“Okay, I hope everyone got some rest. I’ve got a very important update. There’s been a change in strategic alignment. I can’t tell you the specifics, only that we’re facing a new threat. As of right now, BioShield is shifting its focus to saving high-probability survivors and preparing for an armed conflict.”

Chapter 88

Chapter 88

The wind tossed the Red Cross plane like a ship in a hurricane. William lined up with one of the four runways, then changed his vector and approached another. In the passenger compartment, Avery, Desmond, and Peyton buckled up and leaned forward, bracing against the headrests. Peyton was in the aisle seat, the safest place, with Desmond beside her, buffering her body from the plane’s side. Avery was just across the aisle from them.

Peyton felt Desmond’s hand touch her leg. He held it face up in her lap, waiting. She placed her hand in his. He squeezed. It seemed to drain the tension out of her. Touching him in that moment was like an electrical connection long dead and now activated. With it came a flood of emotions and memories.

Peyton stared forward. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Avery watching them, staring daggers into Peyton’s side.

The plane shook as the wheels hit the runway. On the whole it was a better landing than Avery’s in Shetland.

Ten minutes later, the plane was stopped at the end of the runway, and William stood in the passenger compartment.

“Desmond and I will sweep the tower.”

Avery rose, ready to protest, but he cut her off with a raised hand.

“We’ll need a pilot to leave if we’re unsuccessful.”

Peyton noted his syntax. He didn’t say “killed.” She thought that was for her benefit. She also saw wisdom in his plan: he didn’t trust Avery either. Isolating her on the plane had that advantage. And it gave William a chance to speak with Desmond alone.

The two men suited up, descended the staircase, and disappeared into the night. Peyton stood by the door, watching as they slipped out of view. For several minutes, an awkward silence settled between her and Avery.

Finally, Avery spoke. “Did you know him?”

“What?”

“Before.”

Peyton ignored her.

“You’re the reason, aren’t you?”

“What?”

Avery stepped closer to her, stopped two feet from Peyton’s face. “You’re the reason he joined the Citium. Why he wanted to build the Looking Glass.”

Peyton wanted to swallow, but she resisted. She made her voice flat. “I couldn’t say.”

“Did you hurt him?”

“I’m not much for girl talk, Avery.”

“We don’t have to talk.”

Boots pounded the ground outside, then up the ramp. Desmond appeared in the doorway to the passenger compartment, took in the scene, and paused for a moment.

“If you two aren’t going to kill each other, we could use some help.”