Page 221 of Silver Elite

I haven’t been asked to arm the explosives, only to position them at strategic points and connect them to the ignition system. I assume the detonation will be remote. After I stick the remaining silver pod on the wall inside a slatted wooden closet, I slide the now-empty backpack over my shoulder, the jammer peeking out of the side pocket.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

I did it.

Done.

Time to get the hell out of here.

Halfway to the door, I hear footsteps directly outside it. I freeze.

Keep walking,I implore whoever it is.Just keep walking.

The doorknob begins to turn.

Shit.

I shove the top of the jammer deeper into the pocket, out of sight, just as the door swings open and Jayde Valence appears in the doorway.

My heart stops.

We stare at each other for a moment, until her cool, crisp voice breaks the silence.

“What are you doing in here, soldier?”

“Oh, I was looking for the caterer. I think his name is Eman?” I gulp through my bone-dry mouth. “The kitchen crew said he might’ve ducked in here to grab some supplies.”

“The caterer.”

“Yes.”

Jayde closes the door behind her and steps deeper into the room, scanning her surroundings. My heart promptly starts beating again. Loud and persistent.

The charges I’ve set are invisible to the eye. Strategically placed. I should be fine so long as she doesn’t take a closer look. Particularly at the window. All she has to do is raise the blinds and she’ll find those two small silver pucks I affixed to the frame.

“But as you can see,” I finish lightly, “he’s not here. I guess I need to keep poking around.”

I take a step toward the door. She doesn’t move.

“Lieutenant Colonel?” I prompt.

She smiles. The bloodmark on her cheek appears even more menacing when paired with an expression of mirth.

“It is very rare,” she says, “that I misjudge people.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I saw you set the charges. The General will not be pleased.”

Panic sparks inside me. “I don’t know what—”

“My mind has never failed me,” Jayde interrupts. “Even in childhood. Every vision I’ve ever had has been confirmed with unerring accuracy. This evening’s vision…” Her lips tighten. “I recognized your face immediately. I interrogated you after Julian Ash’s execution.”

“You did. And you cleared me,” I remind her, squaring my shoulders. “Because I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Even as I speak, my mind is already decoyed in preparation for her penetration. It doesn’t come. She simply stands there, shaking her head in bewilderment.

“How?” she asks.

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