Deviation

by Heather Hildenbrand

  I look up and find Linc holding Taylor’s gun, his expression so deadly my feet don’t immediately move toward him. Taylor lies motionless at his feet. Her blond hair is splayed out around her pretty head like a silky fan.

  “Ven?” Linc drops his arm and tucks the gun into the back of his pants. “Are you all right?”

  As soon as the gun vanishes, I blink free of my hesitation. With a cry, I rush to Linc and let him scoop me up in his arms. “I thought you were gone,” I say against his shoulder.

  “Not a chance. I told you I’d come back for you.” He buries his face in my hair for a split second before releasing me and pulling me toward Daniel’s cell. He reaches into his pocket and produces a key card, swiping it over the card reader on the wall. The green light flashes. Linc shoves open the door.

  Daniel’s already dressed and waiting. “What the hell took you so long?” he says, sliding out the door and into the hall.

  Linc growls. “Let’s get out of here,” he says. He grabs my hand and stops when he catches sight of my arm. “You’re bleeding again.”

  I glance down and am momentarily startled by the amount of blood smeared over my arm and wrist. I wipe some of it away and then wish I hadn’t. It covers my hand. Hastily, I wipe it on my dress. “I’m fine. It looks worse than it is. See?” I hold it out for him to inspect the small hole that’s producing such a mess. “It doesn’t even hurt.”

  I still don’t understand Alton’s intention with the needle but I feel fine other than the ache in my arm where it penetrated and the sting from the wound where my GPS was.

  “Can we play doctor later? I’d like a change of scenery,” Daniel says. “If it’s not too much to ask.”

  Linc glares at Daniel but he lets it go and gestures for Daniel to lead the way. “After you.”

  Linc’s hand holds mine in an iron grip and he propels me down the hall. We pass Alton and then Taylor. She’s still unconscious. I can’t bring myself to ask if she’s all right. Not after her betrayal. I don’t see any blood, though, and assume she must be alive.

  We keep moving. I can see the door to the stairwell now.

  “Shit,” Linc says.

  “What is it?” Daniel asks.

  “Emile’s gone,” Linc says.

  “How many others?” Daniel asks.

  “Just him. And he’s wounded. Shot himself when Ven knocked him sideways.” He glances at me with something like approval. “He could be anywhere, though. I hate to take Ven back through the house.”

  “We don’t have to. Follow me,” Daniel says.

  I half-expect Linc to argue but he doesn’t and we fall into step behind Daniel again. Every shadow cast makes my knees weak. Emile is out there somewhere, waiting. I feel danger in every molecule. I am desperate to reach Obadiah. To end this night.

  “In here,” Daniel says.

  The light is off inside the supply closet across from Dr. Josephine’s office. Daniel flips the switch, but nothing happens. Linc shines his phone into the darkened space. I huddle behind the two of them, exposed and edgy.

  Daniel hesitates another moment, then takes Linc’s phone to light his way and shuffles forward. Linc mutters something but doesn’t argue it. His anxiety must be just as high as mine if he’s letting Daniel get away with so much.

  I forget to catch the door behind me. It shuts with a bang that seems louder in the tense silence.

  “Sshh!” both boys hiss.

  I muffle a sob. This is worse than fighting an enemy you can see.

  Daniel picks his way across the room, around filing cabinets and boxes of medical supplies. The room is bigger than I remember. Linc drops my hand so that he can move obstacles aside for me. He’s a bulky shadow in the darkness. More than once, I feel the chasm of space that separates us while I wait for him to touch me again. Each time his hand returns to mine, I feel the relief like a sweet sting.

  Up ahead, the phone light goes out. When it comes back on, Linc’s holding it aloft. He aims it at the stack of boxes in front of Daniel who is already working to shove them aside. Instead of a concrete wall, his efforts reveal a squared access panel about four feet high.

  It’s sealed with no handle but Daniel isn’t finished. He shoves aside more boxes and Linc moves the phone, better aiming the tiny path of light. A small keypad is mounted next to the panel. Daniel’s fingers work the keypad so fast I don’t have time to follow the code he enters. There is a click behind the doorway and it swings open from the inside.

