above a small, hidden clearing just beyond the Sterling's prize-winning

ves from the branches, sending a conf

gear fast-roped down, hitti

the debris flying around him. He walked

over the roar of the rot

ed her bag to him. "E

ugh the thrashing trees, he caught glimpses of dark shapes, the glint of metal, and the imposs

! Something's happening on the back lawn! Men in black

rom his armchair, spilling h

th. "I knew it! All those times she disap

lowered from the bay door. She clipped

g her into the air. Within seconds, they wer

ittle criminal! What was that? The cartel? She had them

his phone. "We need to distance ourselves. I

, Nova pulled on a noise-canceling he

ure folder. "General Knight i

rash," Nova said, her e

o you want us to scrub t

t waste the budget. They a

Richard was shouti

lack helicopter! The

from the background, her voice

od. The sound had been muffled by distance and trees, but it was unmistakably military

ay. It was impossible. She was Nov

n the distance,

City lights. Her expression hardened. T

facility?"

es," the pil

nto the terminal. "Goo