Page 58 of Silent Target

“I know.”

“Caleb.” Rook’s voice softens. “Don’t be a hero.”

Caleb studies the compound.

The prison building.

The towers.

Every shadow and firing lane.

“I won’t.”

He releases the radio and begins packing his rifle.

I know that expression.

He has already made his decision.

“You’re planning to leave me here.”

His hands pause.

“For three minutes.”

“No.”

“Evie.”

“You need someone who knows Graves’s procedures, his codes, and how intelligence detention sites operate.”

“I need you alive.”

“And I need those files preserved before Graves murders anyone else.”

His jaw tightens. “The compound isn’t Langley. Those men won’t hesitate.”

“Neither will I.”

His eyes meet mine.

Dark.

Furious.

Afraid.

Not for himself.

For me.

Something warm and painful tightens in my chest.

“You said you came because I asked for help,” I say. “Now I’m asking you to let me help finish this.”

His expression doesn’t change.

I press harder.