Rebel Heart

"Whatever you say," she said softly.

Brady bit back what he wanted to say and motioned towards the door. His hope that she'd trust the Guardian even if she hadn't trusted him faded. Her silent treatment and quiet anger lasted through the long helo ride back to the secret comms center. He waved the helo away and led her to the hidden entrance.

Tim was already on the viewer. Lana froze for a moment then started forward jerkily. Brady closed the door behind him, watching. There was an awkward pause, and he saw her reach for a chair with trembling hands. He crossed his arms, unable to quell his sudden desire to wrap his arms around her and promise her he'd find a way to make things right.

Mr. Tim was as Lana remembered him. He looked like he was on vacation rather than facing the end of the world. She'd been trying to reconcile his connection to the PMF since discovering the link between him and Brady earlier that day. Everything-the net call that brought her to the Peak, the encrypted messages she'd read, Brady's protection-had fallen into place. Brady hadn't just been lying to her about being the Guardian. She'd been trying to avoid the crushing sense of betrayal building in her breast.

"I imagine I owe you an explanation," Mr. Tim said.

"Yes, sir," she said.

"I am third generation PMF, like Brady. Our families have fought side by side for over fifty years. Our purpose isn't what's in the government modified documentation; we fight to unify the country and return the rights stolen by the government to the people."

"You used me." She couldn't help the words.

"You were one of the PMF's best sources. I got you access to as much as I could, and I let you do what you do best. Everything you did for me I sent to the PMF," Mr. Tim said. "When an attack was imminent, I called Brady and made him swear to take care of you. Then I called you and brought you to the Peak."

Lana listened. Similar to Brady, there was no remorse in his admittance, and her throat tightened.

"Brady is one of the best and brightest soldiers the PMF has, as well as a personal friend. You've been like a daughter to me, Lana, and I placed you in the best hands I could." His words were gentle.

"I don't think fathers use their daughters as you did," she whispered.

"You know better. You were exposed to the upper-class circles long enough to know that even betraying you I've been kinder than most. The government is splintering, Lana," he continued. "Another civil war has started, but we can fix it before things get even worse. I need you tell me what you found out."