******
Emerging once again on the surface with a small task force of soldiers, Rick felt much more comfortable, if still concerned about the liability of protecting Elijah from any danger. The fact that Victor came with was more relaxing, as the large man was Elijah's bodyguard and very capable in his own right.
They had spilled out of one side of the bunker and had made a beeline for the door at the front entrance towards the main lobby of the Institution building. The idle guard at the civilian wing side entrance was quickly dispatched with barely a sound, not that noise was of any concern. In the distance, the city took on an orange glow, and the smell of smoke wafted on the breeze. The constant chatter of weapons fire echoed in the night.
Rick grabbed the door handle and cursed that it was locked. "We gotta blow this one," he hissed to his men, who passed the message back along the lines. He was reluctant to use their severely limited supply of explosives so soon, but they couldn't just stand outside waiting.
Instead of a team to set a charge, Elijah emerged from the column of soldiers, "What is the problem?" he asked.
Rick gave him an incredulous look. "The doors are locked. We need to breach."
Elijah glanced at his watch and gave a chuckle. "Nonsense." As Rick opened his mouth in a biting retort, Elijah reached out and turned the handle. The door clicked open, and Rick's mouth remained silent but hanging open.
"You're welcome," Elijah said, eyes shining with a satisfied smile.
Rick stared at him. "How…?" he started. It clicked, and he cocked his head. "You've got someone inside."
Elijah touched the tip of his finger to his lips. "Best keep moving. A little exposed out here, don't you think?"
Rick, simultaneously irritated and in awe of the old man's behavior, had to agree. With a sharp gesture he signaled for everyone to prepare themselves to rush in. He wondered how Elijah managed to find an insider, and further wondered who the hell it could be.
Uprising Page 85
