Approaching Storm (Alternate Worlds Book 2)

by Taylor Leigh

  ‘Right,’ he said, once she’d pulled free. He cleared his throat. ‘So, what’s the plan?’

  Darius killed the engine of the delivery lorry he’d hotwired. They sat still in the darkness for several long minutes, simply watching the Myrmidon headquarters. There wasn’t much happening that Sam could see. All looked quiet, still, abandoned.

  ‘Well, that’s it, then,’ Darius said, stating the obvious.

  An uncomfortable throbbing had begun in Sam’s head and she was finding it hard to concentrate. She didn’t know if it was simply a stress headache coming on or something worse happening to Tollin. Neither idea was very pleasant and Sam had to tell herself it wasn’t something she needed to worry about at the moment. Right now she needed to concentrate on actually getting inside.

  Sam pulled her rucksack up from between her feet and unzipped it. Sam fished out her handheld and turned it on.

  ‘Okay,’ she said, while waiting for the screen to power up. ‘Now, just up that road there, on the left, that’s where the generator is.’

  Darius glanced over at her. ‘You mean the massive bomb.’

  Sam gnawed on her bottom lip. ‘Yeah. Now, Marus told me that the thing probably has some safeguards to keep it from blowing if something happens to it. Once we get through the gates, I’ll make a run for the building, you drive up the road to the generator and cause as much external damage as you can. Crash the lorry into it if you have to. I don’t know what that will do, but you have to get their attention. Then get Marus’s bike out of the back and go. I’ll sneak in when everyone’s panicking over what you’ve done.’

  Sam was distantly aware of how detached and calm she sounded. It could have been someone else about to do this. She was just reading instructions off of a sheet of paper. Once she got out of the vehicle, that would all have to change.

  ‘Now, once you’ve got their attention, get out. Ride back through Wounded Horse till you see a big castle sort of place. Go there and tell them you’re with me, ask for Arkron. If Marus answers the door, don’t be intimidated by him. And don’t let them know where I am. Just let them know you’re my boyfriend and that you need a safe place to stay. Tell them I sent you; stall them as long as you can. That’s Marus’s bike, by the way, and he’s kind of attached to it, so, eh, good luck with that.’

  Darius let out a shaky breath. ‘Sam…’

  Sam shook her head. ‘We’ve come this far. We have to go on. They’ll see us soon. Okay,’ Sam rooted around in her rucksack a moment more and pulled out the stun gun.

  ‘Hey, is that a—’

  ‘It’s not lethal.’ Sam shook her head. ‘All right, I’m off. I’ll open the gate. I’ll see you later tonight, yeah?’ She could not help but notice that her voice was beginning to waver.

  Darius nodded, his hands visibly trembling on the wheel. ‘Yeah, right. Sam?’

  She paused, hand on the door latch.

  ‘Be careful, please.’

  She smiled, trying to ignore the fear which was beginning to punch little holes in her resolve. ‘Yeah, you too.’

  Sam swung the door opened and dropped to the ground. Her heart was pounding now. Adrenaline was taking over. And something else as well…excitement? Some small, mad part of her was actually anticipating this. Must be a piece of Tollin, she decided. No sane person would be looking forward to what Sam had before her.

  Sam jogged ahead, aware of Darius edging the lorry to follow and began scanning the surroundings.

  The place looked deserted. No guards walked the pavement and Sam couldn’t see anyone entering or leaving the building. The lights surrounding the building all flickered momentarily, perhaps due to a power surge. She glanced towards the generator. It was glowing hellishly.

  The ground rumbled again.

  Sam bit her lip and approached the electrified fence.

  She could only see one guard in the gatehouse. She slid out Arkron’s card and pressed it to her lips, praying it would still work. She then squared her shoulders and stuffed the rather bulky weapon in the back of her jeans.

  Sam sidled up to the gatehouse and leant in the window. The man—whose nametag read Marcus—looked at her in surprised interest.