  A gaping hole, darker than the blackest corner of this room gapes back at us. It’s barely tall enough to pass through even with shoulders hunched and knees bent.

  “After you,” Daniel says, stepping aside with a flourish.

  “You were happy to lead all this time and now you want me to go first?” Linc whispers. “No thanks. You first, fearless leader.”

  “You think I’d walk us into a trap after all this? Where would that get me?” Daniel hisses back.

  “Can we just get out of here before Emile shows up?” I whisper.

  “Give me your phone,” Daniel says. Linc hands it over and Daniel presses the button, once again illuminating the screen. Then he steps into the opening.

  Linc gestures for me to follow Daniel. I crouch low and step inside. The air inside the tunnel is close and thick as if it’s been hanging there forever, just waiting to be spliced through by a visitor.

  “Is there a way to close this thing?” Linc asks.

  “Don’t bother,” Daniel calls back. “If he were chasing us, he’d be here already.”

  “I wasn’t thinking about Emile,” Linc says.

  “Neither was I. Come on.”

  Linc leaves the door hanging wide and catches up without a word.

  The tunnel stretches on, no turns, no change. Our path is straight and narrow and we haven’t gone far before my back aches. The floor is cold and smooth underneath my bare feet. Metal, I think. “How do you know about this?” I ask Daniel, mostly to distract myself from the ache in my neck.

  “Titus had it installed a few years ago. When I first came to work at the City. When he first brought a product home.” The answer isn’t one I expected. It takes me a moment to get my bearings.

  “Who—What sort of Imitation was it?” I ask.

  “A man, mid-twenties. Titus put him on his security detail. Kept the guy mostly in the tower but the guy started acting funny. Talking back, that sort of thing. I think it made Titus nervous but he insisted the tunnel was for a fast way to hide the evidence of his science project if anyone came sniffing around. It made sense. He didn’t have the entire government in his pocket then.”

  Linc nodded. “I remember that. He went from nobody to a household name pretty fast not long after that.”

  “So what made it happen?” Daniel asks, abruptly changing the subject.

  “Made what happen?” I jump when Linc’s hand brushes my back. The ache in my neck turns to shooting pain.

  “My jailbreak. Something must’ve happened.”

  “Titus called a press conference tonight,” I explained. “He’s going to start tattooing everyone with an ID number to make identity theft more difficult. The tattoos will look exactly like the Imitations’—my—design.”

  Daniel whistles. “Bastard doesn’t waste time. He must be scared.”

  “You knew about the tattoo being the same as Ven’s?” Linc asks.

  Daniel’s foot catches and he stumbles. He swears loudly and then backtracks to the spot he tripped over. “Look, let’s just get out of here. I can tell you what you want to know when we’re safe.” He hands me the phone and uses both hand to grab onto something on the floor.

  I shine the light downward as Daniel pries a small covering away to reveal another access panel. He presses the single button there and the ceiling slides open. Cool air hits my face.

  “Almost there,” Daniel says and climbs out.

  The hallway we’re standing in looks a lot like the one inside Rogen Tower. For a terr
ifying moment, I think we’re still inside the penthouse. That Daniel has somehow tricked us. Then, just as quickly the thought disappears. This hallway is too used, too dingy to be any part of the tower. The burgundy carpet at my feet is thinner than anything Titus owns and stained in several places. The walls are scuffed, and the smell of sweat and soap mingle in the stuffy air.

  “Where are we?” I ask, wrinkling my nose.

  “Housekeeping level. It’s two floors below Rogen Tower. It connects with the hidden basement. Come on.” Daniel leads us down the hall and I follow, matching his stance and staying close to the wall. Not that it would do us a bit of good if someone comes out of any of these doors. We’re completely exposed and there’s no denying that none of us belong here.

  We pass a door marked “Laundry” and the hum of machinery buzzes from within. A pocket of warm air sneaks out from underneath, warming my toes. Daniel stops beside the door and pulls back on an access panel. The sign next to it says “Laundry chute.”

