Page 108 of Devious Gambit

“Finish him off,” a Darth Vader ordered.

I felt my body roll over and a fist planted solidly in my stomach, winding me. I coughed and spluttered, finding it hard to catch my breath, my lungs restricted closing down on me. In a way, I was glad I couldn’t see what was coming as it took away the frustration of not being able to strike back.

“Cowards,” I breathed. “Tie me up, so I can’t fight back.”

One Darth Vader laughed and something about the sharp intake of breath and the rhythm of his laughter rang a bell with me.

A solid punch to my head made me see stars. My temple throbbed and my jaw ached. “Fuckers!” I knew another was coming. I could almost hear the guy flex his arm.

Five, four, three, two….

“I love you Rhys.”

The world went black.

FORTY SIX

Rhys

Two hours and twelve minutes past and I was completely beside myself.

“Do you want me to go out and find him?” Tris asked over the phone.

“No. I mean, I don’t know. He would’ve moved on from the meeting place, I’m sure.”

“Me and Lise can take a look around University Square, if you want.”

I heard heavy footsteps climb up my wooden steps. “Wait! I think he’s here.” I waited for Jace’s typical knock beat upon my door. Instead, my door received a solid urgent rapping. “Hold on the line, Tris.”

I had the chain on my door and opened it a crack. Looking back at me was not the face I was hoping for. “Yes?”

He took a deep breath before saying, “You need to come with me. Jace has been beaten up real bad.”

“Who is it?” Tris asked on the phone.

“Cody,” I told my cousin and addressed the big jock peering at me through the narrow gap. “I thought you were with him.”

“I was, but I got…” he trailed off. “Jace’s in the intensive care ward in and out of consciousness. He’s asking for you.”

“Tris, did you hear that? I need to get to the hospital.”

“I’ll take you,” Cody offered. “I’m going back there anyway.”

I stumbled, unsure if I could trust the guy.

“I’m not going to touch you,” Cody promised. “I’m just doing what my best mate wants. If you want to go with someone else, that’s fine.”

“No. Okay, let me get my coat.”

“Rhys,” Tris called scornfully down the line, “we’ll come and get you.”

“Um, no. I need to ask this guy some questions anyway,” I explained to Tris.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

When I unhooked the chain and opened it wider, I caught a dark shadow over his left eye and his jacket bore red/brown streaks. “Did you get in a fight?” I asked him.

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