Page 242 of Silent Target

I hold her gaze.

“Yes.”

Fathom begins transmitting the first file.

For the first time, we aren’t running.

We’re building a counterattack.

57

EVIE

Three hours later, the federal pursuit order is suspended.

Not erased.

Not publicly withdrawn.

But every tactical team hunting Shadow Division receives instructions to stand down pending a classified investigation.

Senator Vance kept his word.

Rook sends Maverick and Rogue to help secure Vance’s family. Reef remains with the evidence. Fathom continues decrypting the drives.

Cobra falls asleep in a chair while insisting he’s only resting his eyes.

Falcon finally allows the medic to give him something for the pain.

The hangar becomes quiet.

Caleb hasn’t rested.

I find him standing outside beneath the hangar’s overhang, watching rain fall across the dark field.

“You’re supposed to be lying down.”

“I was.”

“For how long?”

“Several minutes.”

“That isn’t rest.”

“It was quiet.”

I step beside him.

The night smells of wet earth and pine.

For once, no one is shooting.

No alarms are sounding.

No mountains are collapsing.

“What happens now?” I ask.