Deeper than the Night - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,101

about Jarvis?"

"He's a killer," Mitch admitted reluctantly.

"And if things go wrong, if Barrett thinks his scheme is going to fall apart, what do you think your odds of survival are?"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it. Barrett was going to kill Kara because she knew too much. What do you think will happen to you?"

"He wouldn't do anything like that!" Mitch exclaimed.

"Are you willing to bet your life on it?"

"But he's a doctor."

"Yeah." Alex glanced pointedly at the heavy shackles that bound his wrists. "He's a real credit to his profession."

Rising to his feet, Mitch began to pace the floor, his hands flexing nervously. "Well, I admit he hasn't treated you very well, but you're . . . I mean . . ."

"You mean I'm an alien, so it doesn't matter."

A bright red flush crept up Hamblin's neck.

"I don't care what you think of me," Alex said curtly. "I just want to get the hell out of here."

Hamblin came to an abrupt halt near the foot of the bed. "How do I know you'll pay me?"

"I guess you'll just have to trust me."

"Trust you!" Hamblin ran a hand through his hair, drummed his fingertips on the bed frame.

"The last check was good, wasn't it? Come on, we're wasting time."

"All right, all right, I'll do it. How will I get my money?"

"You know where Eagle Flats is?"

"Yeah."

"I'll meet you at the bank as soon as I can get there."

"And how will I know when that will be?"

"You just be there every night at ten until I show up."

"And what if you never show up?"

"I guess that's a risk you'll have to take."

"I want a hundred and fifty grand."

Alex nodded. He could sell the house in Moulton Bay for twice that much.

"I'll go open the skylight," Mitch said. "It might take me a while to get the key to those shackles out of Barrett's office. I'll have to pick the lock on his desk."

"Who else is in the building?"

"No one's inside. I think Jarvis is keeping watch out front."

"Hurry." Resting his head against the wall, Alex closed his eyes. For the first time in days, he felt a surge of hope.

A few minutes later, he felt a familiar coolness shimmer across his face. Opening his eyes, he gazed up at the moon. It was full and bright. Relief washed through him as he drew the silvery light deep within himself. He lay there for several minutes, taking deep breaths, feeling the lethargy drain out of his body, feeling his strength begin to return.

He closed his eyes again, letting the light penetrate into every cell, every fiber. It would take more than one night to restore his full strength, yet he already felt stronger, better, more like himself.

He estimated thirty-five minutes had passed before Hamblin returned.

Whistling softly, Mitch entered the room and closed the door behind him.He came to an abrupt halt when he saw Alex. "You're looking a lot better," he remarked, glancing up at the skylight. "How come?"

"I don't have time to explain it to you now. Did you find the key?"

Mitch nodded.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure this is a good idea."

Alex swore softly. "We had a deal."

"How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you won't try to take my gun?"

"I just want out of here," Alex said. "I don't want to hurt you, or anyone else. I just want my freedom. Can you understand that?"

"Sure, but . . ."

"Dammit, kid, if I don't get out of here, I'm gonna be no better than an animal in a zoo!"

"Hey, calm down, man."

"I am calm. I'm also in a hurry, and . . ." Alex paused, his head lifting, his nostrils testing the air. Kara. She was there. "Mitch, turn me loose. Now, before it's too late."

"Your word. I want your word you won't try anything."

"I won't hurt you, Mitch. I swear it on Kara's life."

Mitch hesitated a moment more; then, reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a key and quickly unlocked the cuffs that bound Alex's hands.

Alex stood up, massaging his wrists. "Thanks, kid. I'll meet you in Eagle Flats as soon as I can. Take care of yourself."

Mitch nodded, a grin hovering over his lips as he watched Alex run, bare-ass naked, down the corridor toward the back door.

"How do you know he's in there?" Gail asked, peering around Kara. She stared at the dark building that was surrounded by a high fence. "Even if he's in there, how will we get in? How will we get