Page 85 of Knight

I study the layouts, trying not to think about how we obtained them.

"Stop." Knight's voice cuts through my spiral. "What's done is done. Focus on what's next."

"Which is?"

"Getting into their core systems to prevent the virus from taking control." He zooms in on a section of the schematics, his fingers moving quickly, highlighting key points. "Hardwick's access gets us through the first checkpoint, but after that we have exactly twelve minutes to reach the server room before security rotation changes."

The minutes turn into hours as Knight reviews every detail of the schematics and security protocols. His focus stays sharp, attention never wavering while I have to force myself to keep up.

"The override has to be done manually." He expands another section. "Their mainframe is completely isolated from external networks. No remote access possible."

"So we have to physically reach it."

"While looking like we belong there." He taps a few keys, overlaying the security footage with motion patterns of the guards. "Hence solving the clothing issue first."

Hours pass as we review security patterns, access protocols, everything Hardwick provided. Knight's focus never wavers, but something has shifted in how he works with me. The sharp edges are still there, but they're less aimed at keeping me at a distance. He explains patiently, ensuring I understand every step of the plan.

He finally leans back, rubbing his eyes. "I need a break. We have an early start tomorrow, and I need to be sharp."

The exhaustion I've been fighting crashes over me. Between manipulating Hardwick this morning and spending hours reviewing security protocols I barely understand, I’m struggling to keep my eyes open.

"Knight?"

"Hmm?"

"Your family ..." I struggle to find the right words. "They're very different from what I expected."

"They understand complicated situations." A faint smile flickers and vanishes. "And Magdalena is good at helping without asking questions she doesn't want answers to."

I head for the guest room, ready to make use of the bathroom attached to it. A quick search through the bags reveals pajamas tucked among the other clothes. After a shower that washes away some of the day's tension, I slip into the soft cotton pants and top, grateful for this small touch of normalcy.

The bed feels different tonight. Maybe it's being clean. Maybe it's having proper clothes waiting for tomorrow. Or maybe it's knowing that even in Knight's sharp-edged world, there's room for gentle souls like Magdalena who understand when help isneeded but questions aren't welcome. It makes me curious about the brother she’s dating. Is he like Knight?

Tomorrow we use everything Hardwick gave us to breach the very security she was supposed to protect. But tonight, I let myself remember that not everything in this world is about manipulation and fear.

Sometimes it's about people who show up when needed, bringing hope wrapped in shopping bags.

I just hope I can hold onto that tomorrow, when we put Hardwick's access codes to the test.

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Knight

The morning sunfilters through the windows while I check Eva's earpiece one final time, adjusting the receiver frequency and testing our connection. She already looks the part in clothes Magdalena brought yesterday—a business suit that could belong to any mid-level employee at Horizon Tech. Hardwick's access card sits on my desk, a clear reminder of what she had to do to get it.

"Run through the timing again." I test my own earpiece. "Every step."

"We’ll use Hardwick's card at the east entrance at exactly 8:47." She tugs at her jacket sleeve. "Security rotation leaves a three-minute window where the cameras focus on shift changes rather than the doors."

"Then?"

"Service elevator to the fourth floor. Access card at the first checkpoint. Twelve minutes to reach the server room before the next rotation."

I nod, satisfied she's memorized the route. "And if anything feels wrong?"

"I tell you immediately. No waiting to see if it resolves." She meets my eyes in the mirror. "I know."

The drive to Horizon Tech passes in tense silence. I park two blocks away, not willing to risk their security cameras picking up the car. Eva falls into step beside me as we approach the east entrance.

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