“No. Go to the pickup zone.”
“I’m not leaving without her.”
“Darlington. Get to the pickup.”
“No,” I say stubbornly, even as I see my chances of ever being assigned to another mission slipping away. “I’m not leaving Tana. They’ll kill her. Especially after tonight. They’ll think she assisted the Uprising with this rescue. They’ll fuckingkillher.”
“Wren.” It’s Gray. “The second bird flies in five minutes. There’s no time.”
“I’m not asking anyone to wait for me,” I say. I’m already sliding off the bike, summoning a strangled protest from Declan. “If you wantto leave one of our people behind, that’s on you. But I’m not condemning her to death. If I manage to break her out, Tana and I will find our own way to safety. Luisa—Declan’s heading to the pickup solo. He’ll be there soon.”
Silence falls over the channel.
To my surprise, the next person to speak is Luisa.
“Gray, if Wren can free the prisoner, I’ll circle back to collect them.” She hastily adds, “If the mission leads authorize it.”
Her offer fills me with gratitude. “Thanks, Lu.”
“Ten minutes,” she says briskly. “That’s all I can give you. I’ll send the grids for the secondary pickup to your wrist comm. Saint?”
After a beat, an aggravated Saint responds. “Ten minutes and no more. If you’re not there, Lu leaves without you.”
“Stand by,” I say, cutting the feed. I glance at Declan, whose face is looking paler by the second. “Go to the primary pickup.”
He shakes his head. “You need backup.”
“You’re in no shape to back anyone up. And I’m not risking your life for a side mission you didn’t sign up for. Go.”
“No. Get on the bike.” Declan’s voice is weak.
“You’re in no condition for this!” I grab his wrist, feeling for his pulse. It’s weak. Alarmingly so. “You need a healer. I don’t want you putting yourself in danger for me—”
“Do you think you’re the only person here who doesn’t feel right about leaving a Mod behind?” he snaps at me.
I blink in shock.
“I’m not leaving any of our people behind, either. So get on the fucking bike.” His jaw becomes impossibly tight. I’ve met my match in obstinacy, it appears.
There’s no arguing with him, so I climb onto the bike and drive. Earlier, I memorized every map we’d been given, so I know exactly where the mine’s prison facility is located.
I’m grateful that Declan can’t see my veins as I silently check in with Cross, who’s been relentlessly trying to link for the past few minutes.
“Tana is being held in the prison here. I’m going to get her.”
“Alone?”He curses in my ear.
“There’s another network operative with me, but he’s in bad shape. How many guards are posted at the prison?”
He ignores the question.“Leave, Wren. You’ve pushed your luck enough tonight.”
He might be right, but I refuse to abandon Tana. End of story.
The barracks are an aboveground series of buildings on the west edge of the mining complex. Relief flutters through me at the complete lack of security we encounter. Our plan to divert all their personnel to the eastern perimeter was successful, and Teriq’s team had been efficient here in the west. The guard tower is empty, a male body flung over the side, his rifle dangling by the strap. I assume the second guard is in a similar state.
As I pull in behind the men’s dormitory, Declan says, “Fuck. Hear that?”
I listen, and sure enough…the distant sound of fighter jets. The Command is sending in reinforcements.