  Sam knew she wasn’t good at much, but being flirtatious was one of her gifts. She teasingly bit her bottom lip and looked up at the man as suggestively as possible. Marcus, unable to justify her reason for being there other than divine providence, leaned out of the gatehouse and smirked. ‘What can I do for you, sweetheart?’ His eyes darted a little stupidly to the waiting lorry but he made no move to call it in.

  Sam curled her tongue over her top teeth in thought. ‘Yeah, I need to get inside.’

  The man chuckled. ‘Sorry, love. Not gonna happen.’ He was, apparently, not one of those who’d been important enough to be enlightened of the impending doom of the base.

  She frowned. ‘But I’ve got an appointment! Here’s my card.’ Sam flashed the card to the man.

  Marcus eyed it dubiously. ‘An appointment? Look, I don’t think…’

  Sam crossed her arms across her chest. ‘If you don’t believe me just scan it!’

  The man slowly took the card and turned from her. ‘Right.’ He typed in a few keys. ‘Hey, if you’re not doing anything later—’

  Marcus didn’t get to finish his sentence. Sam pulled out the weapon and shot Marcus straight in the back. It worked disturbingly well. The guard gave a groan and slumped forward over the control panel limply. She glanced over her shoulder. Darius was almost standing in his seat, staring at her in something that looked close to awe, even in the dark shadows.

  Sam checked Marcus’s pulse, which seemed fine, and gently slipped the keycard out of his hand and scanned it in. The gates, much to her relief, gave a gentle chime and slid open. Sam grinned. So far, so good.

  She turned around and waved for Darius to pull through.

  At the second gate, no-one was posted. Once inside, Sam waved once more to Darius and watched him pull up the road, gunning the engines towards the generator. Sam sent up a prayer to whatever deity there might be to keep him safe.

  As Sam moved her own way across the compound towards the loading bay she was aware of how desolate things were. Just how many had fled? Perhaps Roth was the only one left—besides poor Marcus. She felt a slight pang of guilt once again. What if sending Darius off on his mission was a dangerous waste? What if he was hurt for nothing?

  She shook her head. There was nothing she could do about it now. Sam just had to trust it was the right thing.

  Once across the square she dropped into the shadows up against the building’s concrete wall. Her eyes drifted up the gravel road Darius had taken. She couldn’t see him in the darkness. He’d turned off the lights and everything besides the giant glass dome of the generator was black. The seconds in the dark ticked away in agonising slowness.

  Then, suddenly, there was a shattering explosion. Sam shielded her eyes against the brilliant glare, her skin going electric. She could hardly see, but through the brightness, Sam could just make out a jagged hole in the dome. A loud, ear-splitting siren stared to blare.

  Then there was a roar of an engine and Sam watched as a glowing blue motorbike came tearing back down the road and out of the compound. Shouts erupted from the side entrance and Sam watched as a half-dozen men went racing out, crying in confusion and rage.

  Well, Darius had done his part and gotten out all right. Now it was just up to her.

  She straightened her spine and jogged along the dark wall in determination.

  * * * * *

  Erikson pushed through the small pack of co-workers, not wanting to hear their remarks about the Traveller or what he was going through. Or what Roth was up to. After the man had hooked the Traveller up to the machine he’d once again retreated into the lab. The noises from within did not sound too pleasant.

  They were a skeleton crew now. They all understood that they were at centre of what would most likely be a fiery disaster. Most had wanted to
leave, but threats from Roth on their families kept some dutifully at their posts. At least it had finally allowed Erikson a chance to make good on his promise to free the Traveller.

  He strode into the control room; stomach twisting as he thought about what was happening to him at that moment. Every once and a while he could hear the man let out a cry of agony. It was a medical miracle he was still alive.

  He nodded to the guard, trying to look casual. ‘Why don’t you take your break early? I’ll cover for you.’

  The lights flickered overhead. With almost all of the power being devoted to the chair, things inside the base were getting a bit unreliable.

  The man on duty turned to him, relieved. By the look on his face it was a very trying, unnerving evening. His nerves were stretched thin. ‘Thanks, mate. Try reaching Marcus, if you could. He’s ignoring all calls. Can only guess what he’s up to.’

  Erikson smiled widely. ‘Will do!’

