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security team be?” Hattie remarked as she disarmed the alarm. “It took me all of twenty-two seconds to retrieve the code. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. Utterly ashamed.”
    Once through the door, the group met with yet another obstacle—a metal gate, secured with a thick lock and chain.
    â€œIt’s bomb time,” Oli said, motioning toward Darwin.
    â€œWait—did you say
bomb
?” Jonathan screeched.
    â€œIt’s not a bomb; it’s an explosive with a low volume,” Darwin corrected Oli.
    â€œThat sounds a lot like a bomb to me,” Jonathan mumbled.
    â€œYou needn’t worry,” Oli said to Jonathan. “Darwin knows what he’s doing. Blowing things up is his favorite pastime.”
    The so-called explosive with a low volume detonated, creating a sound similar to a balloon bursting, which was immediately followed by a thick plume of sulfurous smoke.
    â€œGlasses? Khaki? Are you sure you’re up for this?” Darwin asked. “Nina was our friend. She’s far less likely to lash out at us than you.”
    â€œTo put it bluntly, if she’s going to infect anyone, it will be one of you, if not both of you,” Oli clarified.
    The thought of being more confused and less intelligent was nothing short of petrifying for Jonathan. And yet he knew that if he turned and hid in the boat, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
    â€œWe’re coming with you,” Jonathan answered softly.
    â€œSee that, right there,” Shelley said proudly, pointing to Jonathan. “That’s why this guy is my hero eleven percent of the time.”
    â€œAnd the other eighty-nine percent of the time?” Hattie asked.
    â€œNot even a little bit.”
    And on that note, Darwin motioned for the group to follow him down the cavernous black corridor into the Tower of London.
    OCTOBER 23, 2:42 A.M. TOWER OF LONDON. LONDON, ENGLAND
    Cold and drafty. The air thick with dampness and the faint smell of mildew. Soft scratching sounds reminded them that they were not alone. Scurrying through the corridors was nothing short of a parade of rodents. All in all, it was hardly a hospitable start to their journey.
    â€œGood evening, sir,” Darwin called out upon spotting a fast-approaching security guard. “I’m sure you’re wondering what we’re doing here. The answer is simple. It’s none of your business.” And with that, he lobbed what appeared to be a water balloon at the man’s feet.
    Splat.
    The balloon exploded against the stone floor, mere inches from the guard’s shoes. Seconds passed. He swayed back and forth. He stumbled. And finally, he collapsed.
    â€œCHCl 3 . The organic compound commonly known as chloroform knocks people unconscious rather rapidly,” Darwin stated proudly before turning to Oli. “Would you be a gent and tie him up for me?”
    â€œTie him up? Absolutely not. I’m a historian, not a thug,” Oli delivered dramatically.
    â€œSuch nonsense,” Hattie said as she once again removed her gloves, earrings, and headband. “Personally, I’ve always found tying people up quite enjoyable.”
    â€œUm, I hate to break up the fun—” Jonathan interrupted.
    â€œTotal lie,” Shelley chimed in. “Jonathan loves being a fun killer; it’s part of his khaki personality.”
    â€œFirst of all, Shelley, I’m not a fun killer. And second of all—”
    â€œAnyone who starts a sentence with ‘first of all’… total fun killer… no question about it,” Shelley stated confidently.
    â€œWhat I was trying to say is, are we sure we want to tie up the security guard? What if we need help with Nina?” Jonathan asked.
    â€œYou cannot be serious! This lump of a man would be utterly useless against Nina. She’s a trained operative; he’s just some nobody!” Hattie responded. “Honestly, the only thing