Page 102 of The Honeymoon Hack

“I’m coming with you,” I said.

“No,” said Percival.

But Rav waved for me to join them. “Stay behind me.”

I wasnotgoing to watch this unfold over the security feeds. My woman was out there, in danger. I might not have had a weapon strapped to my chest, but I’d do everything in my power to find her.

“The footprints lead into the data center,” Percival said, readying his weapon, but pointing it toward the floor in front of him.

“It’s all residential between here and there.” Rav followed him into the hallway, his gun in the same position. “It’ll take us seven minutes to reach The Grotto, then another minute to the security checkpoint.”

“You take the lead,” said Percival. “We’ll start trading off once we’re close.”

“Good plan.” Rav swapped places with him. But as we neared the interrogation room, he stopped.

The dark-haired woman stood there, her eyes locked on Rav.

“Brooke?” he whispered.

Percival patted Rav’s shoulder twice. “Reunions come later, I’m afraid.”

Rav took a few tentative steps, as though unable to stop looking at her. “What are you?—”

We didn’t have time for this. I practically yelled at him, “Rav! Brie’s in danger!”

He was moving again, side-by-side with Percival now. “Any more surprises for me today?”

“That was the big one,” said Percival.

“Do I know this guy?”

“Lark? I don’t think so.”

The hallways through the Reef were empty, while the red lights of the Code Silver flashed intermittently. Once we arrived at The Grotto, the two men began moving in slow, tactical movements. It was like watching a choreographed dance as one covered a chokepoint where the common room transitioned into the hallway, then the other swept the space in case anyone was hiding behind something.

But they were so slow now! So cautious! We needed to hurry.

Shit.My phone! The Mnemis app. I tore it out of my pocket, stayed right behind Rav, and texted Brie:Where are you? Are you safe?

There was no reply.

No bouncing dots appeared to tell me she was thinking of an answer.

I followed with another text, just in case she could receive but not reply:I’m coming for you. I love you.

Chapter 39

Brie

The Atlantic sectionsecurity checkpoint appeared ahead, illuminated by the pulsing blue lights of the Code Blue. One of the three guards put up his hand. “All nonessential personnel are supposed to remain in their quarters.”

They were trained to deal with people like Lark, right? Some of the security team looked like this was just a job, but most of them had the same look in their eyes as Rav. The look that said they’d seen things. Done things.

Maybe they’ll notice something’s wrong and?—

A piercing alarm suddenly shrieked through the room. Red lights began flashing in the corridors, and an automated voice echoed from speakers all around us. Different from the Code Blue earlier. “Attention all personnel: This is a Code Silver lockdown. Find secure locations immediately. This is not a drill.”

The lead guard looked at me with concern. He took two steps toward me, ushering me toward their break room. “You can duck in here until?—”