P8 raised an eyebrow. “On?”
“On the bad guys out there who still want us,” T8 drily intoned. “Only now they’re going to try twice as hard because of these little tykes. Am I right, or am I right?”
“That’s about the gist of it,” G8 confirmed.
“I’m sorry.” Ingrid’s soft, heartfelt apology made them turn back to her. The woman looked about ready to crash. She took a deep, shaky breath. “I’m sorry I placed your lives in further danger. I’m sorry I’ve become an inconvenience to you. But I’mnotsorry I saved these babies. They fought so hard to live, in spite of all the fucking tests and procedures and shit those scientists injected into them.”
She focused her gaze on G8. “I know they did the same things to you.” She looked at the others. “To all of you. That’s why I couldn’t… I just couldn’t allow these poor babies to suffer any more.” She leaned against G8’s shoulder, pressing her forehead to his arm.
“I wonder if those people were thinking the babies could survive the fire,” T8 drawled.
“Doesn’t matter. The fact that they left them there unattended is inexcusable,” F8 angrily whispered.
P8 leaned over the large table. “Question now is, when and if those people come back, will they be coming for us? For the babies specifically? Or just whoever they can get their hands on?”
T8 raised his hand. “I’ll take door number three.”
F8 sat up straighter, turning her head in the direction of the road. G8 noticed it, as well as K8.
“Someone coming?” K8 asked, concerned.
After another handful of seconds, the petite woman smiled. “Footsteps. Walking. Regular tread. I think it’s N8.”
T8 got up and went over to one of the front windows to peer out. “Yep. It’s N8.”
Handing the baby she was feeding over to P8, K8 got up from the table. “I’m going to get him some water. Anyone else want water?” She filled a glass three-quarters full and took it over to the door just as it opened.
N8 accepted the tumbler and nearly drained it. “Thanks. I seriously needed that. I saw another car outside. We got company?” Looking around the room, he spotted Ingrid and the baby in G8’s arms. “What do we have here?”
K8 laughed. “I’d say, judging by your good mood, you have good news to share. Is it because Cydney’s doing better?”
His smile widened. “I spoke with Dr. Shaw. Unless something unforeseen happens, she’ll be able to come home by the end of the week.”
Everyone let out a cheer. The loud noise frightened the infant in G8’s arms, and it gave a wail. Ingrid took the baby from him and placed him on her shoulder, rocking and making shushing noise to calm the child.
“You made good time,” T8 remarked.
N8 checked his watch. “Only took me about an hour, and you guys know it’s not an easy walk.”
Ingrid gasped softly. “Youwalkedall the way from town?”
“None of us know how to drive,” F8 told her.
Ingrid turned to G8. “I know you told meyoudidn’t know how to drive, butnoneof you can?” She made a little sound of disbelief. “And you have a car sitting out there, not being used?”
“It’s Cydney’s car,” N8 told her and extended a hand. “Hi. I’m N8. And you are?”
K8 gave a little gasp. “Oh my goodness! I can’t believe we didn’t introduce ourselves! N8, this is Ingrid. Ingrid, I’m?—”
“K8.” Ingrid smiled. “I know who all of you are. I’ve read your files.” Pointing to each of them, she identified each person there. “The only one who made me do a double-take was G8 because he doesn’t look anything like his profile.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” T8 remarked, earning a few chuckles.
“Nice to meet you, Ingrid. I take it you’re responsible for these?” N8 indicated the babies.
“It’s quite a story. I’ll fill you in later,” T8 promised.
N8’s face brightened. “Oh, I haven’t told you the best news! I got a job!”
