Page 22 of Rogue Hope
The room fell silent as implications settled. Finn looked across the table to find Zara already watching him—eyes wide, conflicted, filled with reluctant recognition that their fates had just become inextricably linked once more.
The universe, it seemed, had a particularly perverse sense of humor.
13
“No.”The word was out of Zara’s mouth before her brain even engaged. “No way I work with him.”
Six pairs of eyes turned toward her—some surprised, others understanding, none backing down. She felt the weight of their collective assessment and stood her ground, refusing to flinch.
“Zara,” Ronan began. “This isn’t about personal history. It’s about utilizing available resources against an immediate threat.”
“Available resources?” She couldn’t keep the incredulity from her voice. “He’s the reason we’re in this mess. Cipher wouldn’t be targeting me if not for my connection to him.”
“That’s speculation,” Kenji pointed out carefully. “Cipher could be targeting you specifically for your skillset. Your history with Finn might be incidental.”
“Nothing about Finn Novak is incidental,” she countered, the bitterness in her tone unmistakable.
Finn remained silent. His apparent calm only fueled her irritation.
“The objective facts”—Griffin interjected, tapping the evidence displayed on the screen—“indicate that Cipher hasbeen operational longer than Finn’s reappearance in your life. The threats began before he showed up.”
“And maybe that’s exactly what he wants us to think,” she insisted, throwing a sharp glance toward Finn. “The perfect setup—create a threat, then position yourself as the solution.”
Maya leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “You think he’s playing us?”
“I think he’s always playing everyone.” She met Finn’s gaze directly. “That’s what he does.”
“That’s a fair assessment.” Finn’s calm acknowledgment surprised her. “I was exactly that person seven years ago. The question isn’t whether I played people then. I did. It’s whether I’m playing you now.”
The directness of his response derailed her argument.
Deke, who had been silently examining the technical specifications of the Vanguard surveillance equipment, looked up. “The tech is legit. Custom modifications consistent with previous Cipher operations. Not something easily fabricated.”
“The threats are also consistent with the way the Cipher operates,” Kenji added.
She fought down a surge of frustration. She felt cornered by the evidence, boxed in by her team’s growing acceptance of Finn’s information, and by the unmistakable reality of the threat displayed on her phone.
Her jaw tightened. “Sentinel Network isn’t some basic security system. It’s designed specifically to prevent exactly this type of intrusion. Multiple authentication layers, biometric verification, location plans. Even with my knowledge of the architecture, forcing entry would trigger immediate countermeasures.”
“When you put it that way, it sounds a little sketchy,” Finn acknowledged.
“It sounds insane,” she corrected.
“Do you have a better alternative?” Ronan asked, his focus entirely on her. “Ignoring the demand isn’t an option—not with Knight Tactical operations at risk. Direct confrontation would require knowing Vanguard’s location, which we don’t. Running isn’t viable with their surveillance capabilities.”
The logic was infuriatingly sound. She glanced around the table, seeking any sign of doubt or hesitation from her team. She found none.
“This isn’t just about operational risk,” she said finally, voice lower. “Sentinel Network contains identities of active deep-cover operatives. We can’t go there.”
“Even more reason for you to play along. Then you’ll control the access,” Kenji responded.
Deke nodded, clearly warming to the idea. “And like Finn suggested, you give Cipher the harmless intel he’s asking for and plant the tracer in it. We’ll find him, or at least be able to knock him offline before he can do any real damage.”
“And we design this in ten hours?” she challenged.
“Totally doable. I’ve spent seven years building a network of resources specifically designed to counter Cipher.” Finn’s quiet confidence grated on her nerves. “I’m not suggesting you trust me personally—I’m suggesting you utilize those resources. You can watch every move I make.”
She crossed her arms. “Count on it, cowboy.”
