Page 132 of Dating Goals
“Do not move!” Wilde orders.
The guards raise their rifles.
“Sorry, can’t hear you,” I say, dislodging the earpiece. “Must be the altitude.”
I make a split-second decision, launching myself toward the fortress entrance.
I slide through the entrance, expecting gunfire or alarms. Instead, I’m greeted by silence so complete it feels manufactured. No bullets in my back…yet.
The heavy metal door slides shut behind me with an ominous click, and the hallway stretches before me with dim blue lights running along the baseboards. I press forward, ducking into alcoves when I hear distant footsteps. I’m channeling every spy movie I’ve ever seen, which means I’m basically an expert at infiltration now.
I pause at an intersection, listening. Left or right? Both corridors look identical.
“When in doubt, go left,” I mutter, not entirely sure where I got that from. Let’s be honest. Probably a 007 movie.
Two more lefts and a right later, I realize I’m hopelessly lost. The observatory’s interior is a labyrinth of identical hallways and unmarked doors. I duck into another alcove as footsteps approach, then fade away.
In my head, I’m absolutely crushing this spy thing.
I slip into what looks like a control room. Computer screens line the walls, displaying schematics and data streams I don’t understand. Backing out of the room, I continue down the corridor, which widens into a large circular chamber.
I take three steps in when a soft whirring sound makes me freeze. The lights are powering up one by one around the perimeter of the room. I throw up a hand to shield my eyes, blinking rapidly against the glare.
“I hope you’re enjoying your self-guided tour.”
As my eyes adjust, I make out Nero standing on a raised platform across the room wearing an immaculate white pantsuit. Her dark hair cascades over one shoulder, and her smile is both welcoming and dangerous. Four armed guards flank her, weapons at the ready.
“Hello, Elodie,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Or should I call you Nero?”
“You can call me whatever you like. I’ve gone by many names.” She says with a thin laugh, approaching with the casual confidence of someone who knows they hold all the cards. “Though I must say, I’m rather fond of how you say ‘Elodie.’”
“Where’s Anika?” I demand, cutting to the chase.
Nero circles me slowly, like a shark. “All in good time, Griffin. We have so much to catch up on first. I’ve been waiting for your arrival.”
“Let me guess. You’re about to offer me a drink while petting a white cat?”
Her laugh is genuine this time. “You’ve watched too many movies. Though I do appreciate a man who understands the classics.”
She gestures expansively. “Please, walk with me. I so rarely get visitors who appreciate fine architecture.”
I stand my ground. “I didn’t come for a tour.”
She counters with a smile. “Come. I insist.”
Two guards step forward, making it clear this isn’t actually a request. I follow her through another doorway, my mind racing to formulate an actual plan.
“This is our primary operations center,” Nero explains as we enter a massive room filled with people working at computer stations. Giant screens cover the walls, displaying global maps with pulsing red dots scattered across them. “From here, we monitor every OMBRA operation worldwide.”
“Impressive setup for a criminal organization,” I say, scanning the room for possible exits.
“Criminal?” She laughs. “Such a limited perspective. OMBRA…it’s more of a revolution.”
“Right. Revolution. Got it.” I nod, casually reaching up to adjust my earpiece, turning it back on.
“Don’t bother,” Nero says, noticing my movement. “The entire facility is encased in a Faraday cage and surrounded by six feet of reinforced concrete. No signals in or out without my authorization.”
“Where is she?” I demand, my patience wearing thin.
