45. Addie
ADDIE
KALEO – WAY DOWN WE GO
Dek’s Kawasaki Ninja roared down the gravel road beneath me. I twisted my wrist, urging the bike on faster and faster, till it felt like I was flying.
I choked on a laugh.
How ironic—for a Swallow to actually fly.
The Blackwing gate guard didn’t even look twice when “Deklan” came thundering down the drive, in his trademark black leather jacket, helmet with the green stripe, and rifle case strapped to his back like he’d been sent on another Eagle mission.
I’d hedged a bet—and it paid off when the gates rolled open.
I flew through, earning an unintelligible shout from the guard, forgotten as soon as it was uttered.
I didn’t know how long I had—if I even had any time at all—but I was determined to put as much distance between myself and the Academy—between myself and everyone within its walls—as I could.
I urged it faster, racing down road after road with no clear location in mind.
Just away.
Far, far away.
With nothing but lines of text and mental snapshots of those classified documents flashing through my mind to keep me company.
Shrike protocol activated.
My parents were killed for something Blackwing never found.
When provoked, subject reacts emotionally.
Yes, Sara. When I find out my whole life is a lie, I do.
Swallow protocol activated upon intake.
Orders signed by Varco. The date had been no mistake.
Peer integration asset assigned.
Handlers selected. Insertion process instigated.
Swallow protocol accelerated.
No one in my life was there by chance. No one was even there by choice.
Everyone was a suspect.
And now they were all coming for me—for a key or a killer, it didn’t matter.
Beckett. Lockwood. Pearce. The men I foolishly trusted… gave myself to… fell for…
They were coming for me.
And maybe they’d get their wish in the end. Maybe they’d be the ones to find me.
But the only falling I’d be doing from here on out would be caused by a bullet.
Bang.