  “No,” Linc says.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  Daniel ignores me in favor of arguing with Linc. “You have a better idea, samurai security man? We have to get out. We can’t use the front door. This is what I’ve got.”

  “I’m not throwing her down a laundry tube. We have no idea what’s waiting at the bottom,” Linc says.

  Daniel quirks a brow. “Uh, laundry?”

  Linc scowls.

  Despite his snappy words, I can see the fatigue lining Daniel’s eyes. His wounded arm hangs more limply at his side than the other. I can imagine the pain he’s in as my own arm pulses to the beat of my heart.

  “Linc,” I say, laying a hand on his arm. “He’s right. There’s no other way.”

  “Fine. But Ryan goes first,” Linc says.

  I can see the argument brewing between them when a doorknob at the end of the hall wiggles violently. Whoever’s on the other side goes from impatient to furious and the entre door shakes with their effort. The hinges rattle ominously.

  “Last one to the bottom gets the girl,” Daniel mutters. He shimmies into the tube and is gone.

  As soon as Daniel is gone, Linc lifts me and sets me on the ledge. He presses a quick kiss to my temple as something heavy is thrown against the door behind us. I don’t even have time to worry about the fact that Daniel will very likely get a full view up my dress.

  Linc shoves me and I fly.

  The tube is slippery and smells of sweat and mildew but otherwise, it’s a smooth albeit speedy ride straight down. A scream slips out at the end when the tube abruptly cuts off and I freefall the last several feet. I land in a large laundry bin full of rumpled bedding and damp towels. I’m too relieved to be disgusted.

  I fight my way free of the sea of fabric and manage to stand.

  The orange lights overhead buzz as small bugs wander too close to their heat. We’re at street level in a crowded parking garage. Judging from the delivery vans and official signs posted, it must be an employee area. A sign advertising “Deliveries This Way” is posted above a set of bay doors which are thankfully closed at the moment. I don’t see any movement or weapons pointed but my relief is tainted with edgy anticipation. Emile—and who knows who else—is out there somewhere.

  So far, it all feels entirely too easy.

  Daniel helps me climb out of the large laundry bin. It’s an awkward struggle with me determined to remain decent. Finally, he lifts me up and pulls me free before setting me on my feet again. “Thanks,” I tell him, still breathless from the fall. For a moment, his exhaustion lifts.

  “You’re welcome,” he says huskily.

  I yank my hair out of my eyes as Linc comes hurtling through the opening behind me. Daniel takes a step away but Linc doesn’t even notice. He leaps from the cart to the cement flooring and grabs my hand. “Let’s go.”

  We take off at a fast run that quickly debilitates to darting and then a slow jog. I’m not sure if the slowed pace is for Daniel’s benefit or mine, but I’ll take it. We weave in and out of vans and delivery vehicles for several aisles. I’m careful where I step. My heels would be better than nothing on this oil-stained concrete.

  When we reach the last row of cars, Lin puts a finger to his lips and scans the exit ahead. A moment later, he signals and leads the way. We dart out from behind a white van and make for the street. Behind us, there’s a thunk as something—or someone—else falls from the laundry chute.

  Chapter Twenty

  We make it to the street, but my relief is short-lived. We’re on the opposite side of the building from where Obadiah is supposed to be waiting.

  I look around and wipe my sweaty palms on my dress. Linc is beside me, scanning the area warily.

  “That completes my leg of the tour,” Daniel says in a hushed voice laced with exhaustion. He looks at Linc with heavy lids ringed in circles. He’s cradling his injured arm to his chest. “Now what?”

  “This way.” Linc slips his hand. We make our way toward the main road at the front of the alley. Before we reach it, Linc leads us left into another side-alley.

  Too narrow for a car, this one is no more than a footpath. We weave back and forth, dodging puddles of something that’s not water. I wrinkle my nose at the smell. Trash lines both sides until I have no choice but to walk through the puddles. I hesitate, wishing hard for shoes even if it means neck-breaking heels.

  “Here,” Linc says, scooping me up and carrying me amid my protests.

  “I can walk, Linc,” I say, feeling silly at the way Daniel watches me in Linc’s arms.

