After a moment, he heard the minivan’s small engine rev up again as they gained speed, heading toward Las Vegas and away from the net cast by the police.

Chapter 73

Nic had been waiting all day to find out what the hell this was about. Unfortunately, he was more confused than ever. This place didn’t look like a lab for creating biological or chemical weapons. It seemed more industrial in nature, computers or microchips or something of the like. He supposed it could have been some kind of bomb that they were developing down here, but he didn’t see anything indicative of explosives, timers, detonators, or ignition assemblies. He didn’t recognize a single piece of equipment, and explosives was one subject he knew quite a bit about.

And now, he supposed he may never find out.

He turned to Burke and Carter and said, “Time to pack it in boys. Company’s coming.”

Burke looked at the mess of scattered computer parts on the floor of the sealed chamber and said, “Hand me one of those trash cans. We’re taking these pieces.”

Nic didn’t know nearly as much about computers as Burke, but even he could see that the drives were beyond salvaging. “No time. We need to go now.”

“He’s right, August,” Carter added. “Who knows what they’ll do if they catch us down here. This is obviously a secret worth killing over, and I’d prefer we not be added to the casualty list.”

Burke ignored them with a shake of his head and picked up one of the small metal trash receptacles sitting beside the nearest workstation. He dumped the contents, a few papers and wire sheaths, and started scooping the broken hard drives into the can.

“You two go,” he said. “I’m taking these.”

“Damnit, kid. It’s not worth your life,” Carter said, looking to Nic for help.

Nic shrugged. Even in the short time he’d known him, he had learned that when August Burke made his mind up to do something, you might as well help or get out of the way. Plus, it would take longer to drag him out than to help him.

Burke, oblivious to the danger, swept the scattered parts into a pile with his foot. Nic fought for a solution. Maybe they could close the door to the chamber and wait out the CIA? No, that was stupid. They’d all be caught or, at best, trapped down here for hours.

Growling, he said to Carter, “Help him. Let me worry about our guests.”

He walked over to the door and listened. They didn’t seem to be coming toward them yet. Remembering how Burke had described the lab’s access point through GoBox, Nic realized that they would probably have to come down single file. He tried to discern the number of voices, but the tones were too hushed. He suspected they were discussing how to breach and clear the lab or cover a hallway while they waited for their reinforcements. They could have been pushing forward at any moment. Perhaps there were more rooms beyond this?