Page 69 of Grizzly Sleuth
“There is now that I have a hostage. Pretty sure your friends want you alive.”
“Meh, I wouldn’t be so sure. If given the choice between my life and yours, I’d forgive them for making the world a better place.”
A claim that only served to make the beading on Levy’s balding head worse. “Killing me would be a mistake. I’m on the brink of revolutionizing the world.”
“The world doesn’t need what you have to offer,” Idris’s harsh reply.
“Doesn’t it, though? Imagine the potential.”
“Ah yes, your plan for super soldiers. Not interested.” Idris crossed his arms.
“You fool! I’m talking about the fact the protocol allows people to heal. Injury, illness. Don’t you see the good it could do?”
Svetlana wondered if that argument would sway because she could see the allure, but Idris shook his head.
“What of the bad? Or are we gonna ignore the fact the protocol still fails in some? And let’s be honest, not everyone should unlock their beast side. The world is already a violent place. Can you imagine a cartel or infidel army of shifters? It would be almost invincible.” Idris had apparently put some thought into it.
“Bah, I should know better than to think a simple fool like you would understand,” Levy spat.
“I understand that, for some people, death isn’t enough. Lucky for you, yours will be delayed until we can be sure your research dies here with you.”
Levy recoiled. “I won’t tell you anything.”
“A few hours with Takhi and you’ll spill your guts.”
“Spill what? I have nothing to hide. My research is all here.” Levy patted the satchel.
“Bullshit. Only an idiot wouldn’t be backing up their notes onto some kind of cloud.”
“A cloud can be hacked,” Levy countered.
The men argued, delaying their escape.
Delayed.
Svetlana glanced out the window, the night sky cloudy, making visibility poor. She found herself wondering, how had the doctor planned to flee? Drive or…
In her sudden panic, and without conscious thought, she switched shapes and blurted out, “Idris, the helicopter, it’s missing.”
“I’m sure Takhi and the others will be back for us.” He misunderstood.
“I mean the one that brought you.” She stared at Levy. “Where is the chopper you were using?”
“Getting supplies.” Quickly spoken, and the doctor’s eyes shifted left.
“He’s lying,” she spat.
Idris lunged so fast Levy couldn’t react. Her big man knocked the gun aside and grabbed the doctor by the throat, lifting Levy high enough his feet dangled and his eyes bulged.
“When’s the chopper coming back?” Idris growled.
“Uh…”
Idris shook and then slammed Levy against the wall until he whimpered.
“It will be here soon with more soldiers. And guns. Enough to blow yours out of the sky,” Levy huffed.
Idris glanced at Svetlana. “We need to tell the others and get out of here.”
