The red laser sights of rooftop snipers traced the Syndicate’s enforcers, but they held their positions. The Architect stayed motionless, their piercing gaze flitting between James and the threatening unseen figure lurking in the shadows.
For once, the balance of power was not entirely in their favor.
James gripped his rifle tighter. “Have your men stand down, and we walk away. Nobody else has to die today.”
The Architect inhaled a long breath, the mask of control slipping just a fraction. “And what are you going to do with the files, James? You still believe in justice? In exposing the truth?” They scoffed. “The world doesn’t care. “They prefer the illusion of order, no matter how corrupt.”
Still clutching the hard drive, Lina shook her head. “So then why are you so scared of us?”
Th
