She turned to the girls and pressed a finger to her lips.
As she reached for the door, she paused and touched her hand to the earbud in her ear. Her face blanched, and she swung her head right to left, her gaze searching for Rogue’s. “It’s Jade. She says guards are surrounding the supply truck. We should punt.”
Chapter 12
Keira stared at the girls clinging together in a bunch, tired, hungry and scared. If all hell was breaking loose out there, how were they going to get six girls out of a fortified compound?
One look at their desperate, sad faces made her square her shoulders. They had to at least try. She couldn’t leave any one of them behind in those cold, horrible cells.
She eased the door of the facility open and peered through the crack.
As far as she could see, the coast was clear at the back of the main building.
Rogue stepped up beside her. “Let me go first.”
Keira frowned.
“The girls can relate to another woman more than a man,” he insisted. “I can recon the loading dock and then wave you all across when it’s safe.”
He was right. Keira nodded. “We’ll wait here.”
Rogue cracked the door open and was halfway out when Jade’s voice sounded in her ear.
“Punt!”
Keira grabbed Rogue and pulled him back into the containment facility. “Jade gave the abort code.” She cupped a hand over her ear as Jade continued.
“I was able to get into Viktor’s office and log onto his computer. His password was predictable. Onyx1. I got in and started the download. While I waited for the download to complete, I found the security room, took out the guard and shut down the surveillance cameras, but not before I noticed guards gathering at the loading dock, sniffing around the supply truck. I’m still in Viktor’s office. The data download is nearly complete. I think this might be a good time to create an explosive distraction. I’ll join you at the back wall as soon as the download is done. Did you get Lily?”
“We have Lily,” Keira said. “Be careful. See you at the wall.”
Rogue looked outside the door again and faced Keira. “Since we’re heading for the back wall, you and the girls will go first. I’ll cover your six and create a distraction.”
“How will you do that?” Keira asked.
He patted the pocket of the coverall. “I slipped C-4 and a detonator into my pocket when we ditched the truck at the abandoned gas station.”
Keira smiled. “That might be just what we need to take the focus off this end of the compound.” She laid a hand over her bandolero. “I snagged a smoke grenade.”
Rogue’s lips spread into a wide grin. “Good girl. I’ll go out first. Watch for my signal to move out with the girls.”
“I’m worried about Jade. I’m not sure how she’ll get around the guards at the main building.
“She’s resourceful,” Rogue said. “She’ll make it out and join us at the wall.” He peered through the door again. “I’m going. Give me a couple of minutes to check out what’s happening on the other side of the main building and to set the charge.”
Before he could step out the door, she laid a hand on his arm. “Rogue?”
He stared down into her eyes. “We’re going to be okay—and we have so much to live for. I’m putting my bet on us.”
She leaned up on her toes and kissed him. “I’m not entirely sure what love feels like, but what I’m feeling is more than just liking you. I want the opportunity to explore this further.”
“In other words, don’t get myself shot.” He smiled. “Got it. The same goes for you.” Then he kissed her again, peeked outside the door and left.
Keira watched as he crossed the open space to the main building and moved into the shadows to the corner. He peered around the side and ducked back. Then he waved a hand, pointing to the back of the compound and mouthed the word, Go.”
“Girls, my name is Keira. I need you to stay close to me and move quietly and as fast as you can. We’re going to get out of here, but you have to do exactly as I say. Do you understand?”
All six girls nodded.
