RONAN'S POV

We arrived at the old library basement at eleven forty-five. Early. Wanted to scope it out before Hale showed.

The space was dark. Cold. Empty as far as we could tell.

"You think he's really coming?" Elias whispered.

"He sent the message. He exposed the program. Why would he lie now?"

"Because everyone lies. We've learned that."

Fair point.

Kieran checked his phone. "Five minutes."

We waited in tense silence. Every sound made us jump. Every shadow could be a threat.

At ...