Page 73 of Freedom Mine
When they landed in front of Kayo’s house. Runner trotted over from the longhouse. “Welcome back, Blue,” he said. “Where’s Tieg?”
“Not returning here,” Kayo said, his expression black.
Runner looked puzzled, but let it drop. “Want me to let the others know you found her? Orsac, Becks, and Diggs left toward Freedom after checking in. I can reach them and cut over toward where Bawson and Ranth are searching. Not sure which way Jace and Pabi went.”
Kayo nodded. Runner took off as fast as she’d ever seen him. Kayo exited the landglider, leaned against the outer hull and slumped to the ground. She raced out, as much as she could with the chain and plank dragging behind her.
“Where are you hurt?” she asked as she knelt beside him.
“I’m fine,” he said, though he was breathing heavily.
“What’s wrong?”
“Not sure,” he said.
She sat beside him and leaned her head against his shoulder. He cupped the side of her head. “Did anyone touch you?” he asked, his voice low.
“No.”
He released a breath. “I’m guessing Tieg was the one who took you. How?”
“I went down to the kitchen for a drink of water. A man grabbed me from behind and then I smelled something like alcohol. For a second, I thought it was you, Kayo, and then I guess I blacked out. I’m not sure what happened after that, except that I woke up at Garitt’s place.”
Liet stood above them, holding a chain cutter. “Brought you a present.” With two clean cuts, the chain and plank fell away.
“I love you, Liet,” she said, as the blood rushed to her numb foot. It felt so good to be rid of the chain and clamp. Liet scooped up the chain and left. She rubbed her ankle, then took a few steps, testing her foot.
Kayo started walking away.
“Kayo?”
“I’m glad you’re back, Alli. Go see Ranth. He can help clean your cuts and wrap your ankle.”
The look on his face was distant, cold even. He gave her a slight nod as if she was one of the men, and then he limped up to the house without another word.
