“You don’t know what’s actually going on here,” I say, reaching out to touch him.
He shoves me away, and I stumble slightly on my high heels. Jarod clutches my arm and steadies me. “Touch her again and you won’t like it,” he warns my brother.
Daveed snorts. “Try me.”
Jarod puts his face right up in his. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot one of the guards take a step in our direction. “Drop it!” I hiss. “Unless you want company.” Jarod steps back. “I can’t make you come with me, Daveed, and it’s not like I owe you anything, but I don’t want to see you hurt. If you stay here, you are as good as dead.” My eyes lock on the alien girl as I sense her attempt to infiltrate my mind. I hold her stare and watch as she grows wide-eyed.
Daveed snorts, breaking up our face off. “You always were a total freak, Sadie. Get lost.”
Jarod’s nostrils flare, and it takes considerable effort to drag him away. Taking one last look at Daveed over my shoulder, I sadly shake my head. I hate that I didn’t have time to convince him and that he’s so opposed to believing anything that comes out of my mouth.
“He is the biggest asshole on the planet,” Jarod says. “And in a planet that’s currently drowning in assholes, that’s saying a lot.”
“I know. He’s always been a dick.”
“I don’t get it.” He shrugs. “Why were you even bothered in trying to save him?”
I’m quiet as I contemplate his question and how best to respond to it. “Because if I didn’t try, then I’d be every bit as bad as him. And I’m not. He may never have shown me any love or kindness, but he’s my flesh and blood. Family counts for something to me. I didn’t want to give up on him without at least trying. Not that I got much opportunity or that it made any difference.”
Jarod tugs me into a hug. “You are worth a million of him. And he has sealed his own fate. That’s not on you.”
He kisses the top of my head and I jerk away. “We have parts to play, remember?”
“Of course, Chancellor. How very inappropriate of me. I do apologize.”
His teasing helps dampen down my disappointment. I didn’t even get to ask Daveed about Ella, though I doubt he would’ve helped anyway. “What about Ella?” I peek up at Jarod.
“The tracker can lead us right to her door, but I don’t expect we’ll have much of a window to look for her.”
I mull over our options. “We’ll have to do it when we are en route out of the city. We can feign car trouble or claim we got lost if anyone catches us.”
“It’s very risky, Sadie. I can’t see how we’ll get away without detection. I don’t like saying this, but maybe you should wait for Logan to work the political card.”
I stop dead in my tracks. “You can’t be serious?! She was the whole reason for coming here today. I’m not leaving without her!”
He places his hands on my shoulders. “I know, but we have to be smart. If we get caught, we could both end up in here. Is that what you want? What Ella would want?”
“I can’t leave her in here. You’ve seen what they are doing. Every second counts! Please, Jarod. I’m begging you.”
Closing his eyes momentarily, he laces his hands behind his neck. He exhales a frustrated breath. “I need a drink.” He fixates on the bar behind us. “Give me a bit to think about it.”
I let him propel me to the bar. We hop up on stools as Jarod orders two whiskeys. I try to divert my eyes from the pulsating dance floor, but the temptation is too strong. Couples devour one another, and the lust-fueled air has me on edge. Although I’m uncomfortable, on one level, with the blatant display of sexuality, another part of me is fascinated, and I’m finding it difficult to avert my gaze.
Jarod places a drink in my hand, and I gladly focus on him. He clinks my glass and drains his whiskey in one go. I follow suit, gagging as the burning sensation glazes my esophagus. “That was so gross.” I stick my tongue out at him.
His expression is solemn. “Fuck it.” He bangs the glass down on the counter and motions at the bartender for another one. “It’s a damned suicide mission but let’s do it. We can’t leave without her.”
“You’re the best. Thank you so much.” I resist the urge to hug him. “I’ve also made a decision.” He quirks a brow. “As soon as we get out of here, we need to tell G everything that’s going on in this facility. You are right. The longer we wait, the more people lose their freedom. The rebels have to act before it gets completely out of hand. I know Logan wants to stop this, and he’ll find a way, but time isn’t on our side, and we can’t wait a minute more. We’ve got to take action now.”
