CHAPTER 6: GHOSTS IN THE CITY
By dawn, the trio reached Philadelphia’s historic district, blending into the morning commuter rush. Toby wore a faded gray hoodie, his hands tucked into his pockets as he navigated the alleys with innate spatial memory.
Barnes remained on high alert, his hand hovering near his concealed holster. "The beacon? What kind of beacon?"
"A public one," Raymond explained. "The National Broadcast Tower atop One Liberty Place. Clara installed a fail-safe broadcast override during the Aegis decommissioning."
"If we broadcast the syndicate's ledger to every major news network and federal agency simultaneously, Crane's contract becomes worthless," Toby added. "The syndicate will cut their losses and vanish."
"And what happens to you?" Barnes asked, looking at the small boy who moved through the world with the poise of an ancient philosopher. "Everyone will know who you are."
Toby paused at the intersection, watching a mother guide her toddler across the crosswalk.
"I don't need a shadow to hide in," Toby whispered. "Sunlight is safer."
May you like
A black sedan screeched around the corner, tires smoking against the asphalt. Crane had anticipated their destination.
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