“The paper is only half of it,” Charles muttered.

“The main database is still on the main server downstairs.”

He turned to Marcus.

“Go to the server room,” Charles ordered.

“Pour the gasoline on the mainframes and light it.”

“I want every hard drive melted to ash.”

Marcus nodded and reached into his vest for a radio.

“Wait,” Ryan said, his eyes narrowing.

“We take them down with us.”

“If the feds enter, they will find a tragic accident.”

“A sudden electrical fire.”

“And two unfortunate casualties who tried to escape.”

Charles paused, then nodded slowly.

“You are right,” Charles said.

“Bring them downstairs.”

The guard shoved me forward.

I stumbled, but my father caught my arm, pulling himself up.

Despite the guard’s grip on him, my father moved with effortless grace.

He whispered in my ear as we walked.

“Stay calm, Emily,” he murmured.

“Watch his hands.”

I looked down at my father’s right hand.

He was holding his modified mobile unit in his palm, hidden from the guard’s view.

It was a rugged, black device with no screen, only a series of small indicator lights.