Page 43 of Pressure Point (Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation #2)
CHAPTER
FORTY-THREE
Atlas tried to understand the scope of Noreen’s betrayal. “How could you?”
“I’ve been working for the greater good,” Noreen replied smoothly. “The weather modification program represents the future of international relations. Imagine—the ability to end conflicts without firing a shot, to encourage cooperation through the threat of natural disaster.”
Atlas noticed that one of Noreen’s operatives had moved to flank Hudson, pressing a gun to his teammate’s neck. Hudson’s expression was grim but steady. He’d been in worse situations and survived.
Atlas prayed that was the case now also.
“Don’t worry about me!” Hudson called out over the increasing wind. “Take the shot if you have it!”
But Atlas knew the tactical situation was impossible.
Noreen’s people had superior positioning, and any firefight in the cramped shelter would likely result in casualties.
“Step away from the equipment.” Noreen gestured with her weapon toward the central control systems where Quinn had just completed the shutdown sequence. “Your interference has already caused enough damage.”
“The storm’s been neutralized.” Atlas noted how water was now ankle-deep around their feet. “Hurricane Delilah is reverting to natural strength. Your weapon is finished.”
Noreen’s expression darkened. “We’ll recreate it, don’t you worry.”
The casual way she discussed mass murder made Atlas’s jaw clench with rage.
“But you didn’t perfect it,” Quinn said. “You can try to recreate it all you want, but you still won’t be successful.”
Noreen’s expression darkened even more.
“How many people have you killed testing your weather weapons?” Atlas asked.
“They’re acceptable losses considering a greater strategic goal,” Noreen replied. “Though I admit, Quinn’s escape complicated our timeline significantly. She was supposed to help us work out some kinks.”
Atlas glanced at Quinn and saw the horror in her eyes as she realized the full scope of Sigma’s program. They had big plans for their technology.
“The water’s rising.” Noreen nodded at the ground. “We might have five minutes before this island becomes part of the ocean. I suggest we conclude our business quickly.”
“What business?” Atlas suspected he already knew.
Noreen’s smile returned, colder than before. “Quinn’s final contribution to the program. Her complete knowledge of weather modification techniques will be extracted before we eliminate the security risk she represents.”
Ice formed in Atlas’s stomach. Extracted?
Noreen wasn’t just here to stop them. She was here to capture Quinn, take her back into captivity, and force her to perfect the weather weapon technology.
“That’s not happening.” Atlas’s muscles bristled.
“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice.” Noreen’s weapon trailed his chest as he stood with his arms raised. “You always were so handsome and romantic—so chivalrous too. I had moments of regret, you know.”
“I don’t care about your regret.”
She shrugged off his words. “Anyway, your team is outnumbered, outgunned, and trapped on a flooding island. Surrender Quinn, and your new friends might survive to see the mainland.”
Atlas looked at his teammates—Hudson with a gun to his head, Jake and Kyle covered by Sigma operatives, and Maverick calculating angles for a move that probably wouldn’t succeed.
Then he looked at Quinn and saw the determination in her expression despite the impossible odds.
“The demolition charges,” Quinn said just loud enough for Atlas to hear. “They’re armed and ready. If we can’t get out . . .”
Atlas understood immediately.
Quinn was offering to trigger the explosives that would destroy the weather modification equipment—even if it meant killing everyone in the shelter.
It was the ultimate sacrifice to pay. Destroy Sigma’s technology and prevent them from rebuilding their weather weapon program, even at the cost of their own lives.
Atlas met Quinn’s eyes, and he saw the resolve there.
His teammates gave him an affirming nod.
The choice was made.
“Do it,” he said quietly.
Because some things were worth dying for.