“Of course you are, Need.” I don’t know the guy, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
Dash is practically melting, hugging Felix, shaking him around while he blushes and chuckles. It’s wild to witness, because…Isn’t hestillracking up an actual body count??
“Where are you?” Joy asks, getting back down to business because time is of the essence.
“In the basement of the mansion,” Dr. Love replies.
“The tombs.” Joy rubs her eyes.
“The very same. I’m alright for now, but there’s a lot of movement…”
I nod at Joy. “You know that gate at the back? It’s a tunnel that leads to the dungeon.”
“There’s a lock on the outside,” Dr. Love adds.
“We could cut it.” I shrug.
“That area is swarming with cartel roaches,” she says, deep in thought.
“I’ll distract them,” Felix jumps in.
But Dr. Love barks, “No way. Absolutely not.”
“Lem, I’ve been trying to find a way to get you out and this is it. If I have to turn myself over to The Ivory, then so be it.”
“No—”
“He won’t kill me,” Felix argues.
Joy makes a face as if he has a point.
“That’s not what I’m worried about…” Love growls.
“We’ll go,” Dash says. “Hi, Lemuel. I’m Dascha, Felix’s best friend. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Felix beams at that. “Anyway, my fiancé and I will come with Joy and get you out.”
“I don’t exactly think you going is any better than me going.” Felix frowns at Dash.
“Maybe not. But we have to try.” He shrugs, never one to run from the dangerous.Clearly.
Joy nods. “Rook should be here any minute. He can help.” She looks to Felix. “Cover us. We’ll get your boy.”
Felix’s worry melts into appreciation. “Thank you.”
“Alright. Hang tight, Doc,” Joy says. “We’re coming for you. The service has been spotty, so just meet us by the exit of the tombs in twenty minutes.”
“Ten-four,” he says. “And Officer? Thank you. Keep my patient safe.”
“Please,” she scoffs. “He’s been saving our asses for weeks now.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
We hang up with Lemuel nervous, but determined. This plan worries me for a lot of reasons, but none more than knowing that myself and Dascha being so close to The Ivory is like temping a shark with two baby seal pups, alive and kickin’.
Getting ready to head out, we’re coming up with a plan while we wait for Rook, when Jasper stalks over. “I’m coming with.”
Joy shakes her head. “Not this time.”
“Fuck off,” he snaps. “Try and stop me. I’m going over there and I’m getting him back. And then I’m gonna shoot that prick in the fucking face for hurting him.”
