Page 6 of Jude

“That sounds like a sweet setup.”

Octavia thought she heard a hint of surprise in Jude’s voice. As a former government agent, she’d worked deep undercover for years breaking through terrorist gangs’ communications. She knew everything there was to know when it came to masking a signal to throw off someone chasing her.

“We need to get out of here fast,” said Solomon.

Octavia struggled to hear his muffled voice. “The quickest route is to take the west passage. It looks like an emergency exit. It will take you to a side alley.”

“Octavia’s right,” said Jude. “There are no signs of State patrols in that area, so you won’t be spotted. Go around the side of the building. You’ll be within five-hundred yards of your vehicle.”

The group had traveled to Alpha zone seven in a modified Foxhound. It was a lightweight, armored vehicle that came with the latest Invis Tech to ensure they could move around undetected. They still traveled by night, though, using the shadows as their friends.

“Shit! This is bad,” said Cliff. “Tobias is bleeding out. We’ve only got basic patch-up stuff with us.”

“Where the fuck’s your first aid kit?” said Jude.

“In the fucking Foxhound, like it always is,” snapped Cliff.

“I can guide you out.” Octavia sensed the tension in Jude’s words. “Just listen to my voice. I’ll get you all out.”

“We always do,” said Solomon. “You get us the hell out of here, beautiful, and I’m taking you out as a thank you.”

Octavia laughed. “You might like to meet me first. I’m not to everyone’s taste.” Her fingers traced the ridges of a scar on her right cheek. She’d grown her blonde hair deliberately long to use it as a shield. It helped prevent people from staring.

“You could look like Emperor Endrir. I’d still take you out,” said Solomon.

“More moving, less talking.” Jude’s tone was cold. “Get my brother the hell out of there.”

“We’re on it,” said Cliff. “Octavia, show us the way home.”

“Jude. Send me the building schematics,” said Octavia.

“It’s on its way.”

She opened the blueprint and double-checked her data. “Take the left tunnel nearest to you. Follow it for twenty yards and then take a sharp right.”

Octavia watched as the group moved, their little red dots bouncing on the screen.

“Is there any sign of the last two Dinnorms?” asked Cliff.

Octavia’s gaze flicked to two red dots. “You’re good, for now. Why do you keep calling them Dinnorms?”

“You don’t know?” asked Abbie.

“Know what?”

“Leave that for another time,” said Jude sharply. “Focus on getting out. Explanations later.”

Octavia sucked in a breath, his harsh tone unusual. “Of course. Carry on down that passage for another fifty yards. You’ll feel it slope upwards.”

“We do,” said Cliff.

“You’ll find a door in front of you,” said Octavia. “You need to get through that to get outside.”

“Freaking hell.” Solomon cursed some more. “It’s not just a door. It’s a damned iron gate.”

“Use your pulse laser,” said Jude.

“The lasers won’t cut it,” said Abbie. “We don’t have enough time.”