of my mom’s embarrassing stories about me wearing out the left knee in my pajamas due to my speedy, army crawling technique.
“Where do you think it goes? Out of here,” she answered. Before I could respond, she was squatting next to me.
Putting her mutant strength to use, she gave the cover a tug, separating it from the rectangular space.
“But …” I stammered, hating the way my nerves had surfaced. I just wasn’t ready to abandon my plan with Deb.
“But what? Let’s take a look. We need to do a test run; see where it ends up.”
“Are you saying you don’t even know where it goes? I thought Dillon would have at least told you that much.” I didn’t want to go into the shaft if I could help it. The opening was starting to look like a dark maw eager to devour us whole, and my doubts were increasing the longer I stared into the gaping shadows. “I have a better idea.”
“What could be better than a hole in the wall?” Connie grinned, breaking the tension..
“Would you believe that Deb is on our side?”
Connie’s rolled her eyes. “This better be good.”
Chapter 4125
After an arduous debate with my current roommate, it was decided that we would stick to the course of action Deb and I had concocted, with the secret shaft serving as an alternative plan or emergency exit should we need it.
I somehow doubted we’d make it back to our quarters alive, if Plan A failed.
More likely, we’d be burned alive in the great bonfire Deb had boasted about. A spectacle blatant enough to strike fear in the hearts of every creature present, and one that would squelch any rebellion forming in Jazmine’s ranks.
After returning the grate to the duct’s entrance, Connie repositioned the dresser to its original place. If something went wrong later, we’d make every effort to meet here and exit together.
After hours of anxious waiting, Dillon entered with two bowls of pasta and two tan uniforms like I’d seen the women upstairs wearing. It seemed Deb had completed the first part of our scheme ¯ getting Jazmine to approve an invite to the bonfire. Being trapped all this time had increased my desire for freedom. I couldn’t wait to breathe in the night air.
What I wanted, far more than fresh air, was to wrap my arms around Zane and forget everything but the warmth of his lips on mine.
Noticing my faraway gaze, Connie snapped her fingers. “Hey, daydream later. We’ve got a prison riot to instigate.” She replaced her jogging suit with the perfectly creased uniform.
“That’s one sexy ensemble,” I joked, attempting to silence the fear gnawing in my gut, making eating impossible.
“The Mistress wouldn’t want her harem looking hotter than she does.” Connie smirked. She looked thoughtful before unbuttoning her shirt enough to reveal an ample eyeful of cleavage.
She’d managed to make herself look sexy in a basic uniform. Dillon would appreciate her efforts even if Jazmine didn’t.
Rather than worrying about my appearance, I took special care to gather the items necessary for cracking the case and proving my innocence. Wrapping Jazmine’s wig snuggly around my right calf, I stretched the sock up to my knee, securing the hairpiece.
The kakis pants were wide-legged, providing enough space for me to move with ease. I adjusted the cell phone in my bra and slid Joshua’s sketches into my back pocket, eager to get on with the big event.
In a few short hours I’d be one of two things: Dead or Alive.
At least we didn’t have to wait long before Dillon reappeared with my least-favorite escort, Mr. Tall and Rude. I trooped after my captors, Connie at my side, providing a hint of security.
The air of anticipation in the compound was palpable. Women dashed from their classrooms intent on reaching the great outdoors. I couldn’t blame them. I felt like running too.
I scanned the hallways. The number of mutant guards had increased. I decided it was time to let Connie in on the full extent of my silent communication capabilities.
Hey, don’t panic and don’t look at me. I’m speaking to you telepathically.
Chloe? Despite my warning she glanced my direction. Thankfully, in the bustle no one seemed to notice.
None other. I don’t have time to explain how I do this.
O-k-a-y, she agreed sounding somewhat reluctant.
Where did all these extra guards come from? This is going to make it difficult for me to do my mating magic.