Page 86 of Red Zone Awakened

CHAPTER34

Enforcement Special Response Unit

Outside CommTECH’s research facility

Houston, Northern Territory

Daniel Mercer reachedthe doors leading out to the terrace and held up a fist, signaling for his team to wait and remain silent.They’d advance on Miriam’s signal and not before.

From an office behind him, a grunt sounded, then a thud.Charles had dispatched the last Freedom fighter on this level.And, as usual, he’d taken his time doing it.Daniel glanced over to see his brother swagger from the office, wiping his knife’s blade on the thigh of his pants.His face held an approximation of a smile.It was the only time he attempted the expression.After he killed.

“Is it time yet?”Charles asked as he came to stand beside him.

“Nearly.”He glanced at his brother, only to find that Charles’s focus was on something beyond the doors to the terrace.

Daniel didn’t have to look to know that he was staring at the press secretary.“After,” he reminded him.“We get the job done first.”And hopefully, while he was doing his job, he could spare Keiko Sato from becoming Charles’s next victim.

“Of course.”Charles inclined his head, his eyes still on his prey.

A hologram flickered into focus in front of Susan Neal, and Miriam Shepherd smiled benignly.It was their cue to get ready.Once Miriam gave the signal, all that mattered was their job—secure the data, eliminate the enemy.

And, if possible, kill Keiko Sato swiftly before his brother had a chance to get his hands on her and prolong her agony.

“One day…” Charles muttered, greed in his eyes.

This time, Daniel followed his gaze and saw that he was focused on the CommTECH CEO.

“No.”Daniel was firm.

His brother’s dark, blank eyes met his.

Daniel wasn’t intimidated.He knew his brother would never touch him.Without him, there was no game, and Charles dearly loved the game.

“Miriam’s off-limits,” Daniel said.“We agreed.”

That mockery of a smile appeared again.“For now.”

As Daniel watched Miriam dismiss the terrorists, he wondered what his brother saw when he looked at her.Did he see a victim?Or a partner?

The world would shudder if it was the latter.