"So the mask finally slips," Atlas said, his voice dangerously calm as he closed the door behind Anola. "Memory modification isn't perfect on strong-willed subjects. I should have known."
Anola backed away, maintaining distance between them. "What are you? Some kind of... experiment? Government project?"
"Nothing so mundane." Atlas moved toward her with predatory grace. "Let's just say death and I had a conversation, and I convinced it to wait."
"You should have stayed dead." Anola's hand slipped into her purse, withdrawing a small pistol. "Aaron will know everything within the hour."
Atlas laughed, the sound chilling in its genuine amusement. "You think that scares me? You think I care if Aaron knows?" He stepped closer, ignoring the gun. "That was never my concern."
"Stop right ther
