Holt’s smile faded.
“Every technology has two faces.”
“You tried to stop me from reaching Madrid.”
“I tried to retrieve stolen classified material.”
“It exposed you.”
“It exposed everyone.”
Holt reached toward the bag.
Aaron lunged.
She pressed something.
The engines changed pitch.
Passengers screamed.
The nose dipped.
Ethan shouted through the radio.
“Maya!”
Holt smiled.
“Three minutes until the aircraft no longer has enough altitude to recover.”
Aaron grabbed the bag.
Holt did not resist.
That frightened Maya more.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Because the transmitter has already done its job.”
“What job?”
Holt looked at Leo.
“Keeping Ethan close.”
Maya’s face hardened.
“Don’t look at my son.”
Holt returned her gaze to Maya.
“You still don’t understand.”
“Understand what?”
“Flight 417 was never the target.”
Outside the window, another light appeared in the darkness.
Then another.
Then three more.
Military aircraft.
Approaching fast.
Holt whispered:
