B Clones (Clones #1) - Laurann Dohner Page 0,81

were kidnapped?”

Hailey had to think about it. “Um, about seventeen days ago.”

“Fuck!” Gemma spun and marched back to Big. “I’m a parent. I’d be going batshit crazy if my kid disappeared for that long. Why are we standing here talking? Get that young woman to your version of a phone!”

“Gemma—” Big began, trying to calm her.

“No. You have all this futuristic shit.” Gemma put her hands on his chest and pushed. “Put it to use. We need to let her parents know that she’s alive and well. You have no idea what it’s like to worry yourself sick when you don’t know where your kid is or what’s happening to them. I do. She needs to call them, Big. Right fucking now!”

“Alright. Don’t cry.” Big cupped her cheek and used his other hand to brush Gemma’s hair back. “I’ll take them to another shuttle Fig and Free rigged, in case we ever needed to contact somewhere that required authorizations. Its computer signature will say she’s using a communications center on a planet in the Prigger Sector. They’re going to trace her signal, though. We’ll have to keep it short.”

“Don’t tell me about it. Do it,” Gemma pleaded. She glanced at Hailey, tears in her eyes. “Her parents need to know.”

Big leaned down and kissed her. Then he straightened and jerked his head. “Let’s go.”

Blade followed, hauling Hailey after him. They left the nice cabin and went back into the corridor.

“I’m so confused,” Hailey admitted. “She looks younger than I am. And I thought clones were sterile?”

“It’s complicated.” Blade met her gaze when they stopped to use the lift. “But Gemma used to be human.”

Chapter Eight

Hailey stared at the little screen in front of her. They were on a tiny shuttle with only one seat. Blade crouched in the space next to her, and she knew Big hovered in the cramped space behind the cockpit.

“You need to remember everything I’ve said to you. It is very important. And keep it short.”

She nodded. “Not too much information. No names.”

“They’ll believe you’re on Zelba if they trace the signal,” Big stated. “We have a relay there, so the transmission will bounce to Zelba and then to your planet. It’s an emergency setup, and it’ll be blown if the authorities go there searching for you.”

“I understand. Can we open communications now?” She just wanted to talk to her parents.

Blade reached over and tapped into one of the pads on the curved console. Hailey’s heart pounded as she watched it light up to indicate the transmission was live. Long seconds passed before a familiar voice came from the speakers.

“Hello?”

“Dad!” Tears blinded her. “It’s Hailey.” She wished she could see him, but video wasn’t possible.

“Hailey?! Klista, get in here! Hailey, is that you really you? Where are you, pumpkin?”

“It’s me, Dad. I was kidnapped, but I got away. I’m coming home. It just might take a little while, but I’m not hurt.”

“Hailey?” Her mom’s sobs tore her up even more.

Blade reached out and took her hand. He leaned closer. “Ask them,” he whispered.

“I love you guys so much,” she said quickly, knowing she couldn’t linger over the call. “I need you to trust me and listen. I don’t have much time to talk to you. Don’t contact the authorities or tell anyone that I contacted you. I’m okay though, and I’m going to get back to you. I don’t know how long it will take, but I’m safe where I am.”

“Where are you? We’ll come get you.” Her mom sobbed louder.

“Did some off-worlder take you?” Her dad sounded mad. “I’ll gather everyone and we’ll get you, pumpkin. Just tell me where you’re hiding. We can keep you safe.”

“I’m not where you can get to me. I’m far away.” She wasn’t supposed to mention the Morgan. “I got to see space, Dad.” She choked up. “I love you guys so much, but I promise I’m safe and okay.”

Her father gasped loudly. “You’re not on Prospect?”

“What?” Her mom sounded panicked. “You’re out in space alone?”

Blade squeezed her hand and she met his eyes. He nodded. It was his way of giving her permission to assure them she had someone with her.

“I’m not alone. I was saved by a wonderful man. He’s keeping me safe. He’s just like Stone Stern.”

Blade paled, gazing at her with alarm.

“Fictional character,” she whispered softly. “He’s a hero. Mom read me the books as a kid. Trust me.” She raised her voice. “Did you hear me? I’m safe and fine. I don’t want you