“Thanks.” Fifty people out were too many. She swallowed. For the first time, she wondered if they’d survive Scorpius. So far, she’d taken a cure for granted. Maybe this really was the big one.
She worked for hours, through Lew’s break and after he returned, going through every single system in the facility. Both Hugh and Connor checked in periodically and then went back to their respective jobs. She looked for code, for hacking, for weaknesses. A couple of minor glitches caught her eye, but nothing really concerned her.
Finally, she leaned back and stretched. It had been hours. Lew had brought her lunch, so at least she wasn’t starving.
The door opened, and she turned to see a tall man with thick black hair stride gracefully inside.
Lew shoved back from his desk. “Tim. Damn, man, it’s good to see you. Where have you been?”
Tim looked around, his gaze clear. “I had to get the family to safer ground but figured I’d better return and help out.” He looked down at Ellie from about six feet of height, his face shaven, his jeans and T-shirt clean. “I’m Tim.”
“Eleanor.” She squinted through her glasses, her eyes gritty. “What time is it, anyway?”
“About ten at night,” Tim said, crossing his arms. “I can take over from here, Lew.” He didn’t take his gaze off Ellie. There was something a little too direct about his stare, and his position blocked any exit.
The hair rose on the back of her neck. “How long have you been gone, Tim?” she asked, trying to sound casual.
“About four days,” Lew said, rolling his chair back and standing up. “Too long, but you’re here now.”
Four days? Long enough to contract and survive the fever. Not everyone who survived went sociopathic, but the odds weren’t fantastic. Ellie slowly stretched to her feet, her heart kicking into gear. “I should go find my team.”
“I don’t think so,” Tim said, his teeth flashing in a smile.
Lew paused. “Why? Is something up?” He looked around the room. “We haven’t found any threats so far.”
“You haven’t been looking in the right place,” Tim said easily.
“Shit.” Lew leaned back. “What are we missing?”
Ellie loosened her arm in case she needed to go for her gun. Truth be told, she was a shitty shot. Maybe she should’ve practiced more, but she had always had a security detail and computers were more important to her. “I think what your buddy is saying is that he’s the threat, Lew.” Lew had obviously been existing on way too little sleep.
Lew paused and then snorted. “Seriously. Come on.”
Tim nodded. “She’s right. Leave, Lew. I want a moment with the smart chick.”
Lew straightened, his haggard face sobering. “Wait a minute. Tim? Not you.”
“Yeah, me.” Tim smiled again. “It was touch and go, but I feel amazing, man. Like nothing can stop me.”
Ellie kept her voice low while adrenaline flooded her system. Her legs itched with the need to run, and fast. “This euphoria might be temporary, as are any homicidal thoughts you might be having. It takes a while for Scorpius to finish with the illness.” Maybe. Who the heck knew at this point?
“Scorpius?” Lew breathed, wiping off his eyes. “Oh, Tim. I’m so sorry.” He brightened. “But you lived. You’re okay.”
No. Tim wasn’t okay. Not at all. Ellie forced a smile. “Yeah. That’s great. But you should still be resting.”
“I don’t need rest.” Tim’s voice lowered. “Why don’t you and I look at the schematics together?”
Yeah. That was going to happen. Wasn’t it about time for Hugh or Connor to check in? Ellie really didn’t want to shoot this guy. Her hand inched toward her weapon.
“Nope.” Tim grabbed a gun from the back of his waist.
A tremor shook her, and the moment narrowed into focus. Her breath sped up.
“Toss your gun over there.” He gestured with his.
Ellie didn’t move. Losing her gun was a last option.
Tim sighed, turned, and shot Lew in the leg. The sound ripped through the room, amplified by the concrete walls.
