Chapter 26

Morning in the city moved like it had a hangover — late, a little sorry, and apologizing with gray light. Nicole woke to the hum of hospital air and the small, faithful kick that had lately been the most honest part of her day. She let the rhythm sink into her like a metronome: one, two, three — keep steady.

They met at nine at Anders’ little war-room — a rented office that smelled of burnt coffee and ambition. Anders had already gone through the flash drive Madeline gave ...