Chapter 117 - The Brother's Pulse
Claire took two measured steps forward, extending the encrypted drive toward the Admiral.
Vance signaled Douglas, who stepped forward with a ruggedized tactical tablet to verify the files.
As Douglas reached for the drive, Claire’s eyes locked onto Liam’s face through the thick glass.
Liam’s eyes were partially open now, clouded with sedative haze but undeniably focused on her silhouette.
Claire’s left hand brushed against the exterior glass panel as if steadying her balance.
Her fingernails tapped against the reinforced glass in a sharp, rhythmic sequence: *Tap... tap-tap... tap.*
It was the old distress cadence they had invented as kids in the Maryland backwoods.
*Ready on three.*
Inside the fluid, Liam’s right hand contracted into a tight, white-knuckled fist against his thigh.
Douglas plugged the drive into his tablet, his eyes scanning the green confirmation text on the screen.
"It’s authentic, Admiral," Douglas said, nodding eagerly. "The entire Pentagon ledger is here."
Vance smiled, a look of triumphant arrogance washing over his weathered face.
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"Thank you, Commander," Vance murmured, his thumb preparing to crush the red detonator anyway. "Your service to this nation is concluded."
Before Vance’s thumb could depress the switch, Claire exploded into violent motion.
