Chapter 13 - THE CHOICEMargaret explained that Atlas had built a final safeguard.
The system could only be activated permanently by someone carrying the Hayes genetic sequence.
Emily was that person.
But activation required a conscious decision.
Nobody could force it.
They could threaten her.
Manipulate her.
Kidnap her.
But ultimately, Emily had to choose.
Robert looked at his daughter.
“You don't have to do anything.”
Margaret shook her head.
“They won't stop.”
Emily looked at her parents.
“What happens if I destroy it?”
“Thousands of files disappear.”
“And?”
“Every secret Atlas has collected disappears.”
Emily understood.
“Politicians?”
“Yes.”
“Military secrets?”
“Yes.”
“People who committed crimes?”
“Yes.”
“People who are innocent?”
Margaret nodded.
“Yes.”
Emily's eyes filled with tears.
“Then destroying it could hurt people too.”
Robert nodded.
“That's why they want you to choose.”
The door opened.
Sarah rushed in.
“They found us.”
Robert immediately moved Emily behind him.
But instead of Cole, Daniel entered.
He was bleeding.
He looked exhausted.
Emily ran toward him.
“Daniel!”
He stopped her.
“Don't.”
She froze.
“I betrayed you.”
Emily shook her head.
“I know.”
“No.”
He looked at Robert.
“I didn't betray you enough.”
Robert frowned.
Daniel revealed that he had been working undercover.
He had deliberately allowed Atlas to believe he was controlling Emily.
The scratches on her wrist were partly real, but he had used them to create evidence that would trigger Robert's investigation.
Emily stared at him.
“You hurt me to save me?”
“I made the worst decision of my life.”
Robert looked at him.
“You could have told me.”
“I tried.”
“When?”
Daniel handed him a recording.
Robert played it.
Daniel's voice appeared.
“General, if you're hearing this, I couldn't reach you directly. Someone inside your command is monitoring every communication.”
Robert looked at Sarah.
“Who?”
The answer came through the recording.
“Marcus Reed.”
Robert's face went pale.
But Marcus had been with them.
The entire time.
Sarah whispered:
“Where is he now?”
May you like
Everyone looked around.
Marcus was gone.
