Page 86 of Hidden Ascent

“What do you mean, she tried to escape? What was Tag doing opening the cell?”

“He didn’t. I did.”

“How’d she hurt Tag if she was locked in there?”

“How should I know? When I came in, I found him like that.”

Simmo looked at Jay. “If she’s dead, will your plan still work?”

“If she’s dead—” Jay clenched his teeth from saying what he wanted to. “Let’s just say she better not be or Sharpe’s not gonna be happy.” He went to check Isla for a pulse. “She’s alive. What’d you do to her?”

“What I needed to.”

“Simmo, I’m gonna get her out of here. You keep the gorilla where I can see him.”

“You sure Mr. Sharpe knows what he’s doing?” Hulk said as Jay carried Isla to the door.

“If you have a problem with me, you can take it up with him.”

Isla moaned as Jay carried her toward the front door, glad he didn’t have to sneak her out.

“What…” She blinked, but her eyes looked at nothing.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you. You’re safe now.”

He carried her around the block to where he’d parked the car.

She moaned again, and this time, when she blinked, she looked at him. “Jay?”

“You were locked up, but I got you out of there. Unfortunately, the big guy got to you before I did. Try not to move. I haven’t checked you over yet, but I’d say you got a nasty bump on the head.”

“Where are we?”

“We’re at the car. I’m gonna put you down for a second, okay?”

He dropped her legs to the ground but continued to take all of her weight as he opened the door. Then, he set her as gently as he could onto the seat.

When he lifted her legs to put them in, she stopped him.

“No.” Her eyes were wide in fear.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Let me go.” She tried to push him away, but she had little strength. “Don’t. Please.”

“Isla, you have to believe me. I’m helping you.”

“No. Leave me alone.” She pushed him in the chest, and he backed off.

“I had to let them think I was on their side. But I wasn’t. I was only trying to protect you.”

He crouched down so he wasn’t towering over her but kept his distance.

“Please. I can explain. But we need to get out of here first. I’ll take you back to Peter’s, then tell you everything. You have to trust me.”

“I don’t.” She kicked her leg, catching him in the chin.

When he fell back, she dove from the car but ended up on her hands and knees.

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