A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1408

Manipulating people was an art that Yates had mastered, his words carrying the weight of impending doom. "Already?" the voice cracked with apprehension, the fear palpable.

With a nod, Yates affirmed, "If I were in their shoes, free from surveillance, tracking, and the threat of an explosion, I'd be racing back to settle scores."

Moreover, Bernard was worried sick about Eleanor. There was no way he'd sit back, weak and passive, delaying action. Right now, they needed to prevent the enemy hacker from altering the explosive program.

With that thought, Yates nudged aside a programmer and took his place. His fingers danced over the keyboard, bypassing the complex encryption with ease and rapidly reducing the countdown to detonation.

Cedric, monitoring from another computer, saw his painstakingly extended timer slashed. He cursed under his breath and resumed his frantic typing, his fingers nearly cramping from the effort.

In no time at all, the timer was extended again. Yates couldn't help but let a grin of admiration slip, "This kid's got skills, way beyond anyone else here."

For the manipulators, the strength of the hacker was the least of their concerns; their escape was paramount. "Boss, if Bernard comes knocking tomorrow, do we really think a few sticks of dynamite will do the trick?"

They had eyes on the Siren Organization's chopper, ready to trigger the explosives from a safe distance. But the creeping doubt remained: would it be enough to take down Siren's crew?

While others fretted, Yates' composure never wavered. "Quintus, signal Sheldon. Have him and his boys wait outside. Once the bombs go off, they'll mop up the Siren Organization."

Mr. Quintus, usually chummy with Sheldon, felt his heart drop at the order. "Boss, if we bail and leave Sheldon to fight Siren, aren't we sacrificing Mr. Quartus?"

Yates shot Mr. Quintus an icy glance. "Remember, without Quartus' betrayal, Bernard would've never breached the Upper Zone. Sacrificing a turncoat is only fitting."

The manipulators concurred, their voices a chorus of agreement. "Exactly. Quartus sided with Bernard. Letting him face Bernard is letting him off easy."