‘Impossible? Don’t you tell me impossible! I’ve kowtowed to your every whim for twenty years. I’ve dedicated my life to you and this … this Mayan mythology, all in the hopes of seeing Mick again. Now you’re going to take me to see him!’

*

Collin Shelby hurries through a river of rainwater streaming down the tunnel’s concrete incline. He stays close to the brick wall, remaining in the shadows, as he scans the group of people in the scope of his XE-29 sniper rifle.

Isolated at midfield … like shooting ducks on a pond. Uh-oh … what’s this? He focuses on the three EMP suits worn by the two bodyguards and one of the women. Have to use the tungsten rounds.

Shelby loads a tungsten dart into the chamber of his rifle, then switches the trigger from taser fire to explosive bullets. Unlike old-fashioned bullets, these lethal projectiles contain the latest biocide, nanoswarm EPI-46, a fast-spreading, human flesh-consuming agent. Any contact ensures a lethal strike.

The UMBRA assassin steadies himself as he aims the crosshairs of his scope.

‘Think about it, Jake,’ Immanuel pleads. ‘For six years you’ve been devising strategies for defeating the Xibalban sentry, and you’ve never won. Didn’t it ever occur to you that they know we’re coming, too?’

Jacob stares at his twin, pondering the thought.

‘You say you’ve been communicating with our father. How do you know Lilith wasn’t eavesdropping? Maybe that’s why we lost the first battle, because Lilith was listening to Mick.’

‘Yes … it’s possible.’

Manny takes Lauren’s hand. ‘You once told me Lilith was your soul mate. Well, Lauren’s mine, and I’m not leaving her.’

Dominique nods. ‘I’m coming with you, Jacob. Case closed.’

Jacob turns to her. ‘Okay, Mother. Say your good-byes quickly.’

Dominique rushes to Immanuel, hugging him as hard as she can.

‘Ma … thank you. I love you.’

‘I love you, Manny, I love you, too.’ She hugs Lauren. ‘You take care of him.’

‘I will.’

Jacob hands Dr. Mohr a microdisk. ‘This will allow you access to everything you’ll need. I don’t know what’s going to happen from this point on, but all of you are fugitives. Go now, before Lilith finds you.’ He looks at the big African-American bodyguard. ‘Take care of my brother, Pep. Lilith won’t rest until she finds him.’

Ryan Beck nods. ‘Do what you were born to do. We’ll watch over them.’

Jacob embraces Manny, whispering into his ear. ‘Remember the young lady named Bright, whose speed was far faster than light. She went out one day, in a relative way, and returned the previous night.’

‘Why are you telling me this?’

‘Because your actions today will create a new fork in the road of space-time. Where that road leads is up to you. I hope you’re ready to face its consequences.’

‘It’s what I choose.’