CHAPTER 50
The silence of the complex settled into the deep, heavy rhythm of the three a.m. watch.
Ryle remained a rigid fixture in the hallway, standing guard over his supply cart. He had transitioned from burning rage to a cold, controlled patience—the only way to survive the humiliating punishment. He kept his bandaged hand tucked behind his back and his eyes fixed on the wall, determined to give no quarter to the Agent inside the room.
Inside Recovery Room 303, the soft beep... beep... beep of Finn’s monitor was the only consistent noise. Lauren sat vigil, but she was not just staring. In her hands, she held Finn’s Rubik’s Cube—a bright, complex knot of primary colors that she often found sitting on his desk.
She was utterly engrossed, her brow furrowed in concentration. The Cube w
