CHAPTER FIFTY

AFTER NEARLY TWENTY minutes of similar bursts, the tube and sphere powered down. A constant static buzzed in my background mind. I felt like I’d finished a coffee-fueled final exam after a series of all-nighters. “How far did we just go?”

“Top speed of each pulse is 803 mph. I’ll let you figure the rest, when you get a chance. For now we’ve got more important matters to discuss.”

“Evie.”

“Evie has been waiting comfortably this whole time. She can wait a little longer.”

“No deal.” I lifted Adel a few inches off the ground and held her there with my thoughts. She looked nonplussed.

“Jim, I’m not sure you’re aware of the significance of current events.”

“Apparently, you’re not aware of how far I’ve gone already to see my daughter. I’ve done everything you’ve asked, and you still haven’t given me confirmation she’s even alive.”

“Unless you’re planning a killing spree, put me down.”

Reluctantly, I obliged.

“As far as Evie is concerned, her school tutor and mentor has taken necessary steps, at your behest, to secret her away until the dust clears. She’s familiar with her surroundings, and she trusts me. More than I can say for present company.”

“You’ve given me no reason to trust you.”

“I’ve never once lied to you.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “What do you want with me?”

“I personally want you to help us end the war.”

“Before it’s begun?”

“I’ve been fighting it for over a hundred years.”

“Right. You still insist you haven’t lied to me?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” I shook my head.

“A lady doesn’t normally discuss such things, but I’m 138 years old, in July. You don’t have to send me a card.”

I waited for the punch line, for the smirk. Nothing came. “Keep talking.”

“As I was saying, I personally want your help. But—”

“No one ever listens to you.”

“Exactly.” She touched her finger to her nose.

“So now you’ve drug Evie and me into the middle of a dispute and a war.”

“Well, if you put it that way, you make me sound like a true flibbertigibbet.”

“What if I don’t want to fight in your war?”

“Honey,” she stepped toward the controls, “I’m sure you don’t have a choice about that.” After tapping a few buttons, the hatch flipped outward. “The only question is whether you’re going to take a side, and if so, which one.”

I shouted in response, “I don’t even know the sides!”

She pulled herself up and out of the opening before ducking her head back inside. “You’ve met all save one so far. If you’ll stop pouting and come along, I’ll introduce you to them straightaway. Although, fair warning, they won’t be happy to meet you.”

“Awesome.” I lifted myself out of the sphere into another darker, dirtier, smellier underground room. “I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”

Adel smiled. “So we’ve all got our best foot forward. Should be fun. This way.” Assuming a casual pace, she sauntered along an earthen tunnel resembling a hastily fortified mine shaft.

I took a dozen steps and stopped. “No, not until I see Evie.”

“Dammit, Jim.” She turned on me. “This isn’t a negotiation. I’ve already forced their hand by bringing you here the way I have. I’m sorry to put you in this spot, but Evie has never been in danger from us. You, on the other hand, are a different matter.” She took a deep breath before continuing down the tunnel, now at a brisker pace. “You have to trust me. I’m giving you the best shot at surviving long enough to see your daughter again.

“So far I’ve survived just fine, no thanks to you or your people.”

“Congratulations, survivor. So far you’ve managed to piss off both the Benefactors and Oleg. I’m sure you can make it a trifecta, but there’s no more time for bickering. Oleg’ll be here soon enough.”

I jogged to catch up. “I’ve already killed all four hybrids.”

“Did you now? That means there should only be, oh, another few dozen at our doorstep by brunch. Honestly, I’ve lost track these days. There could be more.”