Isabel POV
The hum of helicopter blades cut through the night like a serrated knife, We had minutes, maybe less, before Gideon's men stormed the safe house. I couldn't afford to panic.
Victor stood beside me, his jaw set, his weapon ready. Miguel and Marissa moved like shadows; their training evident in every deliberate step as they secured the exits. Meanwhile, the darkened monitors on Victor's console seemed to mock me. The system lockout wasn't just sabotage—it was personal.
"Let me try again," I said, pushing past Victor to the keyboard. My hands moved instinctively, typing commands I hadn't used in years.
Victor's eyes narrowed. "You've seen this before."
I hesitated. How could I explain? "Years ago, before I joined your organization, I worked on something... similar."
His glare was sharp enough to cut steel. "Similar how?"