by J.J. Bonds
Chapter Twenty-Two
“So, how do we play this?” I might be willing to stay and help, but this is Nik’s show. This is his area of expertise, not mine.
“First we have to figure out how we’re going to get past the Pazitor.”
“I’ll take care of that,” Anya volunteers. “I should be able to get them away from the main gate for a couple of minutes, but you’ll have to hurry.”
“What are you going to do?” I ask. It’s probably the last thing I should be worrying about, but I don’t want her to get into trouble.
“Distract them. What else?” She pauses. “I’ll think of something. Maybe tell them I saw some students sneaking off campus. Don’t worry about me, Katia. I’m not going to be the one in danger.”
“She’s right,” Nik affirms. “We’re going to need weapons if we’re going after Damian. He’s the primary target, but Luka may be nearby. He probably will be. He wouldn’t leave his newest protégé to fend entirely for himself. We have to be prepared.”
“Are you two serious?” Blaine asks. “You’re just going to go out there and hunt him like an animal?”
“What choice do we have?” I ask. “He’ll kill again, probably tonight, if we don’t find him.”
“And it’s not going to be just the two of us,” Nik interjects. “It’s going to be the three of us. You’re coming too.”
“No way! I don’t want any part of this,” he cries, waving his hands in protest.
“Too late. You’ve been part of this since you brought Luka here. You’re as responsible for this bloodbath as anyone. And frankly, you can’t be trusted to stay here alone. You owe Katia a debt, and you are going to help us.”
It’s not a question. Nik won’t be taking no for an answer. Not that Blaine has the guts to challenge him anyway. Whether he likes it or not, Blaine is coming along for the ride.
Nik turns to me. “I’ve got the key to the armory. Blaine and I will get the weapons. You and Anya stay here. We’ll meet you at the gate in ten minutes. Be ready.”
I nod in agreement. “Here. Take this,” I tell him dumping the contents of my duffel on the floor of the car. “You won’t get far if they see you taking off with half the schools’ weaponry.” I hand him the bag.
“Good luck,” he tells Anya. I feel a tightening in my chest when he hugs her. I hope it won’t be their last. As he turns to leave, Nik gives us one final reminder: “Ten minutes.”