Page 15 of A Ballad of Blackbirds and Betrayal

“Security shifting to investigate,” Cal reported.“You’re clear, but it’s tight.”

Sabrina’s pulse quickened as she realized Atticus was attempting direct access to Mitchell’s study.She adjusted her binoculars to focus on the second-floor windows, confirming the space was temporarily empty.

“I have access to the study,” Atticus reported.“Empty for now, but Mitchell and company will return shortly.Going silent until they leave.All comms hold unless emergency.”

Silence dominated the communication channel.Through her binoculars, Sabrina watched Mitchell, the Korean delegates, and Dr.Cho return to the study, closing the door behind them.

“Reaper must be hiding inside,” Nate murmured beside her.“Risky play.”

Sabrina nodded, employing her medical training to control her breathing during high-stress situations, willing her racing heart to slow.

Five agonizing minutes passed.Then Cal’s voice, barely audible: “Security alert triggered on the east wing.Multiple guards responding.”

“Mitchell’s security team just radioed him,” Jade reported.“They’re informing him of a potential breach.Drunk guest and companion in the closed wing.”

Through the study windows, Sabrina saw Mitchell answer a phone call, his expression shifting from annoyance to concern.He said something to his guests, and they immediately gathered their materials.

“They’re leaving the study,” she reported.“Mitchell appears agitated.Something’s spooked him.”

The moment the door closed behind the last person, Atticus’s voice returned: “I’m clear.Scanning documents with LuxScan to copy all files including Operation Blackbird folder.Sixty seconds to completion.”

“Security sweeping the second floor,” Cal warned.“Forty-five seconds before they reach the study.You won’t get out with the copies before you’re found.”

“Engaging locks from the inside,” Atticus said calmly.“That’ll buy me twenty seconds.”

“Window extraction is your best option,” Jade advised.“East side has a decorative trellis that will support your weight.I’ve got you covered.”

Security voices echoed through the door as sweat trickled down Atticus’s spine.The LuxScan screen showed download completion, and he grabbed the device, running to the window as the doorknob rattled.

Sabrina held her breath, watching Atticus appear at the window.He slid it open smoothly, swinging himself onto the narrow ledge with fluid grace and closing the window behind him.

“Guards using the master key,” Cal whispered.

Atticus reached for the trellis, testing it briefly before transferring his weight.The ironwork creaked but held as he began a controlled descent.

“Motion on the east perimeter,” Cal alerted.“Security team from the drunk guest incident heading back to the house.”

“I see them,” Nate confirmed.“Two guards, moving fast.”

Atticus was halfway down when the study door burst open above him.Voices shouted, and flashlight beams swept across the grounds.

“Hold position,” Jade ordered.“They haven’t spotted him yet.”

Atticus froze in shadow as guards scanned the grounds with flashlights.After ten excruciating seconds, they withdrew, apparently concluding no one could have escaped that way.

The moment they disappeared, Atticus resumed his descent, dropping the final six feet to land in a crouch on the manicured lawn.

“On the move,” he reported.“Extraction route Charlie.”

“Copy that,” Max confirmed.“Nightshade is clear.Clearing the southeast perimeter now.”

Atticus moved with swift purpose through shadows toward Sabrina’s position.She glimpsed his face through the binoculars—focused, determined, alive with adrenaline.

“Security response escalating,” Cal warned.“They’re initiating a full ground sweep.All teams prepare for immediate extraction.”

Sabrina scanned the grounds frantically for approaching security.Her gaze caught movement near the south garden entrance—a guard with a flashlight moving methodically along the perimeter.

“Security approaching surveillance position alpha,” she reported.“Warlock?”

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