Page 4 of Rescuing Mia

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the delicate balance of power between nations and the importance of transparency and accountability. My father often spoke of the need for countries to work together to address global threats, and he instilled in me a deep respect for the rule of law and the value of international cooperation.

In this moment of crisis, I know that my father would want me to do what’s best for the greater good, even if it means going against my own government.

The evidence I’ve uncovered points to a threat that extends far beyond China’s borders, and I can’t ignore the potential globalconsequences. My mother’s American roots also influence my decision.

The U.S. has always been a symbol of justice and freedom to me, and the embassy will take my concerns seriously. They have the resources and the influence to investigate this matter thoroughly and to hold those responsible accountable.

I quickly gather my things, my mind racing with plans and contingencies.

My heart is heavy with the weight of my decision; I take one last look around. This place has been my home, my life, for so long, but I’m doing the right thing. I’m running to stop a catastrophe and prevent a weapon of unimaginable destruction from falling into the wrong hands.

And I won’t stop running until I’ve seen this through to the end. My hands shake, and a queasy feeling settles in my gut.

I’ve always taken immense pride in my work and in the integrity of my research, but I’ve been unwittingly complicit in something much darker—something larger than corporate espionage or ethical misconduct.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. I tread dangerous ground. If the people orchestrating this nightmare realize I’ve uncovered their secret, there’s no telling what they might do to protect it.

Who am I to do anything about this?

I’m just one person.

What if I’m wrong? The download of the damning files onto my tablet continues. File after file is copied over, the progress bar creeping along at an agonizingly slow pace. Each passing second feels like an eternity, the threat of discovery looming over my head.

Who is ??? And what do they plan on doing with the deuterium?

Once the download is complete, I stare at the tablet like it’s a venomous snake. I don’t want it anywhere near me. But it holds the truth.

I rise from my chair, body leaden with the burden of this terrible knowledge.

I have to get this to someone who can do something about it.

First things first, I put my tablet into airplane mode, severing it from the internet. As long as it stays disconnected, Red Phoenix can’t remotely log on and discover what I’ve done.

I tuck the tablet under my arm and pretend today is like any other day, praying my knees don’t buckle from the adrenaline coursing through me.

All I have to do is carry the tablet out of the facility, but then I’m jolted from my thoughts by a sudden knock on the lab’s door.

They found me.

Chapter Four

Dr. Mei,the Project Leader for all biochemical work at Red Phoenix, stands at the door. With her hawkish gaze and severe demeanor, her presence is commanding. The walls close in around me.

“Mia, may I have a word?” Dr. Mei’s voice is calm but firm.

It’s not a request, but a summons.

All I can think of is she knows.

My heart thunders as I follow her into her office that feels ten sizes too small. I keep my expression neutral and pray, knowing I’ve been caught stealing company files.

“I’ve been reviewing your work,” Dr. Mei begins. Her gaze fixes on me, making me feel small and very guilty. “Your contributions to the project are invaluable, but you are overextending yourself. The hours you’ve been putting in are not sustainable.”

I swallow hard, trying to read between the lines.

“Dr. Xiang mentioned you’ve been working long hours.” She gestures toward the clock. “From the security logs, it looks like you haven’t left your workstation for days. Is this true?”

“Yes, Dr. Mei. I got caught up in my work.”

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