Leisha. Mia’s told me everything. I know who and what you are. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why you two sent me in there.”

Leisha leaned her long body languorously against the doorframe, while Lydia hovered anxiously in the background. “Well, Mia has told you a lot, except the thing we need most.”

“It’s very simple. Put them together again and they’ll talk. And don’t give me that safety bullshit. It’s Kurt. You really hate him. He risked his life to make this happen, and you sent me in to cause tension between them. They both want to talk to you.”

“I was planning on it, after I reviewed your notes.”

“No, Mia wants to see you now, and she wants me there.”

“What business do you have with us?”

“From what she tells me every person on this planet has a stake in this. I guess she doesn’t trust you, can’t imagine why.”

“No need to be sarcastic, Doctor.” Leisha straightened up her long frame. “Fine, I have nothing to hide. Let’s go.”

Joe turned to Lydia. “Not you, she specifically stated she didn’t want you.”

Leisha nodded to Lydia. “Lydia, go home and get some rest. You’ve done a superb job here. I’ll call you in the morning.”

“If you’re sure there’s nothing else?”

Leisha’s voice was a caress, “No, please go home. It’s getting late.”

It’s going to be interesting, Joe thought as he followed Leisha through the hall to the cells, wishing like hell he didn’t have to witness this catfight.

Leisha had special clearance to the cells. She stepped forward, saying her name and the series of doors opened to her. Mia stood, dressed in a leather bustier, pants, and boots, a pint-sized dominatrix. Very hot. Leisha’s eyes scanned the room then rested on Mia’s face. They looked hard at each other, not a glimmer of emotion passing over them.

Leisha moved to embrace Mia, but she hauled off and slapped her across the face. “You lying bitch! He risked everything!”

Joe braced for something ugly to happen, but Leisha’s face registered nothing at Mia’s outburst. She replied with exaggerated patience, as if to a small child, “He could do us great harm. I worked with him for over ten years, Mia. I know a hell of a lot more than you think. He did lots of ugly things to please his master. How many mortals died for not keeping their mouths shut? Your boy gave the instructions to the dogs, and paid them off. I’m not taking orders from that little prick again. If he influences you, he’ll run roughshod over me, and if you’ll excuse me, you know nothing.”

“Kurt and I’ve discussed our views on this enterprise in depth. We’re on the same page philosophically. We’ve all done ugly things, Leisha. Why do you think we want to end this nightmare? Guess what? I’m not giving up those discs unless I get what I want. Clock is ticking. Gaius has a six-month jump; Brovik’s data is languishing in files no one but Kurt can access. It’s up to you. Keep us prisoners here and slog for years to catch up or bring us together and expedite this process?”

Leisha was beaten. It was scribbled untidily over her face. “You swear you’ll give me the discs?”

Mia nodded. “Give Kurt his laptop and he’ll get you the rest.”

Leisha handed Joe a set of keys. “Doctor, the computer is locked in Lydia’s cabinet. Obviously, our people haven’t had any luck hacking his files. Mia, come with me.”

“Gimme a minute. I haven’t seen him in a month.”

Mia crossed to her dressing table, picking up her hairbrush and running it through her hair. Pheromone spread through the room, as she rummaged in her drawer for lipstick to apply to her mouth.

Joe ran to Lydia’s office and found Kurt’s laptop locked in the cabinet. He caught up with Leisha and Mia at the outer door to Kurt’s cell. Leisha moved forward to open the door. Joe handed the laptop to Mia. She winked mischievously. What was she trying to tell him?

Leisha opened the outer door and buzzed the intercom. Kurt came up to the glass. A long look passed between them before Leisha broke the silence. “Kurt.”

“Leisha, you finally got everything you wanted.” He held his wrists out toward her. “What else is there but the blood in my veins?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, all I want is the data. We’re losing time.”

He snapped. “Whose fault is that? I never should have trusted you.”

“What choice did you have? You were persona non grata. It