Page 82 of Rogue Hope
Zara risked a glance around the corner. “They’re herding us,” she realized, watching the methodical sweep patterns.
A flash of movement ahead snapped their attention forward. Five operatives emerged from the command center, their uniforms marking them as Vanguard’s elite team.
Finn’s expression hardened into resolve. “We need to give Kenji more time. We need to split up.”
“Negative.” She protested immediately, gripping his arm. “That’s exactly what they want. Reynolds needs us both alive for a reason. We’re safer together.”
Something flickered in his eyes. “Actually, we’re not. You’re not,” he stressed. “He needs both of us.”
“What?”
“I don’t have time to explain,” Finn whispered urgently, his attention shifting to the approaching operatives.
Trust. The very thing she’d sworn never to give him again. Yet here, with everything at stake, she found it rising within her—fragile but real.
Before she could respond, shouts erupted from the corridor ahead—they’d been spotted. Finn pulled her swiftly into a maintenance shaft, their shoulders pressed together in the narrow space.
“Get back to Kenji. Don’t let Reynolds escape.” Before she could say more, Finn moved. Not toward cover, but deliberately into the open corridor.
“Looking for me?” His voice carried down the hall, drawing every eye, every weapon in his direction.
The reaction was immediate—shouts, movement, the unmistakable sound of teams mobilizing.
Zara pressed herself deeper into shadow as the operatives converged on Finn. He moved with practiced efficiency, leading them away from her position, deeper into the east wing. A perfect diversion.
A perfect sacrifice.
Prayer formed on her lips as she slipped toward her new destination, the weight of Finn’s decision heavy on her heart. Faith under fire—it had always been their team’s motto. Now it was her lifeline.
Lord, keep him safe. Keep us all safe.
She moved silently through the shadows of Knight Tactical, hunting the man who had been her mentor for so long, now her enemy. Whatever Reynolds planned, whatever he wanted from her, he would find her ready.
Ready, and no longer alone in the fight.
44
The corridor stretchedbefore Zara like a throat closing in on itself, emergency lights casting blood-red shadows across familiar walls. She paused at the intersection, ears straining for any sound of Finn or the Vanguard operatives who’d separated them minutes ago.
Her comm unit crackled sharply.
“Hello, Zara.”
Cold. Precise. The voice that had guided her career for years, now transmitting directly into her ear with chilling familiarity.
“Harrison.” She kept her voice steady despite the adrenaline surge making her pulse pound in her ears.
“Still cool as ice, even now,” he said, the faintest trace of pride warming his tone. “That’s what I’ve always admired about you. Cornered, alone, and you still sound like you’re chairing a briefing. My finest student by far.”
She edged forward, weapon ready. “Where’s Finn?”
“Straight to business.” He chuckled softly. “See for yourself.”
The security monitor near the hallway junction flickered to life. Finn appeared on screen, restrained in the gym, two Vanguard operatives flanking him. Blood trickled from his temple, but his eyes blazed with defiance.
He sighed like a disappointed parent. “It’s simple. Come willingly, or your boyfriend gets a beating he won’t forget.”
As if rehearsed, one of the operatives struck Finn across the face. He barely flinched, eyes still burning.