Jarod places his hand over mine. “That’s the right decision.”
I know it is. But I also realize that in doing this I risk my relationship with Logan, and it’s quite possible it will start a full-blown alien-human war. But they are both necessary risks because the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.
The tour officially ends after the transporter deposits us back in the main facility parking lot. The commissioner thanks everyone and suggests they send any queries directly to his office.
Jarod and I move swiftly to our Autovee. He switches the tracker on, pinpointing Ella’s current location. He sets the auto-program to take us directly there. “I’m getting out of these clothes,” I tell him, hopping into the back. Sticky and sweaty in my hot pantsuit, I’ve been dying to change all day. I’m tugging my sweater down over my head when I catch Jarod sneaking a look. Fastening the sweater in place, I pin him with a censorious look as I climb back into the front seat. “Were you checking out my boobs?”
He smirks. “I’m a guy. What do you expect me to do? Especially considering the environment we’ve come from.”
I scrunch my nostrils in feigned disgust. “You’re a dirty dog.” I nudge him in the ribs.
He creases up as he struggles into the backseat and starts to shuck off his clothes. “You can watch if you like. Make it an even one all.” He winks mischievously, and I throw my bottle of water at his head.
I look out the side window as the Autovee takes a sudden left turn away from the main road. I expect some kind of warning signal to emit or a horde of guards to swarm the vehicle but nothing happens. Jarod dives into the driver seat, wearing a similar jeans and sweater get-up.
The farther we move away from the administrative compound the more residential our surroundings become. Fluffy trees line pristine sidewalks as we pass rows of gated apartment blocks. Every block has its own small cluster of storefronts catering to essential needs. Unlike the main city areas, these roads are completely deserted. Lucky for us. Nighttime impinges as a dark gray blanket slips over the sky. I tap out a quick message to Haydn advising him that I have to work late.
The Autovee stops in front of a gated apartment block labeled “The Gables 100 – 249.” A camera and digital keypad are secured to the wall on the right. “Don’t suppose you know the passcode?” I ask.
“Unfortunately not. I could try to locate it, but we’re already on borrowed time.”
I press the button to open my door. “Guess we go on foot then.” I hop out.
Jarod joins me after parking the vehicle around the bend. He slings a backpack on as we set off running around the outer perimeter. The grass is soft and damp underfoot as we pick up our pace. The high whitewashed concrete wall must be at least twenty feet tall, and there’s no way we’re going over it. After about five minutes, we encounter a narrow steel-barred gate with a small wall-mounted keypad.
Jarod surveys the entry point. “I have a gun. We could blast the padlock,” he suggests.
“Too risky.” I strain my head forward, and I can just about make out an exit button on the inner wall. “I think I can fit through that gap underneath, and then I can let you in.”
Jarod crouches down, weighing up the gap at the bottom of the gate. There is maybe a foot between the end of the gate and the concrete sidewalk. Enough for me to squeeze through. “I think it’s too narrow.”
I’m already flattening myself on the grass, preparing to wiggle through. “I’ll manage.” Angling my head to the side, I start to ease myself under. The bottom of the gate nips at my ear and I wince.
“Leave it,” Jarod says. “We’ll find another way in.”
“Stop babying me. I’m fine.” I move my head up farther, and the metal scrapes across my cheek. This time I bite back my moan. Jarod lets loose a string of obscenities. Another gentle movement and my head is through to the other side. Pressing my face into the ground, I wiggle upward, and once my shoulders are clear, the rest is a breeze.
I jump up and press the button to release the door. It swings outward and Jarod joins me. We jog briskly toward the back entrance to the apartment building. Wordlessly, Jarod removes a tissue from his bag, douses it with water, and cleans the bloody mess from my face. “Thanks.”
We reach the next obstacle, and I sigh in frustration. This time it’s a set of glass sliding doors and another keypad.
