Page 243 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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That lands.

Hard.

Behind me, I feel Havoc shift slightly.

Not stopping me.

Backing me.

Always backing me.

The agent studies me.

Long.

Then—

“You think we’re the enemy,” he says.

“I think I don’t know who the enemy is,” I reply. “And that’s worse.”

A beat.

Then—

He nods once.

Like he respects that answer.

Or maybe just acknowledges it.

“Fair,” he says.

That surprises me.

But only for a second.

Because then—

“That’s exactly why you need to come with us.”

No.

“No,” I say again.

Stronger.

Final.

“I’m staying here.”

His gaze flicks to Havoc.

Then back to me.

“And if I don’t give you a choice?”

The room freezes.

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