Page 184 of Fractured Allegiance

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Dom leans in, voice dropping. "Drazen's watching, Silas. Cameras everywhere. So if you're thinking about being a hero..." He smiles. "Don't."

I pocket the key. "I'm not here to be a hero. I'm here to do my job."

"Good." He claps me on the shoulder—too hard, too familiar. "Then we won't have any problems."

He walks back toward the elevator.

I listen to his footsteps fade.

The elevator dings. Doors close.

Silence.

I'm alone in the hallway.

With the key to her room in my pocket.

And cameras recording every move I make.

I take my position. Back against the wall opposite her door. Arms crossed. Face forward.

Professional. Detached.

Like I'm guarding any other prisoner.

Like the key in my pocket isn't burning a hole through my jacket.

Like every instinct in my body isn't screaming to use it.

I force myself to breathe.

In. Out. Steady.

This is a test.

Don't react.

Don't break.

I touch the key through my pocket once.

Just to remind myself it's there.

And then I let my hand drop.

Because I know what this is.

They're watching to see if I'll open that door.

If I'll talk to her.

If I'll show that I care.

And I can't.

Not if I want to get her out of here alive.

So I stand here.

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