Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
I freeze. “Am I under arrest?”
“Yes, ma’am, you are,” he confirms. They advance on me and confiscate my purse, probably expecting my phone to be inside.
My phone could be used against me, so I dump it under my desk and push to my feet. “On whose orders?”
“General Lawrence, ma’am,” the lead officer states.
“My father? Really?” I’m shaking. “On what charge?”
“Conspiracy against the United States of America.”
“That’s ridiculous.” He reaches for my arm, and I yank out of reach. “I will walk of my own free will.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I draw in a deep breath and straighten my spine with a regal snap as I compose myself. He won’t hurt me. I am not in danger. He’s teaching me a lesson, that is all. If I go to jail, I’ll hire an attorney and fight. And I’m wired. Creed hooked me up before we ever left Sunrise City. If he can’t hear what’s happening via my phone, he can hear through the wire.
I’m led down the hallway to the elevator, but the two officers do not get on. Instead, they punch a code on the door, step out of the way, and the doors close on me, essentially trapping me inside.
The car begins to descend well below the basement level, to what must be an underground facility I didn’t know existed.
Suddenly, a smoky substance floats into the car from the ceiling. Oh, my God. What is this? I cover my mouth and try to block out the fumes, but the effect is almost instantaneous. My head is light, and I feel as if I’m floating; confusion overtaking me. A moment later, my legs buckle.
Chapter Fifty-One
Addie
I blink awake with no concept of time, my chin tucked to my chest, neck aching. Presence of mind hits me in a jolt, and I jerk my head up and yank at my arms, only to find I’m sitting in a chair with my wrists tied together behind me.
My father stands in front of me. To his right stands a dark-haired woman I do not know. To his left is Dr. Chin, who I know well from my previous time in Groom Lake. Behind them is a giant cage. I have a horrible feeling I do not want to know what that cage was for.
As I gain more of my bearings, I notice my jacket is gone and my shirt disheveled. I can no longer feel the wire taped between my breasts. I’m on my own with a man I barely recognize as my own father.
A man I swore would not hurt me.
I think I might have been wrong.
“Hi, angel,” my father says, his words jerking my gaze back to him. “How’s that migraine?”
“Why are you doing this?” I hiss, hardly able to believe this is happening, but I have the presence of mind to scan for a door—one to the far left—and a phone—none to be found. My purse is sitting on the lab table, not far away, and it’s open.
“I, my dearest, am trying to secure our great nation,” he says dryly. “It saddens me in ways you cannot comprehend that you, my little girl, have chosen to aid our enemies.”
“You mean the Renegades?” I ask. “Since when are they our enemies?” I don’t give him time to answer. “Is it true, Father? Are you planning to use Red Dart against them, too? The men who’ve been risking their lives to protect us from Julian?”
“They’re all GTECHs, Addie,” he declares. “All lethal to humanity. I’m doing what you wanted me to do. I’m fixing what I created. I’m limiting our damage.”
“My God,” I pant out. “Do you not see how you’re creating another nightmare? Julian has men inside the government. If he can’t get to Red Dart before you unveil it, they will take it when you do. You’re handing him the ability to destroy the Renegades, and they’re all that stands between us and the Zodius.”
“Julian will get nothing from me, Addie,” he growls, showing a rare moment of anger, his face reddening. “When have I ever been foolish enough to show my hand?” He glares at me, his face distorted, before he straightens. “Where is your phone?”
“It was in my purse,” I say, lying of course, and no, I should not taunt the bear, but I’m hurt and angry and can’t help myself. “One of your men must have taken it. You have no loyalty around you. And that makes me sad. A great leader earns loyalty.”
“Where is your phone, Addie?” he snaps.
I know what he wants: a way to contact Creed. “In my purse,” I snipe back, my gaze slicing to the woman who’s remained silent to this point, her dark hair and facial structure reminding me of Creed. “I know who you are. Jocelyn Taylor. I know you’re his mother.” The woman’s lips thin while her eyes flicker with a mixture of guilt and anger. I’m disgusted by her and hurt for Creed. Pained for him. “How could you betray Creed like this?”