Chapter 17 - The Last Key
The vault doors moved a few inches, then stopped. A computerized voice announced that secondary authorization was required.
"He's trying to open it remotely," Finch said. "The red device is still the missing key."
Bell stepped off the memorial dais before his speech was over. His aides hurried after him, puzzled. He had seen the movement at the reservoir and knew the script was falling apart.
"Ortiz," Mara said, "he's heading straight for the service road."
The agent called her arrest team into position. "Nobody acts on a guess. We keep the road clear and the public away."
Bell's car stopped at the plant entrance. He came out smiling, even as investigators approached.
"Leah," he said warmly. "Good to see federal cooperation. I understand there's been a technical malfunction."
"General Bell, we need you to remain here."
"Do you know who you're speaking to?"
"Yes. And I'm recording your answer."
Bell spotted Mara behind Ortiz. His polished expression slipped.
"You," he said. "You were given a life. You could have kept it."
"I was given a hiding place," Mara replied. "You took my life."
"I protected this country from panic."
"You killed men who trusted you."
Bell looked at Rourke. "Daniel, your brother didn't understand the bigger picture. You do."
"My brother understood people," Rourke said. "That's the difference."
Bell reached inside his coat. Officers reacted at once, ordering his hands visible. He froze, then pulled out a folded photograph instead of a weapon. Thomas at the Ridgeway farewell, smiling beside Bell.
"He was a good man," Bell said, almost tenderly.
"Then why did you send him to die?"
Bell gave no answer.
From the vault came a sharp click. Finch studied the pressure gauge, startled. "Someone inside just activated the local release."
A figure stepped out of the dark service doorway carrying a gray metal case.
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It was Major Voss.
And beside him stood Nora Keene, Mara's sister, with a zip tie around her wrists.
