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Wren’s heart raced as they waited for the Gente to return. If more than two showed up, they’d be in trouble. They were all injured. Although Daisy was putting on a brave face, she was in a lot of pain.

“You star damned pieces of crud, help us. Someone’s dying in here,” Eden said. She turned back and winked at Wren. “I thought I’d up the stakes. Put one of us in mortal peril.”

It took several more minutes of yelling before the door at the far end of the cargo hold opened. Two Gente strode in, their guns already out.

“It’s now or never,” Eden whispered. “You two ready?”

“Yep.” Wren nodded, and Daisy hunched over and gave a discreet thumbs up.

“Get over here,” Eden yelled. “Daisy’s had a relapse. She needs medical help, or she’s not going to make it.”

The Gente talked quietly to each other for a few seconds.

“You need to get her out of here,” Eden said. “Hurry! Your boss won’t like it if one of us dies on your watch.”

“Stand back from the cage door,” the tall Gente with a scar on his cheek said.

Eden stepped away. She waited until the door was open then lunged. She slammed into the Gente with her shoulder and sent him staggering back. She roared in triumph as her elbow connected with his windpipe.

Wren propelled from her crouched position. The other Gente was raising his gun at Eden. She slammed his gun arm out of the way and tried for a punch to his throat, but her aim was off. She hit his chest, her knuckles protesting as they slammed into bone and muscle. She ducked as he swung his fist, slammed her foot into his knee, and jumped on his back.

The Gente yelled as Daisy slammed into his legs.

Wren had just enough time to leap away as he fell. She stamped on his wrist and kicked the gun away.

Daisy rolled away from the fight, clutching her ribs and groaning.

“You good?” Wren grabbed the gun.

Daisy waved a hand in the air. “Just dying quietly. I’ll be fine.”

Wren’s gaze flicked over to Eden. She was wrestling with the other Gente. His hand was on her throat.

“That’s enough.” Wren backed toward the door, keeping the gun on the Gente as she helped Daisy to her feet.

Daisy’s skin was ash gray, but she was able to stand.

Eden gave a scream of triumph as she wrenched the gun away and leaped off the Gente.

The two Gente stayed sprawled on the ground, glaring at them.

“Get in the cage,” Wren said.

Neither of them moved.

“They need some encouragement,” Eden said. “Which one should we shoot first?”

The three women stood side by side. Wren was so proud of her warrior sisters.

“I favor the stocky one on the right,” Daisy said. “I’m sure he was trying to cop a feel during the fight. Wren, did he touch your boob?”

Wren shook her head. “I like the other one. He’s got a smug look about him. Maybe he won’t be so smug once he’s spent time in the animal cage he enjoys throwing innocent creatures into.”

The Gente exchanged a glance.

“We’re happy to shoot you both.” Eden aimed the weapon in her hand.

They stood slowly and backed toward the cage.