Not that I ever actually became a cop, but I almost did, and I remember everything I learned. About reading situations fully, switching off emotion and focusing on protecting yourself in order to keep those around you safe.
And Dash was a bank robber. So he’s good with being shot at.Among other things.
It is weird to go from home renovations and babying your dog to an active war zone in less than twenty-four hours.Adrenaline’s a hell of a drug.And again, watching it unfold before your eyes is a great way to switch your brain from loving fiancé to soldier mode in seconds flat.
Despite what was once the East Wing now being a disastrous wreck, I’m itching to get over there and catch up with the team. Let them know that I’m back, and I want to help.
I might be harboring some guilt at the moment… For leaving them high and dry the way I did. Especially now that things are falling apart.
In summation, I feel like an asshole, and I’m kinda desperate to make it up to them.
Felix says it’s not safe this close to the East, despite our guys covering the crash site. He leads us inside the armory, grabbing something that looks like a laser pointer. He goes back outside for only about a minute, then comes back in.
“We have a signal,” he explains. “It’s morse code for S.O.S. When they see it, they come.”
“Why not just use the walkie?” Dash asks.
“I can’t risk it,” he says. “If the Warden overhears and finds out where I am, I’m toast. I know he’ll use me as leverage against Lem, and I refuse to let that happen.”
Dash wraps his arm around Felix’s waist, hugging him into his side. “We’ll get to him soon. I promise.”
“I know he can handle it,” Felix fights off the tremor in his voice. “He’s the strongest person I’ve ever met.”
“Duh,” Dash says with a soft grin. “He’s dating a serial killer.”
Felix snorts. I crack a smile.
Nicely done, babe.
Less than ten minutes later, someone whistles from outside and Felix rushes to open the door. In stalks Peters and Jasper, and it’s so good to see them, I have to hug onto them extra tight. But something is obviously up. The mood in here isn’t screaminghappy reunion.
“Joy and Rook are on their way,” Peters tells us.
Felix nods as a visibly distraught and edgy Jasper rushes him.
“Have you seen him at all??” Jasper asks The Carver, intensity in his every feature.
“Not since that first day…” Felix can’t hide his remorse and despondence.
Jasper sighs, covering his face with his hands. Then he turns and smacks his palm against the wall in a sudden shift to rage.
“What’s going on?” I ask Peters nervously.
“The Ivory has Hancock,” he tells me, watching our friend spin out. “There was a shootout the other day and Hancock was hit… They took him.”
“He gotshot??” Dash looks to me, eyes all wide and shiny.
“Yea. It’s bad,” Peters grumbles.
The poor guy looks exhausted. Dirty, tired, stressed as all fuck. I feel awful.
“And he’s not the only one…” Peters adds, his tone sharing some of the same rage I see in Jasper, though Peters has always been more reserved.
He’s like me that way. Maybe that’s why we’ve gotten along well. He’s stoic, buttoned up on the outside. He doesn’t let people in so easily, and I can relate to that.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
It takes him a moment before he finally mutters, “The control room guys are being held hostage by the Warden’s guys. Denton,Mark… Alex.” He almost chokes out the name, clearing his throat. “Carson. Um… We haven’t talked to him—themin days. I have no idea if they’re even…” His words fade off, and he sniffs, rubbing his eyes.
