Page 187 of Silent Target

“When?”

“Before we entered the vault.”

Cobra shakes his head. “Show-off.”

Fathom points at the screen. “Eighty-six percent.”

Victor’s attention shifts toward the gunfire behind his position.

Only for a second.

It’s enough.

Rook sees it.

“We have one chance.”

He points toward the escape tunnel.

“Maverick’s team takes the evidence out as soon as they reach us.”

Falcon starts to object.

Rook stops him.

“You’re staying with Shadow Division. We still need your rifle.”

Falcon nods.

“Shark, cover Fathom. Cobra, prepare to break the server connection the second the download finishes.”

Then Rook faces Mac.

“You’re taking us to the control room.”

Mac stares at him. “You still trust me?”

“I trust the man standing in front of me.”

Mac lowers his face.

His shoulders jerk once.

When he lifts his head again, tears shine in his eyes.

He doesn’t explain them.

He doesn’t have to.

Rook grips the back of his neck.

“You came back. Make it count.”

Mac nods.

The download reaches ninety-four percent.

The barricade explodes inward.