Page 52 of Heart’s Prisoner

Nicole had Lana slide over so that she could sit next to her. "Lana, I'm sorry to hear what happened with Xerus. Some things came up and I couldn't get away. But I wanted to help you."

"Did these things have to do with your uncle?" Lana dare asked.

Nicole's lips tightened.

"You can't tell me."

"It's confidential, Lana, I'm sorry–"

Lana leaped from the bed. "Stop saying you're sorry."

"But I am. Trust me, Lana, if I could tell you everything I would. But this is military protocol. And what's going on right now with my uncle is complicated."

"He has been failing at his job, is what it is. And don't speak to me of military protocol. Everything here has been against protocol. Torrence has taken over level twelve per your uncle's orders which is insane, you know?" Lana waved her hand. "You told me not to worry before but something is honestly wrong with Cole and I know it."

Nicole shook her head. "Lana, I think... I think it's best if you leave Lazris as soon as possible."

"Is that your professional opinion or are you asking me as a friend?"

Nicole looked up at her and Lana could see she was gravely serious. "Both."

Lana turned away and rubbed her eyes. "Everyone keeps telling me to go. But something isn't right. And I fear Asset X..." Lana laughed. "I just fear him now. But I feel like I can't leave. Not yet." she opened her eyes and looked back at Nicole. "I think he is going to escape somehow."

Nicole shook her head, her face paling. "That's not possible."

"I know and I don't know how but... something is missing in all this. He said he let himself come here, Nicole. Why would he do that?"

Nicole's face went from pale to ashen. "You think because of his mission?"

"It must be."

"But he is set to be terminated in a few days," Nicole said. "And if he claims he can escape why hasn't he tried before?"

Lana crossed her arms, her throat tightening. "I don't know. But he said he was biding his time. Something must have finally triggered him."

Nicole hid her eyes from Lana as she rose from the bed. "I am glad you are okay. I'm afraid I can't stay." Nicole went to the door and paused. "If I could change what happened I would," she said softly. She glanced back at Lana. "Be safe, Lana."

When Lana was alone again, she slumped back down on the bed.

She should go. What did it matter if she didn't find out what Xerus' mission was really about? Or what was wrong with Cole. Or what secrets were being kept. Her main reason for coming to Lazris had failed. Xerus was beyond her help now. And that hurt more than anything.

When she was finally able to get a nurse, she asked to be let go from the medical bay. Thankfully, Nicole had given them orders to let her leave when she was ready. Lana picked up her phone and followed the nurse out of the room and out of the facility, where she left her at the elevators.

As Lana made her way back down to her room, she couldn't help thinking about Xerus again. Despite everything he had said to her, she still hated the fact that, assuming he really couldn't get out, he was going to be tortured and killed. For a second she had the insane idea to ask for a private meeting with the generals to try to convince them to keep him alive a little longer, albeit inside a more secure holding, when the elevator doors opened and her phone went off.

Thinking it must be Jacob, she picked up immediately. "Jacob I–"

"Lana, it's Dahlia."

Lana paused then stepped out of the elevators towards her room. "Hi, Dahlia, is everything okay?"

There was a long pause then, "I thought it best to tell you right away before you found out some other way. I didn't expect Officer Torrence to tell you or Dr. Kingsley for that matter..."

Lana stopped at her door, fumbling for her key card. "What is it?"

"He's dead."

Lana froze. "I-I'm sorry."

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