CHAPTER 22 — THE BAIT

Evelyn watched Julian’s message three times.

Each time, she noticed the same detail.

His right hand rested against the glass.

Three fingers extended.

Then one.

Then four.

“Three-one-four,” Mara said.

Nathan entered the numbers into a map.

The coordinates led to an island property owned by a medical research foundation.

Daniel shook his head.

“Too obvious.”

“Julian knew we would understand it,” Evelyn said.

“He may be compromised.”

“So may you.”

Daniel smiled.

“That suspicion will keep you alive.”

The island had once housed a tuberculosis hospital. Now satellite images showed armed guards and underground ventilation systems.

Evelyn prepared to leave.

Daniel blocked her path.

“Celeste wants you there.”

“I know.”

“She knows about the drive inside your shoulder.”

Evelyn looked at Mara.

Mara’s face tightened.

“How?”

Daniel touched the side of his neck.

“Nightingale subjects recognize Nightingale methods.”

Evelyn realized Celeste had allowed the rescue from the armored vehicle.

Nathan had not been released by chance.

Her mother had wanted Daniel to collect them.

The rescue itself had been bait.

“What happens if she removes the drive?” Nathan asked.

“The dead man’s switch activates,” Mara said.

“And releases everything?”

“Unless Celeste blocks the transmission.”

Daniel looked impressed.

“She already has.”

Every screen changed.

A message from Celeste appeared.

BRING DANIEL TO THE ISLAND. COME WITHOUT AN ARMY.

Daniel laughed.

“She finally became interesting.”

Evelyn looked at him.

“You’re not coming.”

“She asked for me.”

“She wants you dead.”

“Many people do.”

Evelyn stepped closer.

“I won’t trade one monster for another.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed.

“Careful. That sounded almost protective.”

“It wasn’t.”

They traveled to the island by boat after midnight.

No guards stopped them.

The hospital doors stood open.

Inside, candles lined the corridor.

Julian’s voice came through the speakers.

“Evelyn, turn back.”

She followed the sound to an operating theater.

Julian stood inside a glass chamber.

Celeste waited beside him.

Daniel entered behind Evelyn.

Celeste smiled.

“Perfect.”

Steel doors closed.

The glass chamber opened.

Julian stepped out freely.

He was not a prisoner.

Evelyn stared at him.

Julian lowered his eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

May you like

MY SISTER THREW A HOT SKILLET AT MY 4-YEAR-OLD—THEN MY MOTHER’S TEXT EXP...

The next part began before I had time to understand the last one.Hospital social worker Denise reads Helen's message and immediate...

MY MOTHER THREW MY SIX-WEEK-OLD BABY TOWARD THE FIRE—THEN MY QUIET FATHE...

At my backyard baby shower, my mother lifted my six-week-old daughter and said, "You gave birth before your sister... you betrayed...

I FOUND MY EX SLEEPING AT THE AIRPORT WITH TWINS WHO HAD MY EYES—THEN A...

I Found My Ex, Who Vanished 6 Years Ago, Sleeping at JFK With 2 Kids Who Had My Eyes. Then I Heard My Mother Say, “Their Mother Sh...

Celeste placed a hand on his shoulder.

“He chose a side.”