  He watched the man leave the room then went back to the cameras, eyes scanning them quickly. Two guards stood in the room, watching emotionlessly as the Traveller’s body jerked in the chair. Everyone was unemotional, tonight. Had to be.

  His mind whirled. If he was going to do anything, he had to do it now. He glanced up for a quick scan at the man’s condition. From the looks of him, Erikson doubted he could manage to walk to the door.

  He frowned and placed his face in his palms. How could he possibly clear the room of Roth’s lackeys? He had nothing to use...

  He glanced back up at the cameras and noticed something odd. He could have sworn he’d seen a figure dart from one shadow to another. Just when Erikson was beginning to doubt himself he saw it again. Someone was definitely outside, lurking around the loading area. Curiously, Erikson zoomed the camera in. To his surprise, he recognised the blonde immediately. It was Samantha Turner!

  A massive explosion rocked the room and the lights went out, along with the cameras. Confusion erupted. Erikson stood quickly and stumbled his way to the door. That couldn’t possibly be the explosion the Traveller had referred to. Something else had gone wrong.

  The guards from the chair room broke through the entrance, torches in hand. ‘W—what the hell was that?’ one asked, eyes wide.

  A loud, deafening siren began to blare. Red emergency lights flashed on.

  ‘What are you still doing here?’ Erikson snapped, suddenly understanding. ‘Something’s wrong with the generator! Get up there now before we’re all killed!’

  The guards sprang down the hall, vaguely muttering protests about their jobs.

  Power was out, security was down. Now all Erikson needed was a way to get the Traveller free of the chair without Roth finding out. He just prayed Sam could handle things on her own.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Sam jumped back in surprise as several guards charged past, crying about dying in a horrible explosion and it not being in their pay. The red glare of the alarm systems boxing in the doorways had flickered out, too.

  Sam stood still in the complete darkness, heart pounding. She watched the doors open and several more guards came charging out towards the generator, which was smoking impressively.

  Sam kept back in the shadows and pushed gently against the loading bay doors. No alarm sounded. With a grin, Sam shoved them open and slipped inside. She was finally in the headquarters.

  After some debate—and pain after stumbling into the first crate—Sam decided using a torch was worth the risk. She went jogging down the rows.

  Sam reached the lift and paused. The power was out. No way down. Sam cast about. Everyone had to have gotten up somehow…She pulled out her handheld and studied the plans. There should be a flight of stairs directly to her right. Her eyes spotted an open door yawning into blackness and Sam struck out towards it.

  Bingo.

  As quickly as possible, she dashed down the steps, memorising her route to the chair room on her way.

  The stairs ended at a door which Sam eased open as quietly as possible. A dark hallway stretched on in both directions, flashing red with warning. Sam shone her torch left and right; no trouble she could see. The directions said left and Sam made ready to run for it when a figure stepped out of the shadows. Sam almost shot him.

  ‘Don’t shoot!’

  Sam stopped warily and watched as Erikson walked into the light. She bristled indignantly. ‘Don’t shoot? You’re the one responsible for this!’

  Sam was taken aback by how much hostility her voice carried. She hadn’t realised how much anger she had in her. Now as she saw him, it flared up to an almost choking rage.

  Erikson nodded. ‘I know, and I’m sorry, but I’m here to help you! The power is down but I don’t know how long that will last. Roth has strapped the Traveller to that chair of his and I don’t think he’ll survive much longer. The power loss should have shut it down but we don’t have much time.’

  Sam narrowed her eyes. It was too much to swallow. ‘How can I trust you?’

  Erikson shook his head. ‘I know you can’t, but if you don’t then you’ll be stumbling around down here on your own. I can take you straight to him, but we have to hurry!’

  Sam shut her eyes briefly. Erikson might be her only hope. Tollin believed in trusting people. That was how he got out of situations. Perhaps she was meant to run into him.

  ‘Fine,’ Sam said, pushing her hair behind her ear. ‘Let’s go.’

  As Sam jogged behind Erikson she kept her finger close to the trigger. If she was led into a trap, would she be able to fight her way out? She wasn’t so sure.

