“Like your private room,” he began. “Keystone has many secrets.”
Blue leaned forward. “Why didn’t you tell us this before?”
Guilt played on his face. “When I first took over Keystone, I realized not having an escape tunnel was their flaw.”
“Whose flaw?” Shepherd asked.
I thought about the paintings of wolves—all the hints that Viktor had suffered a great loss. It must have taken place in the mansion.
“No fortress should be without an emergency escape,” he explained, running his hands through his silver hair. “So I built a tunnel that leads to the garage. In the beginning, I did not mention this because I needed to trust you. There was always a possibility you might leave. Then we formed an agreement that if you left, your memories of Keystone would be scrubbed. Eventually I thought there was no need to tell you. If we ever had to escape, why would I not be there? It did not seem logical that a team such as this would be unable to flee in such a large house. I… I have a private room that connects to the tunnels.” The lines on Viktor’s forehead appeared deeper than usual as he rubbed at them. “If you can enter the garage without notice, we will have control. The tunnel leads to a room on the east wing. But Gem has a point—she cannot go alone. Only she can go inside the mansion, but she will need backup.”
“I’ll go,” I said, raising my hand. “I can tie up my dress so it’s not as obvious.”
Christian slid the cheap curtains closed all the way. “You can’t go in if they can hear you.”
“Unless something goes wrong, I’m not going in with her. Claude and I will stay in the garage as lookouts. We’re the only ones who can outrun Vampires in the daytime, and if we find Hunter and Kira, they’ll need a piggyback ride.”
Christian folded his arms. “And why is it thatyouwant to go? Claude is more than capable. He can carry the lass and Gem the wee one.”
“Backup,” I said emphatically. “If Gem has Vampires on her ass, someone will need to hold them off while Gem and Claude get everyone to safety. Sure, they can flash, but it’s not even terrain. Plus the wall will slow them down. I’m the only other one here who can flash. If Viktor wants us to go at night, he’ll probably want you. But if we still have a fireworks show, you won’t be able to hear.”
Viktor patted the arms of his chair. “I do not like what I am about to suggest, but Raven should have Vampire blood in her. That is the only way she can fight off Vampires. Claude and Gem can run fast, but carrying Kira and the boy will slow them down, especially if the weather turns on us. We’ll have the car waiting at the neighbor’s property. I do not think anyone inhabits it. Last I noticed, they tore down the house. It was sold, but I have never seen cars.”
Christian rubbed his eye. “I don’t like it one bit.”
“That is because of your personal relationship,” Viktor reminded him. “The Christian I know has never spoken out when others were put in danger. Answer me this: If you were partners with Raven and nothing more, what would you say?”
Christian stared at his feet.
“And would you choose Claude to stay behind and fight?” Viktor asked. “As strong as he is, Claude cannot fight a Vampire. He is only a Chitah.” Viktor trailed off in Russian, and none of us could understand him.
“In English,” Gem sang, obviously not trying to fire him up.
Viktor sighed and fiddled with the buttons on his cuffs. “While none of you can arm yourselves with weapons, you can carry impalement wood in your hands.”
Blue poked her finger inside her French braid to scratch her head. “I’ll fly out today and get as close as I can without being obvious. They won’t notice me in the courtyard, and even if they do, they won’t suspect I’m a Shifter since we live out in the countryside. I can see if Hunter’s in his room.”
Viktor nodded. “If not there, he will be with Kira.”
Blue tugged at her cape before giving up. “If I see her, I’ll get her to notice me. She knows what my animal looks like since I fly out in the mornings when she’s doing her chores. Maybe she’ll realize we’re planning something.”
“The usual lights weren’t lit up.” Shepherd leaned against the far wall. “I think she’s skirting her usual duties. The house was dark.”
“Vampires can’t shadow walk where there’s light,” Christian reminded him. “Most people prepare for an attack at night, so it’s no wonder they haven’t lit all the candles. They won’t see it coming in the morning. I wager the lass won’t be doing her usual chores. Sparrow wouldn’t want her wandering the house. She’ll probably be cooking or washing his clothes.”
“Which room will Hunter be in?” I asked.
“I sure hope it’s not Kira’s,” Gem remarked. “That’s in the middle of the house by the stairs. Everyone walks through there to get to the kitchen or courtyard.”
I stared down at my black boots, wondering what I’d do if it were me. “Her room doesn’t have any windows. I don’t think I’d want to shut myself up where I couldn’t escape from a Vampire. At least with a window, she can break it in an emergency. I doubt Sparrow would care if they slept in Hunter’s room since it opens into the courtyard. You can bet his men have the back entrance guarded.”
Gem looked at me, eyes brimming with worry. “But what if they’re not in either? I won’t have time.”
“Then make time.” Shepherd rapped his knuckles on the wall. “If you go in for my kid, you’re not leaving without him. We go all the way or not at all.”
“How much money do you want to spend?” Wyatt asked Viktor. “I was just thinking, if you really want to make them believe it’s a celebration, we can hire one of those planes that fly overhead with a banner. We can write a message on the banner to throw them off.”
“We’re Coming To Get You?” Blue mused. “Will that all fit?”
