Page 143 of The Lazarus Protocol

Whatever Earthnet was up to, whether it was a global network or not, they didn’t want anyone to stop them.

Which meant Noah was determined to do exactly that.

“False victory isn’t victory,” Ash muttered.

Kai twisted around, flipping over and sitting up. “None of your Phoenix Network pals knows where we are?” He looked between Ash and Kyle for a second, then pinned Noah with a stare. “Or your twin?”

Noah said, “We aren’t telepathic.”

Considering how they often felt each other’s strong emotions, Noah figured his brother knew something was wrong. But there was likely nothing Caleb could do about it.

“What about your buddy, Ice?” Kyle pointed out. “Where is he?”

“Enough.” Adam opened his eyes. “We aren’t going to get through this if we’re taking out our frustration on each other.”

“He’s right,” Noah said. “The whole point is to pit us against each other. To observe the team under stress and watch us fracture.” Noah sat forward and put his elbows on his knees. “Whatever we do, we do together.”

Marina’s fingers wrapped around the inside of his elbow and a second later he felt her touch the jagged patch of scars on his lower back.

He froze. “Don’t.”

She pulled her fingers away as if she’d touched something hot. “Sorry.”

He winced. “I wasn’t going to tell you.” Now he had no choice. It was out there for all to see.

Noah turned to her because while the others would hear the whole thing, he didn’t want to see their faces. “It’s why I quit the SEALs and left the navy.”

“He’ll use it against you.”

Noah looked at the guy. “Kyle, is it?”

The other man nodded.

“Anyone with eyes can see it.” And as far as Noah was concerned, it wasn’t even close to the worst thing Montrose could use against him. He looked at Marina. “It’s why I shouldn’t go on missions with the team.”

“Does it hurt?”

Noah lifted his hand and swiped the tear off her cheek. “Don’t cry for me, Marina.”

She sniffed, wincing and turning away. “Kai is right. We need to get out of here.”

“Finally, someone agrees with me.”

Noah leaned back against the wall, but whatever way he adjusted his position it hurt. He got up, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms above his head.

“Good idea.” Kyle stood as well, pedaling his knees as if he was getting ready to run.

Steph said, “I’m new to this whole ‘team’ thing, but if you guys have a plan, then I’m in for whatever it is.”

Marina grabbed his hand but didn’t tug on it. She got up without pulling on his arm. And she didn’t let go of his hand.

“What are we gonna do, jump over the side in the middle of the ocean?” Adam glanced around but didn’t get up. “We’re overpowered.”

Ash walked over to him. “So we overpower them right back.” He held out his hand, Adam took it, and he hauled the guy to his feet.

“That doesn’t even make sense.” Adam shook his head. “And Montrose is probably sitting in his office, listening to this whole thing while making notes on how to torment us and laughing his butt off.”

“What about Ice?” Kai seemed hesitant to point out the fact one member of the team wasn’t on this boat. “You think he’ll come in, guns blazing?”