The room had gone silent except for the muted hiss of the monitor and the soft buzz of fluorescent lights overhead. Brent stood frozen, jaw tightening, fists clenched at his sides.
He had not expected this sudden move from Reynold. Everything he had orchestrated, everything he had whispered into the ear of the Chief of Staff, had been designed to push Cassius into prioritizing the Helix case.
Now it had blown up in his face. Too many people knew. If the enemy lurking in the shadows took action now, everything would unravel.
The air felt heavy. The walls themselves seemed to press closer. Cassius remained still, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on the monitor showing Reynold and the soldiers outside.
Brent could feel Sophia's stare on him but could not look at her. He had been so sure of his plan. Now the plan had teeth and claws.