Jarod places a reassuring hand on my back. “It’s okay. You can buzz her.” He checks his tracking device, taps in her apartment number, and presses the button. A quiet ringing sound breaks through the monotony of silence.
“Hello?” Ella sounds hesitant, like she’s not accustomed to visitors. Then again, she most likely isn’t.
“Ella? It’s me, Sadie. Let me in, quick.”
There’s a telling pause. “Sadie?”
“She can see you,” Jarod says, motioning toward a small camera fixed above our heads.
“I’m in disguise. But it’s really me. I’ve come to get you out of here, but we don’t have much time. Can you let us in? Pack a bag while we’re on our way up.”
There’s a distinct click, and then the doors glide open. We walk through to the elevator bank.
The minute I step out into the corridor on Ella’s floor, the sound of running footsteps sends my pulse into orbit. Ella rounds the corner, flinging herself at me, nearly knocking me over. I hug her to me, inhaling the comforting scent of strawberry soap. We stand shoulder to shoulder, basically the same height. “I knew you’d come for me. I just knew it.” Tears glisten in her eyes. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
I can’t help contrasting her reaction with my brother’s earlier one. Ella knows next to nothing about how or why I’m here, but she’s trusting me without question. My heart swells to bursting point.
Shoving her arms through the straps of a small backpack, she presses the button to recall the elevator. Her long black hair falls in soft waves down her back over her formfitting black jacket. Similar in stature to me, she wears pale jeans and red and black sneakers that remind me of Logan.
Jarod coughs purposefully.
“Ella, this is my friend Jarod. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his help.”
“So, I guess thanks are in order.” She steps into the elevator, aiming a warm smile in his direction. Her wide blue eyes rake over him appreciatively.
“My pleasure.” Jarod returns her smile, also checking her out.
Their staring match endures, and I feel like I’m intruding on a private moment. “Don’t mind me,” I murmur, my lips fighting composure. Jarod flushes and Ella and I titter. “Ella?” I spin and face my sister. “Did you sleep with your Saven mate?”
Now it’s her turn to blush. “Sadie,” she hisses, clearly embarrassed.
“There’s a very good reason why I’m asking you that question. Trust me.” She shakes her head, and some of my stress evaporates. “Thank God. Did he hurt you in any way?”
“No. Holt was actually quite nice.” The elevator pings and the door opens. “But I wasn’t comfortable with the whole setup here and those clubs in town. Ugh.” She shudders.
I loop her arm through mine as we hurry back the way we came. “We came from there. I know what you mean.”
When we reach the car, Jarod tinkers under the hood and reappears covered in motor oil and grease. We hop in and Jarod wastes no time in flooring it.
“Do you think we got away with it?” I ask.
“I’m not sure. We’ve been gone thirty minutes. Hopefully they’ll buy the car trouble story.” We trade anxious looks. “Ella,” he says, looking through the mirror at my sister in the back. “There is a secret compartment underneath the seat. When I give the word, you need to hide in there.”
“Got it.” She strips off her jacket and stuffs it in her bag.
Jarod’s hungry eyes watch her every movement. I spank his arm. “You’ve reached your ogling quota for today. Eyes on the road.” He looks suitably reprimanded, and my lips twitch.
“What’s going on, Sadie?” Ella asks.
I rotate in my seat. “I’ll fill you in once we get safely out of here. I’ve tons to tell you.”
“Are you still with the crown prince?”
“Yes. But we barely see each other.” I look out the window, frowning. Any mention of Logan opens up that sore spot in my heart.
“Now, Ella,” Jarod quietly instructs. Ella lifts up the leather seat and climbs into the hidden compartment.
Forcing my eyes frontward, I stare dead ahead as the first checkpoint materializes in the near distance. Sweat trickles down my back, and I wipe my clammy hands down the front of my jeans. Jarod throws me a reassuring smile.
We make it through the first checkpoint with no problem, and I focus on taking innate breaths. In and out. In and out. In and out.
