Codename Summer (Undercover Embassy, Book Four) by Aubrey Ross

blank. “Where is my maker?”
    “Your maker is gone but he authorized me to command you.” Malik rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders. “I have two packages that need to be delivered, one to the Master Hub and one to your home base. Do you understand?”
    “Affirmative.”
    “Are you able to activate the Hub without your maker?”
    “Affirmative. In the event of separation I am programmed to return to the lab.”
    “Perfect.” Retrieving the backpack from its place against the wall, Malik motioned for the clone to stand.
    How much does he understand? The clone looked so much like Malik it was tearing at her heart to realize they were sending him to his death.
    The lights are on but no one’s home. Scan his mind, sweetheart. He is a biological container with minimal functionality.
    She lightly scanned the clone and found exactly what Malik had described. There was no curiosity, no emotion, no personality.
    Malik secured one of the bombs around the clone’s waist and handed him the other. “When you reach the Master Hub you will wait until a portal opens and then you will set this package down.”
    “I understand.”
    “You will depress the lighted area then step through the portal.”
    “I understand.”
    “Once you reach the lab, you will walk immediately to the middle of the room and press this button.” He handed the clone the detonator to the bomb around his waist.
    “I understand.”
    Malik opened the door to the hallway and motioned the clone out. “Go now, and stop for no one.”
    The clone walked down the corridor with steady, purposeful strides. “Won’t anyone question him?”
    “Anyone who sees him will presume he’s Fibarre. Besides, the Hub is protected by scanners. As long as the explosives don’t trigger an alarm we’re home free.”
    “Then let’s get the hell out of here!”
    They made it to the stairwell without incident but a guard rounded the corner just as they emerged into the ground-level corridor. The guard snapped to attention and Malik grasped Saroji’s arm. They stalked past the guard and then Malik muttered, “Carry on.”
    “Would you like an escort, sir?” The guard stepped away from the wall, his gaze narrowed and suspicious. “Where are you taking her?”
    “That’s none of your concern, Lieutenant. Carry on!”
    Rather than risk an alarm being triggered, Saroji spun and caught the guard in the face with a vicious jump kick. He stumbled back, his weapon clattering to the floor as he raised both hands to his bloody nose.
    Malik touched the side of the guard’s head and he went down, collapsing with a low-pitched moan.
    “Run,” Malik advised, and Saroji didn’t hesitate. They sprinted down the hall and slammed out a side exit, scrambling onto Malik’s skimmer-cycle. The vehicle came to life with a mechanical roar and she wrapped her arms around his waist.
    They didn’t speak until the Pentagon was hovering on the horizon. Saroji finally relaxed and rested her cheek against his broad back.
    Contact your brother. The clone should have reached the Master Hub by now.
    Accessing her familial link, Saroji reached out for Ra’jen. The package was delivered. Did we succeed?
    Silence stretched, renewing her anxiety. She could sense Ra’jen’s presence, knew he’d heard the question. So why didn’t he—
    A raucous cheer interrupted her speculation and joy surged into her mind. Target destroyed! Excellent work. Now it’s my turn to play!
    She gave Malik a firm squeeze. We did it, love. Ra’jen’s off to finish the job. Relief washed over her in a tingling wave and tears blurred her vision.
    Malik reached down and squeezed her hand, his emotions poignant and intoxicating. We need to lay low until Ra’jen gives the all clear. Where would you like to go?
    It doesn’t matter, as long as we’re together.
    He pressed a kiss to the center of her palm. I’ll find the perfect place to consummate a courtship two centuries in the making.
    She laughed