  Linc glances down at me with a tender expression. “I know,” he says quietly before switching back to the path ahead.

  I don’t argue again.

  Linc keeps to the shadows against the wall of the building behind us. He moves slowly, careful of his steps. Behind us, Daniel is winded and sluggish. It’s clear he won’t make it much longer. I listen for footsteps or any other noise behind us but there’s nothing.

  The path opens up and I recognize where we are. To my right is the side entrance Titus always uses when he wants to arrive under the radar. A mint green, boat-sized sedan idles at the curb. Its exhaust sends a cloud of whiteish smoke into our faces. The back windshield is foggy, making it impossible to see inside. I feel the first hint of victory and it makes me want to run.

  Linc sets me down and I immediately move for the car.

  “Wait,” Linc calls but it’s too late.

  The moment I step out into the open, a shot rings out. I drop to the pavement. Nothing hurts yet but I know from experience that doesn’t mean I’m not injured. I roll to the side and brace myself for the pain that must be so bad it’s delayed its arrival to my brain. The blood on my arm is a startling and paralyzing sight until I remember it’s been there all along.

  Hands catch me and stop me from rolling. Linc lifts me up and we all retreat back into the shadows. Daniel’s hands are on my feet and legs, moving steadily upward. “Where’s she hit? I can’t see blood,” Daniel whispers.

  “I think he missed,” I manage to say.

  “Get your hands off her,” Linc says through gritted teeth. He sounds desperate, on the verge of rage. I look up at him but he’s staring at Daniel in a way that leaves no room to notice anything else.

  I pull his head down to mine. “I’m okay,” I say, holding his gaze until I can see my words sink in. “Okay?” I add.

  He blows out a heavy breath. His eyes clear. “Okay,” he says.

  “Can I stand now?” I ask.

  “Don’t go anywhere.” He sets me on my feet and positions himself in front of me. I crane my neck to see around him but the alley looks empty. “You think it’s Emile?” I whisper.

  “Most likely,” Linc says. He exchanges a look with Daniel. “If it were anyone else …”

  “What?” I say.

  Daniel finishes, “They wouldn’t have missed. And they wouldn’t have fired just once.”

  I try not to think about that. “Well
, we can’t just stay here all night. Obadiah’s out there. We can’t let Emile get him.”

  “We need a weapon.”

  Linc reaches around his back and brandishes the gun he swiped from Taylor. “We’re going now,” he says. His tone leaves no room for arguing—or doubt. “I’ll cover you both. When I say, I want you to run for the car. Don’t stop no matter what.” He looks at me, his chin jutting out and I know I won’t like whatever he’s about to say. “As soon as you’re in, tell Obadiah to go.”

  “We’re not leaving without you,” I say.

  “You will if I don’t make it to that car.” Linc looks at Daniel, his jaw and shoulders set. “If I don’t make it, take her away from here.”

  Daniel nods. “You got it.”

  “Linc, I’m not—”

  “Go.” Daniel leaps out and begins to run. I don’t move.

  Linc shoves me roughly. “Go!” he repeats.

  The moment I step away, a shot rings out. Linc shoves me aside, aiming in the direction the shot came from. I don’t know if he can see Emile from here, and I can’t afford to stand here any longer to prove my point.

  I run.

  Daniel reaches the car first. He yanks the back passenger door open and dives in.

  I hear another shot behind me. It sounds closer. I’m fairly certain it came from Linc’s gun but I can’t stop to look. Not yet.

  My pulse pounds in my ears. Only a few more steps. I reach the car, but instead of diving in after Daniel, I stop and wedge myself in behind the door. Using it as a shield, I scan the alley for Linc.

  He’s not far away but he’s not moving in this direction. Panic rises. He’s stalking along the wall, keeping to the shadows, creeping toward the back of the alley. I don’t see Emile but Linc seems focused on something only he can see.

  Beside me, the window rolls down a few inches. “What the hell are you waiting for?” Obadiah hisses at me. “Get in here.”

  I can’t tear my eyes from Linc. No more shots have been fired. I try to count how many bullets he’s used and how many he might have left. “I can’t leave without him.”