CHAPTER 27: THE LAST SUBMARINE
The submarine dived.
The torpedo exploded above them.
The shock wave threw everyone against the walls.
Water began entering the rear compartment.
Marcus sealed the damaged section.
The captain changed course toward an underwater canyon.
Military sonar followed them.
Helena examined the navigation map.
“There is an old Project Janus tunnel beneath Vale headquarters.”
Adrian looked at her.
“You want to drive directly toward the man trying to kill us?”
“He has one of August’s backup memories.”
Claire understood.
The real Richard—or whoever wore his identity—was now part of Continuance.
“We need the backup destroyed.”
“And the children protected,” Claire Vale added.
The Clara copies offered to take the children to a safe facility.
Claire hesitated.
Clara Seven looked at her.
“You taught us purpose can be chosen.”
Claire nodded.
“Then choose to live.”
The submarine reached a hidden junction.
Two smaller vessels separated from the main craft.
The children left with Clara Seven.
Lily refused.
“I stay with Mama.”
Aiden remained unconscious.
Adrian would not leave him.
The main submarine continued beneath the city.
It surfaced inside a private dock under Vale headquarters.
No guards waited.
That frightened Claire more than an army would have.
The building appeared empty.
They entered through an elevator.
The ballroom gala was still being discussed on every news channel.
Claire’s face covered the screens.
MURDER SUSPECT.
DANGEROUS JANUS SUBJECT.
Richard Vale had turned the public against her.
They reached the executive floor.
The real Richard sat behind a glass desk.
He looked identical to R-3.
Both men stared at one another.
The man behind the desk smiled.
“Which one of us do you think Clara will choose?”
R-3 stepped forward.
“This is not about her choosing a father.”
“It has always been about inheritance.”
Claire moved between them.
“Where is August’s backup?”
The real Richard pointed toward his head.
“Inside me.”
Claire Vale raised her weapon.
The man laughed.
“If you kill me, the memory transfers automatically.”
“To whom?”
He looked toward Lily.
Claire pulled the child behind her.
Adrian attacked him.
The real Richard moved with unexpected speed.
A hidden door opened.
Commissioner Hale entered with armed guards.
Beside him stood Dr. Samuel Voss.
Alive.
Claire stared at the doctor she had watched die.
Voss smiled.
“The ballroom body was one of my copies.”
Claire realized the entire night had been designed.
“Who planned it?”
Voss looked toward R-3.
“He did.”
R-3 shook his head.
“No.”
A new memory flashed through Claire’s mind.
R-3 meeting Voss before the gala.
R-3 ordering Claire’s identity revealed.
R-3 arranging the blackout.
She looked at the man she had defended.
His expression changed.
May you like
August’s voice emerged from him.
“You finally remembered.”
