Red Awakening (Red Zone 2)

Keiko smothered a laugh as she turned back to the crowd. “I forgot, even though I’ve known Abigail since college, that she isn’t really a stage person. My bad. And I’m sure she’ll make me suffer for it later.” She grinned at Abigail. “But she wants you to know that she says hi, and if you want free tech, your best bet is Rueben.”

The crowd laughed, Abigail relaxed, and Rueben’s ego was stroked. It was why they paid her the big bucks. With a quick squeeze of Abigail’s hand to say she was sorry, she moved on down the line, all the while aware of Mace’s eyes boring into the back of her head. It was clear he was annoyed that she’d locked herself in the closet to sleep the night before. But, seriously, was he expecting her to climb into bed with him and carry on where they left off? Did she look that stupid?

Deep breaths.

Focus on the job.

As soon as the press conference was over, she planned to take steps to remove the man and his team from her life once and for all. She would resign from her job as press secretary. It was the only way to ensure they couldn’t hold the information on her parents over her head forever. It was the only way to keep her parents safe. Which meant she’d no longer hold any value for Mace. His interest in her would be over. Much like her dreams of a Viking. From now on in, she planned to stick to boring, corporate men.

She looked at the next scientist in her row, and her heart sank, even though she kept a smile plastered to her face. “Rueben Granger needs no introduction. As head of our Implanted Tech Division, he has personally overseen every aspect of this project—even though lens technology isn’t his area of specialization.” It was a little dig, one that went right over his head.

She didn’t have to ask Rueben to speak—he thought it was his due and waited, greedily, for yet more attention. He cleared his throat, took a step forward and lifted his chin. “I am thrilled to be here on this auspicious day…”

You could almost hear the press groan. The head of research could talk about himself for hours, and there was food growing cold. If she didn’t nip things in the bud fast, there would be a revolt.

“It wouldn’t be a product launch without you, Rueben,” she said quickly. “I know that the press is eager to ask you their questions as soon as I’ve finished introducing the rest of your amazing team.” She turned to the audience as though they were forcing her to interrupt his speech. “You’re just going to have to wait until I’m done, okay?”

“Of course.” Rueben gave the crowd a reprimanding glare.

The press managed to stop from uttering a collective sigh of relief, and Keiko moved on to the last of the section leaders. Unlike

their department head, the section leaders and the rest of their teams lined up in a row at the back of the stage would rather have been back in their labs than performing for the continually greedy news cycle. Keiko would have preferred it, too. There had been no need to drag every scientist involved in the project onto the platform. That had been all Rueben. His ego had needed the large numbers in attendance to make him feel important.

“Please give a warm welcome to Andrew Moray.” She indicated the last of the section heads, an older man with laugh lines around his eyes and a ready joke for everyone who took the time to talk to him. “Andrew is new to our research center here in Houston, having come across from our Scottish base a few months ago. He’s a genius at manipulating and developing new materials. He’s also the reason the new lens is thinner and softer than ever before, creating a truly irritation-free experience. Trust me, I’ve tried it, and you’ll never know it’s there. Would you like to say hello, Andrew?”

“Aye, I would.” He smiled at her as he took a step forward.

Rueben let out an irritated huff, but Keiko ignored him. The Scottish scientist swept his hair to the side of his forehead as he addressed the crowd, knowing the directional mics would pick up his voice and magnify it for everyone to hear.

“I’d just like to say one wee thing before we get into the presentation.” He took a deep breath and thrust his fist high in the air. “Freedom for the people! Down with CommTECH!”

Keiko gasped and staggered back. Camera drones zoomed in on the scientist as the press called out questions. At the back of the terrace, a scuffle broke out. Security, dressed in black and armed with laser rifles, ran for the stage. A shot was fired. Someone screamed. A massive hand wrapped around her arm and jerked her from the platform. She fell, squealing and calling for help. A loud blast shook the terrace, filling the air with smoke.

“Abigail!” Keiko screamed, but in the scramble she couldn’t see her friend.

“Everybody, get down!” someone shouted. “We are Freedom, and we’re taking over this building. Do as you’re told, and you won’t get hurt.”

Freedom? The terrorists were there?

“Breach, breach!” one of the security team shouted.

A large arm wrapped around her middle. Her feet swung as she was lifted. She twisted, straining to see who had her, fearing she already knew.

Mace.

“Wait! Stop! We need to get Abigail.” She kicked and struggled, but it was no use. Her fingernails tore at the arm shackling her, but his hold was unbreakable. He ignored her and ran. Dodging left and right, weaving his way through the chaos.

“Where’s the press secretary?” someone shouted. “Get Keiko!”

There were more gunshots. More screaming. Chaos reigned. The haze began to clear as the smoke dispersed. Reporters were huddled on the ground. Crying. Shocked and afraid.

“Let me down right now,” she shouted.

A hand slammed over her mouth. “Damn it, woman. Shut up. I’m trying to save your life.”

Mace swerved sharply, and she looked down to see what he’d dodged. The body of a security team member lay sprawled on the hand-painted tile. Dark red blood oozed from him, spreading like an inkblot beneath him.

“No.” The word was muffled against his palm.