Jarod slows the vehicle as we approach the main checkpoint.
“Stop and step out of the vehicle.” The booming instruction comes from nowhere and everywhere.
A line of armed police marches toward us, and blood rushes to my head. “Oh, crap.” I whisper the understatement of the year. Some command is issued, and two police officers step forward and take aim.
“Get down,” Jarod yells, and I drop to the floor. A deafening pop rings out and I scream. “Stay hidden!” Jarod instructs as Ella peeks out of her hiding place. Another pop splits the air, and I’m swathed in terror. Two more pops, closer this time, and I fear I’m about to have a seizure.
The doors open on either side. “Step away from the vehicle,” an unknown voice says.
“Let me do the talking,” Jarod whispers.
We tumble out onto the asphalt at the same time. The line of police troops forward, weapons raised and drawn. Three guards hold command at the front, also scarily focused on us. Their approaching footsteps are stifled by the shrill ringing in my ears.
I spot the flattened tires, and I’m mildly relieved they weren’t trying to shoot us. Not yet, at least.
“Hands in the air,” one of the guards says.
We duly oblige. A sandy-haired guard steps forward as the other two train a weapon at each of our heads. His hands roam all over my body as he examines me for weapons. Yanking my hands behind my back, he secures a cuff-band around my wrists before applying the same treatment to Jarod.
“I must protest,” Jarod starts to speak. “This is no way to treat a visiting chancellor from out of state. We ran into trouble with our Autovee. If you would kindly permit me to explain.”
“Save it,” the guard says, handing us off to his companions. I’m held tightly as I’m spun around facing the vehicle. The first guard stalks toward the Autovee with purpose. I glance sideways at Jarod. His look tells me what I already know. We’ve been compromised. The game is up.
The guard opens the back seat and hauls Ella out of her hiding place. Jarod kicks the dirt at his heel in frustration. Ella wriggles in his embrace, but I caution her with my eyes. We are well versed in silent communication, and she promptly understands. Protesting will get us nowhere. For now, the best thing to do is appear cooperative.
“Secure them in the back of the van,” the first guard instructs the other two. A weapon prods my back as I’m shoved forward.
Once the three of us are seated in the van, our cuffed hands are secured to the wall, and our ankles are similarly bound and restrained. The door slams shut, pitching
us into complete darkness.
Sounds of anxious breathing emanate in the tense air. “Dammit,” Jarod whispers. “We are done for now.”
“Leave this to me. I have a few ideas. If they ask you, this was all my fault, and I blackmailed you into doing this today.”
“I’m not telling them that,” Jarod snaps. “God knows what they’ll do to you.”
“For once, can you please do as I ask? Please.”
“I don’t like it.” Concern is evident in his tone.
“Me either,” Ella says.
“You don’t have to like it. You just have to trust that I’m our best chance at getting out of this in one piece.”
“I trust you,” Ella says. “But don’t let anything happen to yourself, or I’ll never forgive you.” There’s a contradiction in there somewhere.
I wish I could hug her or take her hands in mine. “If you get sent back there, Ella, do not sleep with any aliens. I will find another way to get you out. Promise me. No sex with any aliens.”
“Jeez, Sadie. Want to tell Jarod outright that I’m a whore?”
I’m jostled as the van careens over something on the road. “He knows you’re not a slut. Just promise me. Oh, and stay out of that smoke in the clubs. It must be drugged or something.”
“Okay.”
The van screeches to a halt, and the doors swing wide open. One by one, we are removed and frog-marched into the main compound.
They split us up, and I’m taken to a small room with a desk and four chairs and an obvious observation window. The guard removes the restraints from my hands and feet and takes up residence in the corner of the room. “Don’t try anything or I’ll shoot.” He aims his weapon at my head.
I sit up straight in the chair and pin him with a heinous look. “I understand.”
His eyes narrow at me. “Eyes to the front.”
I do as I’m told, staring at the glass window in front of me, studiously ignoring him.
Saven Disclosure (The Saven Series Book 2) Page 11
