“Walk in front of me with your hands in the air,” Payne told them.
“This guard has an ax to grind with me, so don’t hold back.”
Payne chuckled. “I didn’t intend to.” Even his voice had transformed. Gone was the unusual accent and the deep rumbling tone. He tucked Kyle’s pistol into the back of his pants then repositioned his rifle.
They stepped out of the trees and headed across the grassy clearing, making a beeline for the nearest exterior door. It was safe to presume someone was watching, so Payne fell into character. “Not too close and keep those hands up!” He poked Kyle in the back with the barrel of his rifle. “I can’t believe you had the balls to come back. I’d be impressed if it wasn’t so stupid.”
There was no keypad or scanner to trigger the door so Payne told Ava to try the handle. It was securely locked. Should we try a different door?
Camera at ten o’clock. Give it another second. Kyle projected the thought without shielding it, so Payne could hear him as well.
Payne looked into the camera and called out, “Open up. I’ve got a present for Osric.”
Ava heard the subtle pop as the lock released, but Kyle stopped her before she could try the handle again. Don’t seem too eager to get inside.
“Open it, bitch!” Payne nudged her with the rifle, the contact far more careful than it had been with Kyle.
“Wrong shifter, asshole,” she returned, and he kicked her in the butt, propelling her toward the door. The handle rotated and she slowly pulled the door open.
Kyle stepped through first, but the caution seemed unnecessary as the hallway was empty.
Someone was monitoring that camera. There’s likely a guard headed our way.
It felt odd to have anyone other than Kyle in her mind, but she heeded Payne’s warning. They proceeded cautiously, Kyle moving beside her as they turned a corner and entered a wider corridor. There was nothing unique or menacing about the building. They passed an office on the right and approached what appeared to be a lab on the left. The bottom portion of the wall was obscured while the upper half was transparent.
A guard came into view as he rounded a corner. “You’re out of luck, Carvel. Osric left this morning with Barns. I’m not sure who the backers summoned. They both seemed mighty jumpy.”
“Shit. Then who’s on duty.”
Ava couldn’t see Payne’s expression, but he certainly sounded petulant.
“Daniels, of course.” The guard’s impatient sneer made it obvious the real Carvel would have known.
“Then I’ll ask Daniels what I should do with these two. I’m not sticking my neck out again.”
“Whatever you say.” The guard turned around and Kyle lunged for him, trapping his arms against his sides as he wrestled him to the floor. Careful to keep the guard’s hands away from his weapons, Kyle dragged his arms behind his back and pinned him to the floor with his knee.
Payne approached and the guard renewed his struggles. “You fucking pussy! Are you working with them?”
“Close enough.” Payne disarmed the guard while Kyle secured his wrists and ankles. Good thing they had lots of zip ties.
Ava looked around, belatedly checking for cameras. There were so many details, so many things that could go wrong. How did these men keep track of everything?
“Where’s Daniels and are there any other guards in the building?” When the guard didn’t reply, Payne pulled up on his bound wrists, twisting his shoulders. The guard cried out between clenched teeth. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll scan your mind and I’ll make it hurt worse than anything you can imagine.”
The guard stilled, color draining from his face. “You’re one of those freaks, aren’t you?”
“Speak!” Ignoring the question, Payne yanked on the guard’s hands for emphasis.
“Control room.” The guard panted and turned his head, looking away from his tormentor.
“Which is where?” Payne grabbed his wrists but waited for his answer.
“Turn right, second door on the left.” He sounded so dejected, Ava almost felt sorry for him. Then she remembered he was in league with Osric and the spark of pity sputtered out.
Kyle opened an office door and dragged the guard inside. Ava heard the familiar smack of flesh hitting flesh and a muffled groan.
“He was already restrained. Was that necessary?”
“Yes!” The men answered as one.
Trying not to be distracted by their aggression, Ava fell into step beside Kyle. Payne resumed his role as antagonistic guard and they headed for the main corridor. There was a dark-haired woman and two young men in the laboratory. They watched with obvious curiosity as Payne marched his prisoners down the hall, but none seemed interested enough to interfere.