Page 155 of Silent Target

Mac steps forward.

“No. The person is protected above everything else.”

Walter looks at him.

“Mac Stenson. Still pretending your conscience makes you better than the rest of us?”

“It makes me better than you.”

For the first time, Walter’s smile disappears.

One of the armored men turns his head toward Mac.

Recognition passes through his eyes.

“Administrator Stenson.”

Mac stiffens.

“You abandoned your post.”

“I escaped.”

“There is no difference.”

The guard’s voice is flat.

Not angry.

Certain.

“The Chairman ordered your execution.”

Mac’s jaw tightens. “The Chairman can die like anyone else.”

A flicker crosses the guard’s expression.

Pity.

“The Chairman cannot die.”

Evie moves close enough for her shoulder to touch my back.

“They’ve been indoctrinated,” she whispers.

I know.

That makes them more dangerous than mercenaries.

Mercenaries want to survive long enough to be paid.

These men believe dying will preserve something greater than themselves.

Walter looks past me toward Evie.

“Your father stood in this room.”

Her breathing stops.