Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 148: The Fingerprint Lock

After sending Number Six and Number Ten inside, Matthew gave his daughter her orders. "Serena, you're guarding this door. No one gets close. Except for Ms. Townsend, anyone who ignores a warning and approaches, you shoot."

Serena drew her micro-pistol and chambered a round with practiced ease.

She nodded gravely. "Except for Mariella. Anyone else who comes near this door after a warning gets shot."

Number Four and Number Seven's betrayal had planted something in her. Teammates you lived with could turn around and bare their fangs at any moment.

The real danger might not be the enemy outside. It might be standing right next to you.

Matthew posted Serena at the door and went to pull the surveillance footage.

Number Six or Number Ten—one of them was lying. He would find out.

...

"If I had even half a doubt about you, you wouldn't still be alive."

Mariella's words had been both reassurance and warning.

Chandler turned his eyes to her, voice even and cool. "Trust those you use, cut those you doubt. You understand that principle better than I do.

"That's why you treated Number Six's injuries and tended to his morale. You knew Black Bear's specialty is dividing people, and you still sent Number One and the team up to the roof alone—giving them the chance to face the temptation head-on.

"You gave them your full trust. If they betray it, you can walk away clean."

Mariella let out a quiet laugh, eyes crinkling. "Studying me that closely?"

Chandler didn't answer. His sharp gaze lifted to the rooftop hatch above them.

It was Number One's moment of truth.

...

Number Seven finished his megaphone tirade. For a single beat, the world went silent.

On the rooftop, every teammate turned to look at Number One.

Their expressions were different, but they were all waiting for the same thing: his answer.

Number One's dark eyes went cold. He raised his gun.

That was his answer.

Bang. A bullet through Number Seven's forehead. His eyes stayed open as he fell backward.

The crowd erupted.

The mob hadn't expected this. The recruitment pitch had failed, and the other side had executed their own man.

Number One held the pistol, slowly scanning his teammates. His gaze was lethal, his voice hoarse and frozen. "That is what happens to traitors.

"Ms. Townsend said it herself—one betrayal and you're done. Number Seven is the example. I will not give any traitor a second chance to stab us in the back.

"Ms. Townsend is merciful. She remembers old loyalty and doesn't go for the kill. So, I'll carry that burden. Anyone who turns, I put them down. No second act."

A chill ran down every spine under his gaze.

Number Two recovered first. "Good kill. Traitors deserve exactly that."

"Damn right." Number Three backed him up. "Ms. Townsend gave him every chance. He threw it away and came back to bite us. Someone like that would've stabbed us again eventually."

The rest raised their nail guns toward the mob below and roared. "Come on! We're not afraid of you!"

Black Bear's nose was practically sideways with rage.

"Concentrate fire! Kill every last one of them on that roof!

"Those who follow me prosper. Those who defy me die.

"Tonight, take No. 98 at any cost. Leave nobody alive inside!"

...

Chandler blew the whistle. Retreat order.

The team was well-drilled. On the captain's signal, they pulled back in formation, covering each other.

Fast, coordinated, with ballistic shields absorbing fire. They came off the roof clean.

The heavy steel hatch sealed behind them. No. 98 was a bunker once more.

Number One holstered his pistol and reported to Mariella. "I executed the traitor Number Seven."

Mariella looked at him, eyes bright. "Well done."

She still knew how to pick the right people.

Number One, praised publicly again, shifted his eyes away, a little self-conscious.

Mariella turned to the rest of the team. "I promise you—you will not regret today's choice."

...

When word of Number Seven's execution reached Harvey, his expression curdled.

"I can't believe how well she plays men." Roxanna was sour. She couldn't understand why those bodyguards would die for Mariella.

She paused, then added bitterly, "What is she doing to make them that loyal?"

Harvey turned to an aide. "Bring me the other No. 98 bodyguard."

Number Four already knew Number Seven was dead. A cold shock ran through him.

If he hadn't had his inside man card to play, he would've been the one sent out there tonight. He could be the one lying dead.