Page 79 of Brass
The simple declaration carries weight—Ryan Ellis doesn’t trust easily or often. That he places such confidence in this man tells me a great deal.
“And he’ll help us get to Seattle? To your headquarters?”
“That’s the plan.” Ryan’s hands adjust on the wheel, the movement subtle but revealing. Something’s bothering him. “Torque will provide secure transport, updated credentials, and proper medical supplies.”
“But?” I prompt, sensing the unspoken reservation.
A muscle ticks in his jaw. “Phoenix identified me through facial recognition. Connected me to Cerberus. That shouldn’t have been possible.”
The implication hangs in the air between us. “You think your security was compromised.”
“I think Phoenix has access to databases it shouldn’t.” His eyes remain fixed on the dark road ahead. “Which means we can’t assume any system is secure.”
“Including Cerberus?”
He doesn’t answer immediately, which tells me more than words could. Ryan Ellis—a man defined by certainty and control—is navigating uncertainty.
“We verify before we trust,” he says finally. “Even with Torque.”
The revelation settles like ice in my stomach. If even Cerberus might be compromised, where does that leave us? Who can we turn to if Phoenix has infiltrated the organization designed to combat threats like itself?
As if reading my thoughts, Ryan’s hand finds mine again, grip solid and reassuring. “We have each other,” he says. “That’s enough for now.”
And somehow, despite everything, I believe him.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Celeste
Dawn breaksas we finally approach Portland’s outskirts, having circled wide through rural areas northeast of the city. Ryan drives with the focused attention of someone operating on minimal sleep, but his reflexes remain sharp, his tactical awareness undiminished.
The Chevelle hums beneath us, a faithful mechanical companion that has carried us through the night. Its lack of electronic systems has become our greatest asset—no GPS to track, no Bluetooth to hack, no digital footprint for Phoenix to follow.
"Torque’s safe house is in Forest Park," Ryan explains as we navigate suburban streets, carefully avoiding major thoroughfares. "Remote property, defensible terrain, multiple escape routes."
“And if it’s compromised?” The question has been weighing on me since our conversation.
“We have contingencies.” His expression gives nothing away. “Always have contingencies.”
As the city wakes, morning traffic builds around us. Ryan weaves through residential neighborhoods, never takingthe same route for more than a few blocks, doubling back occasionally to confirm we’re not being followed.
I watch for the patterns he’s taught me to recognize—vehicles that maintain position, make the same turns we do, and appear multiple times in our vicinity. Nothing triggers an alarm, but the absence of pursuit doesn’t mean safety.
Phoenix is learning. Adapting. Becoming more subtle in its tracking methods.
As we approach the city’s western edge, the urban landscape gives way to thickly forested hills. Forest Park stretches before us, over 5,000 acres of woodland preserved within the city limits. It is the perfect place to hide a safe house—remote enough for security but close enough to urban resources if needed.
“Last stretch,” Ryan says, turning onto a narrow road that winds upward into the trees. “Stay alert.”
The pavement eventually transitions to gravel, the road narrowing further as it climbs. Dense forest presses in on both sides, creating a natural corridor that would funnel any pursuit into a predictable path—tactically vulnerable but also easily defended.
“Torque will have perimeter security,” Ryan explains, eyes constantly scanning our surroundings. “Motion sensors, infrared cameras, passive counter-surveillance.”
“Will they recognize you?” I ask, suddenly concerned that defense systems might target us as intruders.
“I transmitted our approach codes when we entered Forest Park.” He pats his pocket where the secure phone rests. “Minimal electronic footprint, but necessary for safe arrival.”
The road makes a final turn, revealing a clearing where a rustic cabin stands—larger than I expected, its wooden exterior is weathered to blend with the surrounding forest. Solar panels gleam on the south-facing roof, and a powerful antenna risesbehind the structure. Modern security disguised as a wilderness retreat.