  Erikson slowed down as they neared a corner. He waved Sam back and she pressed up against the metal wall.

  From around the corner there came a horrible, inhuman roar of agony.

  It wasn’t Tollin.

  Sam and Erikson locked eyes at the sound of a door being thrown wide. A monstrous voice bellowed, ‘You, stay with him! Don’t let him leave or talk you into letting him free! He has the persuasive power of a dragon! Now leave me be, I must—I must—’ The man’s voice broke into a horrible, wracking fit of coughing and the door once again slammed shut. Sam felt ill.

  They stood still for a long moment; Sam tried to still the pounding of her heart. Never in her life had she been terrified by a simple voice! What would it be like being in the same room with that speaker?

  Erikson swallowed. ‘That’s Roth! He’s locked himself back in the lab.’

  Sam took a deep breath. ‘Great. Show me where Tollin is.’

  Erikson glanced at her. ‘Is that his name? Huh. I like it. Suits him. Come on.’

  They rounded the corner and Erikson waved her inside to the computer room. He pulled a gun out from a holster on his hip. ‘I assume you know the way from here. Go; there should just be one guard. I’ll keep watch here!’

  Sam gave him a grateful nod and raced past the rows of sparking computers to the glass wall.

  The room beyond was dark, but Sam could see by the red glow of the stone in the chair. The rock in the ring was shining brightly, too. It was almost pretty.

  The guard inside was busy talking to Tollin. He was drawling nonchalantly, something about dissecting him.

  She felt her heart leap. Tollin was still alive.

  She edged towards the open door, heart thudding so hard in her chest it was near painful. She stepped through quietly, unheeded by the man, who was still ranting. Tollin’s eyebrows shot up when he at last saw her but he couldn’t speak—his mouth was taped shut. Sam noticed sickly that he had dried blood crusted beneath his nose. Sam bit her lip and aimed the gun at the back of the man’s head. She pulled the trigger. With a grunt he slumped to the floor. Tollin’s eyes went wide with horror.

  She crossed the room to him. ‘Relax, it’s just a stun gun.’ She dashed to the chair controls and pulled the lever he glanced to, which released him. Luckily, the chair must have had some internal power because the straps retracted.

  Once Tollin’s hands were free he yanked the gag from h
is mouth. ‘Samantha!’ he cried in a loud whisper. ‘What are you doing here?’

  Sam fought down a smile. ‘What’s it look like I’m doing? I’m rescuing you!’

  Tollin hopped up out of the chair and enveloped Sam in a hug before she could catch her breath. Never in her life had she appreciated a hug as much as at that moment. She rested her cheek against his chest. She could feel his heart, she could smell him. All of it was so familiar, so achingly good, Sam didn’t want the embrace to end. She felt whole.

  ‘Samantha Turner,’ he whispered quietly into her hair. ‘When will I ever stop being surprised by you?’

  ‘Hopefully never.’ Sam grinned, blinking back tears.

  There was a quiet ehem and Erikson stuck his head inside. ‘Hate to break up this happy reunion, but we’ve got to move. Those guards have probably figured out someone got inside and we can’t be around when they get back!’

  Their embrace broke, much too soon for Sam’s liking.

  Tollin grabbed Sam’s hand, and the world felt right again. ‘Right! Come on, you lot! Time to go!’

  * * * * *

  Tollin was free. And he was exhilarated.

  When he’d first seen Samantha Turner on the other side of the glass, he’d thought that perhaps he’d gone mad. But his mental connection had told him differently. She was there, humming with excitement; close, real.

  And now they were running and her hand was clasped in his and it was flesh and blood, warm and alive. He couldn’t be happier.

  But they were in trouble, and if he didn’t get his mind back to the dangers at hand, their situation wasn’t going to change much.

  They dashed from the room only to run straight into three guards. The men froze; eyes wide. One of them was unfortunate enough to receive a full-face blast from Sam’s stun gun. The other two jumped backwards, pulling their firearms free. Tollin yanked Sam around the corner just as they broke into fire. Erikson shot one man in the knee and then dove after Tollin.