a dreary smile. “We’ll be proud to stand beside you during the raid and do our bit to end Madden’s reign.”

“Bleugh.” Gunnar mock-shudders. “Can we go in now? Enough of this sappy shit.”

“Good luck with him.” I motion to the menace.

“Thanks.” Archer rolls his eyes. “You coming back inside?”

“Right behind you. I just need a minute.”

“See you in there.”

Once they’ve filed past, I slip into Warner’s shaded office for some privacy. It’s weird to be back in HQ. Madden will know where we are as soon as we rain down disaster and destruction on his head. With our raid imminent, the time for hiding is almost over.

I pull out the desk chair then sit, fishing the burner phone from my pocket. After dialling the number Hudson kindly wrote down for me yesterday, the call rings out. I redial half-heartedly, not expecting a response.

“Yes?” Jude answers curtly.

“Um, hi. It’s Ember. Sorry, is this a bad time?”

“Oh, Ember. No, not at all. Let me step into my office. I apologise, it’s hectic here today. We’re expecting a patient transfer in a couple of hours.”

“I can call another time, it’s not important.”

“Don’t worry, I’m due a tea break anyway. What’s up?”

My throat dries up, holding my words hostage. “I don’t know. I guess I was hoping you’d have some wisdom. Did you hear about the raid?”

“Hudson filled me in. When do you leave?”

“Anytime now, we’re awaiting final confirmation.”

“This is good news, Ember. The case will be over soon.”

“I know, I know.” My fingertip traces along the desk’s surface, laden with dust.

“Then tell me what’s really on your mind.”

“We talked about my past… about 768. I’ve worked so hard to put her in a box. To move on and build something from my time at Sabre.”

“You’re worried about undoing that progress,” he guesses.

“I suppose I’m scared that the only way to win this war is by letting her back out. Only this time, I don’t know if I’ll be able to lock her in again. The voice, it’s so loud.”

He’s silent for a long pause.

“Ember, she is you. Imprisoning her won’t bring you the peace you’re looking for. Letting 768 back in or not isn’t a choice—it’s an inevitability.”

“I’m tired of hurting people.” I sag back in Warner’s chair.

“We all hurt people, every single day of our lives. I’m sorry to say no amount of therapy or rehabilitation will ever change that. But you have the power to stop others from being hurt now.”

“And if I’m not strong enough?”